Over three decades ago, Dr. Hardika Asser, a Tanzanian-born Emirati, shattered glass ceilings as the first female veterinarian licensed in the UAE, skillfully managing a successful career alongside raising three daughters. Now, at 64, she enjoys a fulfilling retirement, viewing her life as just beginning. On a typical day, she might be found horse riding, practicing yoga, or designing abayas for her daughters or their friends. "I've reached a point where I'm grateful to God for a life filled with contentment. I strive to make each day better than the last," she reflects. Even though she's been retired for a decade, she continues to pursue personal growth, lifelong learning, and inspiring others.
At 60, she took up horse riding, and today, at 64, she's in the best shape of her life, having shed over 20 kilograms through dedicated yoga practice and healthy living. Growing up in a tight-knit family in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Dr. Hardika's childhood was enriched by various pets, including her favorite, a rescued monkey named Gonchu. In 1977, she moved to the UAE with her parents and later pursued veterinary medicine at Kerala Veterinary College in India. Upon returning in 1985, she worked at the Medical Veterinary Centre in Ras Al Khaimah, eventually obtaining her license in 1991, a rarity for women at the time.
Undeterred by the lack of premises, she started as a mobile vet, eventually establishing the Ajman Pet Resort in 1998, which included a clinic, grooming parlor, and kennel services. Later, she moved her practice to Al Zubair, Sharjah, naming it Al Zubair Animal Care. Her passion for learning led her to specialize in veterinary ophthalmology, treating cataracts in animals. Dr. Hardika married an Emirati in 1994 and raised three daughters while running her practice, encouraging them to make their own decisions.
Her daughters have pursued diverse careers: a senior air traffic controller, a registered nurse and assistant professor, and a financial crime fighter. Dr. Hardika is a polyglot, fluent in 12 languages, and is currently learning American Sign Language. Health and well-being are priorities, influenced by her gestational diabetes diagnosis. She practices yoga, meditation, and cardio daily and is an avid gardener, transforming her apartment into a lush indoor oasis.
Her fashion sense extends to designing abayas, and she overcame a childhood fear of horse riding post-retirement. Dr. Hardika credits the UAE for her personal and professional growth and advises young women to focus on achievable goals, prioritize health, and maintain sincerity in their efforts.
