Dubai: Popular Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa is a through-and-through Bangalorean. Born and raised in the capital of Karnataka, which once prided itself as being the Garden City of India, the Josephite never imagined he would ever leave the comfort of his hometown. But put it down to “happenstance”, and the 37-year-old batsman has now moved lock, stock and barrel to Dubai.
Speaking to Gulf News in an exclusive interview, Uthappa said, “We were quite familiar with Dubai as we had been visiting often over the years. We came here during the 2022 Christmas vacation too, and rang in the New Year. Shheethal had just delivered our daughter after a difficult pregnancy. She was still going through a bad patch and we thought the trip would do her good.”
Little did he know, however, that he would be shifting base permanently in the next couple months. Before he knew it, Uthappa secured a Golden Visa for himself and by March this year, he had moved into a five-bedroom villa in the Arabian Ranches along with his family.
He said there were many factors that stacked up in favour of his Dubai residency.
To begin with, Uthappa is convinced that Dubai is the ideal place for his children – son, 6 and daughter, 15 months - to grow up in.
“The city has superb infrastructure and some of the best schools in the world. It has got a great vibe and is a very safe and secure place,” he said.
“Besides world-class education, there’s so much to do and explore here. Our son loves it and gets time for parkour, tennis, basketball and other activities now,” said Shheethal.
Of course, Uthappa also freely pursues his cricketing interests, with the safety of his family a given. Although retired from mainstream cricket in India, he continues to play the sport for different international leagues and tournaments, including the Legends League, ILT20 and T10, he added.
Robin Uthappa ropes in an organiser to do up his home
Tiding over personal challenges
Above all these considerations, the couple said being in Dubai helped them cope with some of their most difficult times in their personal lives.
As someone who battled depression himself between 2011 and 2016, a candid Uthappa let on that his wife was going through post-partum depression when they moved. Though the symptoms were present well before they shifted, it was only after they came to Dubai that they discovered the seriousness of the problem.
“Our dog Caleb, a black Labrador, passed away after he was flown down, despite the excellent vet care he received. This only made matters worse for Shheethal’s mental state. I have been through depression myself and know what it entails. So I convinced her to seek professional help, which she thankfully did,” said Uthappa.
Shheethal, known for her exuberance and love of life, admits that she was at an all-time low. “I went through a very bad time and all that craziness I felt started making sense. Thanks to being in Dubai, I feel better today - freer, more energetic and productive. It’s almost as if I am reinventing myself.”
With more space and time on her hands, she now plans to pursue her own career as a life coach. “I am a certified NLP practitioner,” said the former national tennis player from India.
The couple said Dubai is a place that has much to offer, with an appeal to everyone, whether one wants a lavish lifestyle or is budget-conscious.
“We just love driving on the roads of Dubai and literally fight with each other to be on the driver’s seat when we are out together,” said Shheethal. “Overall, it’s the facilities and quality of life that make all the difference here.”
“Simply put, our moving to Dubai has been an out-and-out blessing,” added Uthappa.
