Life in Abu Dhabi: How this German expat found success and home

For Sabrina Spillner, home is not confined to a single address or favorite location in Abu Dhabi. Instead, it encompasses a variety of experiences, from walks along Saadiyat Beach to runs on the Corniche, and visits to Hudayriyat Island. This German expat, who moved to the UAE in 2018, has found her life in Abu Dhabi to extend beyond her career. "Abu Dhabi became much more than a place where I was building my career. It became home," she stated to Gulf News.

Spillner, a German-born executive specializing in learning and transformation, has established FemeX, a community for women focused on leadership, innovation, and personal growth. The community aims to inspire women around various aspects of their lives, including health and relationships. She attributes her attraction to Abu Dhabi to its ambition and openness to international talent. Spillner finds the city to be a blend of stability and possibility, offering a strong sense of potential.

Her understanding of success has evolved, incorporating family, health, culture, and community alongside professional achievement. She believes that a high-quality life does not necessarily require constant spending. Instead, she emphasizes finding a balance through activities like walking on Saadiyat Beach, exploring cultural events, and engaging with the community.

Spillner highlights the "15-minute-city ecosystem" on Saadiyat Island, which allows easy access to various amenities and reduces the need for expensive outings.

Spillner stresses the importance of financial wellbeing, urging families to prioritize housing, education, healthcare, and savings while making use of the available public and community spaces. For her, it is about creating choices and freedom rather than merely spending more.

As a mother of two, Spillner values the multicultural environment in Abu Dhabi. She emphasizes that her children's exposure to different cultures and traditions is equally significant as the city's safety and stability. Her children have experienced various cultural events and visited cultural institutions like the Louvre Abu Dhabi, further enriching their understanding of the world.

Ultimately, Spillner finds it challenging to single out one favorite place in Abu Dhabi. Instead, she cherishes the many memories she has created across the city, from Saadiyat Island to the desert. Her experiences, whether walking with her children on Saadiyat Beach or participating in the Women’s Heritage Walk across the desert, have broadened her perspective on the UAE's landscape and heritage.