Table for 10: what it was like to lunch with Ivanka Trump

Our readers have their say on meeting Ivanka Trump, Burj Khalifa being lit blue and the dangers of self medicating

U.S. White House senior advisor Ivanka Trump speaks as she meets with a group of women while visiting the Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, February 15, 2020. REUTERS/ChristoShow more

In reference to Taylor Heyman's report Ivanka Trump meets Emirati female entrepreneurs during tour of Abu Dhabi tourist spots (February 15): a group of about 10 of us were invited by the US embassy to the newly-opened restaurant at Louvre Abu Dhabi, Fouquet's. We, the ladies with the US embassy staff, waited for Ivanka Trump at the restaurant. It was nice chatting and getting to know each other. Then I needed to go to the washroom. As I was coming out Ivanka was coming up so we sort of bumped into each other. She stopped and said a quick hello and we even hugged and air-kissed.

I went down to the restaurant where the other women were waiting. Ivanka joined us. She wanted to hear from everyone. Each woman shared her experiences and spoke of the broader landscape of women’s initiatives in the region.

When my turn came, I spoke about my roots – Hadrami Yemeni by origin, Ethiopian by birth, Emirati by family, and American by nationality – and choice and how being from three continents I see myself as someone who should aim to bridge the gaps of understanding and bring people closer.

Speaking of Ethiopia, Ivanka said looking at me, there was a US delegation travelling to Ethiopia soon.

At some point, in response to something Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Co-operation said, Ivanka replied, “Isn’t it good when you are underestimated?” And we all laughed. I realised then that I had underestimated Ivanka – she was attentive, courteous, articulate and fully engaged.

Sana Bagersh, Abu Dhabi

Burj Khalifa turning blue to support Angelman Syndrome is a nice thing

With reference to Nick Webster's article Burj Khalifa lights up blue to put spotlight on rare genetic condition (February 15): this was a good read. It's sad to know that 500,000 people around the globe suffer from this little-known genetic disorder. Dubai's Burj Khalifa turning blue to mark International Angelman syndrome was laudable.

K Ragavan, Bengaluru

Don't do it: people need to know better than self medicate

Regarding Daniel Bardsley's report UAE medics concerned by 'very high' self-prescription of antibiotics (February 10): when supplements came into the market, they were taken for building a healthy body and to improve overall health. But as people have become more aware of these products, they have been consuming them without consulting doctors. This has led to kidney failure, liver damage, strokes and tumours.

Dr Sherly Ganesh, chief dietician, Columbia Asia Hospital Hebbal, Bengaluru