Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development
January 2016
Facebook Bans Personal Gun Sales
Facebook has announced a ban on personal gun sales on its platform, citing concerns over background checks for buyers. This decision follows a request from…
Commander of the IRGC: The Islamic Republic Has No Security or Defense Concerns Today
The commander of the IRGC claims that Iran currently faces no security threats, emphasizing a shift in focus to cultural concerns, which he argues are…
Attack on a Shia Mosque in Saudi Arabia Leaves Four Dead
A suicide attack on a Shia mosque in eastern Saudi Arabia resulted in four deaths and 18 injuries. The attack highlights ongoing sectarian violence against…
Trump Did Not Attend and Still Won the Game!
Donald Trump did not attend the Republican debate but remained the focal point of media attention and public discourse. His absence sparked criticism from rivals…
UN: Syrian Government Ignored Major Humanitarian Aid Requests
The UN has reported that the Syrian government ignored the majority of humanitarian aid requests in 2015, leaving millions in need. Only a small fraction…
Red Crescent Chief: Tehran is on a 'Time Bomb'
Amir Mohsen Ziaei, head of the Red Crescent Society, warns that Tehran is at risk of a significant earthquake, urging residents to prepare for potential…
Ministry of Culture Official: People Do Not Trust Official Media
An Iranian Ministry of Culture official stated that people do not trust official media, labeling state media as the greatest social harm. He highlighted the…
Israeli Defense Minister: ISIS is Funded by Oil Sales to Turkey
Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon accused Turkey of financing ISIS through oil sales. This accusation could strain the recently improving relations between Turkey and Israel,…
Saeed Abedini: I Was Tortured in Prison
Saeed Abedini, an Iranian-American pastor, claims he was tortured in Evin Prison for refusing to sign false confessions. He was recently released as part of…
Visa Facilitation Agreement Between Iran and Russia to Be Implemented
The Russian Foreign Ministry announced the implementation of a visa facilitation agreement between Iran and Russia starting February 6. This agreement aims to ease travel…
Jaber Ansari: We Will Help Find the Abducted Americans If Relevant Channels Approve
Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson confirmed that Iran could assist in locating three Americans abducted in Iraq if relevant channels approve. U.S. Secretary of State John…
Member of the Budget and Planning Commission: $40 Oil Price in the Budget is Not Logical
Jafar Qaderi, a member of the Iranian parliament's Budget and Planning Commission, stated that the approval of the 1395 budget is unlikely before the upcoming…
Brands and Smuggling: The Cause of the Crisis in Iran's Apparel Industry
Iran's apparel industry is in crisis due to increased smuggling and competition from international brands following the lifting of sanctions. The industry is struggling to…
Snow and Blizzard Disrupt Activities in Washington and New York
Severe snow and blizzards have disrupted activities in Washington and New York, leading to travel bans and power outages. At least 17 fatalities have been…
Joe Biden Criticizes Freedom of Speech Situation in Turkey
Joe Biden criticized Turkey for its poor record on freedom of speech during a visit to Istanbul, highlighting the detention of journalists and academics. He…
80 Percent of Iranians Cannot Afford Private Hospitals
A recent report reveals that over 80% of Iranians cannot afford private healthcare, with only a small percentage able to access it through supplementary insurance.…
Kerry: I Discussed the Fate of Three Americans in Iraq with Zarif
John Kerry discussed the disappearance of three Americans in Iraq with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif during the World Economic Forum. Iraqi officials are…
Ashraf Boroujerdi: We Have Candidates Among Conservatives 'United with Reforms'
Ashraf Boroujerdi, a reformist activist, revealed that there are candidates among conservatives aligned with reformists for the upcoming parliamentary elections. This comes amid widespread disqualifications…
British Commission: Litvinenko's Murder Likely Approved by Putin
A British commission has concluded that the assassination of Alexander Litvinenko was likely approved by Russian President Vladimir Putin. Litvinenko, a former KGB officer and…
Coalition Bombs Islamic State's Money Warehouses in Iraq
The U.S.-led coalition has conducted airstrikes targeting the financial warehouses of the Islamic State in Mosul, destroying tens of millions of dollars. This action is…
In less than two years, 19,000 civilians have been killed in Iraq
The UN reports that from 2014 to late 2015, at least 18,800 civilians were killed in Iraq due to the conflict with the Islamic State…
Central Bank of Iran Chief: $32 Billion in Frozen Assets Will Be Released
The Governor of the Central Bank of Iran announced that $32 billion in frozen assets will be released following the lifting of sanctions, with $28…
Three Americans Have Disappeared in Baghdad
Three American contractors and their translator have reportedly been kidnapped in Baghdad, prompting a response from the U.S. State Department, which is working with Iraqi…
Summary of Rouhani's Press Conference on JCPOA with Expert Analysis
Hassan Rouhani held a press conference discussing the JCPOA's implementation, asserting that constructive engagement with the world is beneficial. He noted that despite opposition from…
Obama Praises the Power of 'Smart Diplomacy' Towards Iran
Barack Obama praised the implementation of the nuclear agreement with Iran and the prisoner exchange, highlighting the effectiveness of 'smart diplomacy' in addressing these issues.…
Houthis Release Two Saudi Nationals in Their Custody
Two Saudi religious teachers held by the Houthis in Yemen for over nine months have been released and returned to Saudi Arabia. Their release coincides…
Cost and Benefit of Iran in Syria
The article discusses the recent deaths of five Iranian military personnel in Syria, highlighting the ongoing costs of Iran's involvement in the conflict. While Iranian…
Marriage Among Close Relatives Banned in Tajikistan
Tajikistan has banned marriages among close relatives, citing health concerns related to congenital defects. The law mandates pre-marital examinations, and penalties for violations are yet…
Ayatollah Yazdi: The Determination of Ijtihad in the Assembly of Experts is Solely the Authority of the Guardianship Council Scholars
Ayatollah Mohammad Yazdi asserted that only the Guardianship Council scholars can determine the ijtihad of candidates for the Assembly of Experts, amid discussions about Hassan…
Germany to Facilitate Deportation Laws for Foreigners Following Cologne Attacks
Following public outrage over sexual assaults during New Year's celebrations in Cologne, the German government plans to ease deportation laws for foreign criminals. The proposal…
Erdogan Condemns Suicide Bombing 'by Syrian National'
A suicide bombing in Istanbul's tourist district has resulted in at least 10 deaths and 15 injuries, with the attacker identified as a Syrian national.…
Conservative Website Criticizes Hijab Policies
The conservative website 'Alif' criticizes the Islamic Republic's hijab policies, stating they have largely failed and led to an increase in 'bad hijab' among women.…
Tajikistan Halts Student Dispatch to Iran
Tajikistan has suspended sending students to Iran due to security concerns and Iran's failure to fulfill its commitments regarding student admissions. This decision follows recent…
Putin: Western Sanctions Have Severely Hurt the Russian Economy
Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged that Western sanctions due to the Ukraine crisis have significantly harmed the Russian economy, particularly affecting access to financial markets…
Hila Sedighi's Account of Arrest: I Was Transported in a Cage
Hila Sedighi, an Iranian poet, was arrested upon her return to Tehran and detailed her harsh treatment during two days in detention. She emphasized her…
The Assailant of the American Police Officer is 'Supporter of ISIS'
Edward Archer attacked police officer Jesse Hartnett in Philadelphia, claiming allegiance to ISIS. The incident raises concerns about domestic terrorism and the influence of extremist…
Hijab Enters the World of Fashion
Dolce & Gabbana has launched a new collection aimed at hijab-wearing women, featuring luxurious garments like hijabs and abayas. This move reflects a growing trend…
Ashraf Pahlavi Passes Away
Ashraf Pahlavi, the twin sister of the last Shah of Iran, passed away at 96 in Monte Carlo. Her nephew, Reza Pahlavi, expressed deep sadness…
Guardian Council: The eligibility of absent candidates in the Assembly of Experts exam may be confirmed
The Guardian Council has indicated that candidates who did not participate in the Assembly of Experts exam may still have their qualifications confirmed. This comes…
Tehran Prosecutor Warns Athletes and Artists About Social Media
The Tehran prosecutor has issued a warning to athletes and artists about sharing inappropriate images on social media, citing recent legal cases stemming from such…
Obama Announces New Gun Ownership Regulations in the U.S.
President Obama announced new gun ownership regulations aimed at reducing gun violence, asserting that they do not violate the Second Amendment. The National Rifle Association…
Commander of Tehran's IRGC: Attack on Saudi Embassy was a Very Wrong Act
The commander of Tehran's IRGC condemned the recent organized attack on the Saudi embassy, stating it was unjustifiable and not executed by loyal forces. This…
Clinton: Executions in Saudi Arabia Will Further Ignite the Region
Hillary Clinton criticized Saudi Arabia's recent execution of 47 individuals, including a prominent Shia cleric, stating it will exacerbate tensions in the Middle East. The…
The Death of Tehran's Trees Due to the Implementation of the 'Tower-Garden' Resolution
Tehran's trees and gardens are facing severe destruction due to the 'Tower-Garden' resolution passed in 2003, which allowed significant construction in these areas. City council…
How the Creator of 'Monopoly' Fell into Monopoly
The article discusses the history of the board game Monopoly, highlighting that while it is commonly attributed to Charles Darrow, it was actually invented by…
Armed Attack on Indian Air Force Base at Pakistan Border
An armed attack on an Indian Air Force base in Punjab near the Pakistan border resulted in the deaths of at least two attackers and…
Turkish Presidential Office: Erdogan Did Not Praise Hitler's Regime
The Turkish Presidential Office clarified that President Erdogan's comments about Hitler's regime were misinterpreted and not intended as praise. Erdogan is advocating for a shift…
Saudi Embassy in Baghdad Reopened After 25 Years
Saudi Arabia has reopened its embassy in Baghdad after 25 years, marking a significant step towards improving relations between the two countries. The new ambassador…