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/Christopher Pike
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

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



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

Fixtures

Friday Leganes v Alaves, 10.15pm; Valencia v Las Palmas, 12.15am

Saturday Celta Vigo v Real Sociedad, 8.15pm; Girona v Atletico Madrid, 10.15pm; Sevilla v Espanyol, 12.15am

Sunday Athletic Bilbao v Getafe, 8.15am; Barcelona v Real Betis, 10.15pm; Deportivo v Real Madrid, 12.15am

Monday Levante v Villarreal, 10.15pm; Malaga v Eibar, midnight

How to protect yourself when air quality drops

Install an air filter in your home.

Close your windows and turn on the AC.

Shower or bath after being outside.

Wear a face mask.

Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.

If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.

Vidaamuyarchi

Director: Magizh Thirumeni

Stars: Ajith Kumar, Arjun Sarja, Trisha Krishnan, Regina Cassandra

Rating: 4/5

 

COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Airev
Started: September 2023
Founder: Muhammad Khalid
Based: Abu Dhabi
Sector: Generative AI
Initial investment: Undisclosed
Investment stage: Series A
Investors: Core42
Current number of staff: 47
 
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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Chip: Apple A17 Pro, 6-core CPU, 5-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine

Storage: 128/256/512GB

Main camera: 12MP wide, f/1.8, digital zoom up to 5x, Smart HDR 4

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Biometrics: Touch ID, Face ID

Colours: Blue, purple, space grey, starlight

In the box: iPad mini, USB-C cable, 20W USB-C power adapter

Price: From Dh2,099

VEZEETA PROFILE

Date started: 2012

Founder: Amir Barsoum

Based: Dubai, UAE

Sector: HealthTech / MedTech

Size: 300 employees

Funding: $22.6 million (as of September 2018)

Investors: Technology Development Fund, Silicon Badia, Beco Capital, Vostok New Ventures, Endeavour Catalyst, Crescent Enterprises’ CE-Ventures, Saudi Technology Ventures and IFC