Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development
December 2003
250 Aftershocks Shake Bam in the Last 24 Hours - 2003-12-31
Bam experienced over 250 aftershocks in the past 24 hours, including a significant one measuring 5.3 on the Richter scale. Ahmad Sadid Khoy from the…
Leaders of East Asian Countries Emphasize Security and Economic Growth as They Welcome the New Year
Leaders of East Asian nations are prioritizing security and economic growth as they enter 2004. Key figures include Australian PM John Howard, Indonesian President Megawati…
Two Groups Suspected of Links to Al-Qaeda Added to UN Sanctions List - 2003-12-30
The UN has added two groups linked to Al-Qaeda to its sanctions list, including the Islamic Haramain Foundation in Bosnia and the Hohberg company in…
The Bam Tragedy: Mehdi Mahdavikia: Those Who Are Fathers Can Understand the Pain of This Calamity
Mehdi Mahdavikia and Ali Karimi, two Iranian footballers, are preparing to participate in a charity match to support victims of the Bam earthquake. They express…
Influx of Foreign Journalists to Bam, Iranian Arash - 2003-12-27
Foreign journalists are flocking to Kerman to cover the earthquake in Bam, rushing to Iranian embassies in Kuwait for visas. This influx highlights Kuwait's role…
Bush: The United States Will Assist Earthquake Victims in Iran - 2003-12-27
President Bush announced U.S. support for victims of a devastating earthquake in southeastern Iran, expressing deep sorrow over the tragedy. The U.S. government is preparing…
Esteghlal Ahvaz Withdraws from the Premier League
Esteghlal Ahvaz has announced its withdrawal from the Iranian Premier League due to perceived injustices and lack of security during matches. The decision follows a…
President of Pakistan Survives Second Assassination Attempt
President Pervez Musharraf survived a second assassination attempt in two weeks, with 14 bystanders killed in the bombing. This attack follows his recent agreement to…
The Alan Parsons Project - 2003-12-23
The article outlines the history of The Alan Parsons Project, highlighting Alan Parsons' early work with Pink Floyd and The Beatles, the formation of the…
Four Thousand Iranian Families on the Brink of Death
Four thousand families in Masjed Soleiman are at risk due to gas leaks intensified by recent earthquakes. Local representative Omidvar Rezaei highlights the urgent need…
Islamic World Leaders Surprised Iran's Foreign Ministry
The international conference on 'The Islamic World: Challenges and Opportunities' held by Iran's Foreign Ministry faced low attendance, with only about 60 out of 100…
367 Addicts Die Monthly in Iran - 2003-12-23
Ali Hashemi reported a significant rise in drug-related deaths in Iran, with 367 addicts dying monthly and the overall death toll increasing dramatically since the…
New Regulations of the International Association of Athletics Federations - 2003-12-22
The IAAF has introduced new regulations holding coaches and medical staff accountable for doping violations, with penalties including 2-year bans for first offenses and lifetime…
The U.S. Announces Serious Threat of Terrorist Attacks
The U.S. government has raised the alert for potential terrorist attacks to its highest level since 9/11, particularly during the Christmas holiday season. Tom Ridge,…
The Uncertain Fate of Sadegh Hedayat's Manuscripts
Jahangir Hedayat, the nephew of the famous Iranian author Sadegh Hedayat, has requested the return of his uncle's manuscripts from Amir Kabir Publishing, but the…
President Bush Says Libya Agreed to Destroy All Its Weapons of Mass Destruction - 2003-12-20
President Bush announced that Libya has agreed to destroy all its weapons of mass destruction after nine months of negotiations. This development is seen as…
Central Council Member of the Participation Front: Why Should We Vote in a System That Claims Its Legitimacy Does Not Come from the People?
Hosseini Mojahid from the Participation Front criticized the legitimacy of the Iranian political system, questioning why citizens should vote when their votes are deemed unimportant.…
Saddam's Daughter: My Father Will Not Be Fairly Tried in the U.S.-appointed State Council Court
Raghad Hussein, daughter of Saddam Hussein, expressed doubts about the fairness of her father's trial in a U.S.-appointed court, advocating for international oversight. She claims…
Sharon: If No Progress in Peace Talks, Israel Will Distance Itself from Palestinians - 2003-12-18
Ariel Sharon warned that Israel would start distancing itself from Palestinians if peace talks do not progress. He emphasized the importance of the internationally supported…
Saddam Hussein is imprisoned in the Baghdad area - 2003-12-17
Saddam Hussein is reported to be imprisoned in the Baghdad area and is expected to be tried publicly by an Iraqi court. President Bush believes…
Controversy on the Fourth Day of the Loya Jirga Meeting in Kabul - 2003-12-17
Malalai Joya, a representative from Farah province, accused some colleagues of being war criminals during the Loya Jirga meeting, leading to a heated response from…
President Bush Declares 2003 a Year of Goal Evolution
President Bush highlighted significant domestic achievements in 2003 during a press conference, emphasizing bipartisan cooperation and military support for Iraq and Afghanistan. He noted economic…
President Bush's Speech After the Capture of Saddam Hussein - 2003-12-15
President Bush announced the capture of Saddam Hussein, marking the end of a painful chapter in Iraq's history. He emphasized the importance of this event…
Iran National Football Team Fined $10,000
The Iran national football team was fined $10,000 and banned from one match with spectators due to incidents during their game against North Korea. The…
Iranian Refugees in Switzerland Go on Hunger Strike
Around 50 Iranian asylum seekers in Switzerland have initiated an indefinite hunger strike to demand the approval of their asylum requests due to the current…
Why is the Trafficking of Iranian Girls to Sheikhdoms Overlooked So Easily?
Fariba Davoodi Mohajer highlighted the serious issue of trafficking Iranian girls to Gulf Sheikhdoms during a recent event, linking it to broader societal issues such…
President Bush Officially Declares December 10 as Human Rights Day in America
President Bush has declared December 10 as Human Rights Day in the U.S., emphasizing the importance of global freedom and democracy. He highlighted ongoing efforts…
13 Million People in Iran Involved with Drugs Daily - 2003-12-10
Ali Hashemi reported that 13 million people in Iran are involved with drugs daily, with significant economic and social costs. The issue is seen as…
Roger Federer, Swiss Tennis Player, Parts Ways with Coach
Roger Federer has announced his separation from coach Peter Lundgren after three years of collaboration. This decision comes as both have achieved their set goals,…
Colin Powell Optimistic About Peace Between Sudan Government and Rebels - 2003-12-09
Colin Powell is optimistic about a peace agreement between the Sudanese government and rebels, expecting it to be finalized by the end of the month.…
Statement of Principles of the Information Society Summit Approved
The Statement of Principles for the Information Society Summit was approved after lengthy negotiations involving representatives from 190 countries, despite U.S. opposition. This agreement emphasizes…
Fate of Two Iranian Teenage Girls Seeking Refuge at Belgian Embassy
Two Iranian girls have sought asylum at the Belgian embassy in Tehran after fleeing their father to live with their mother in Belgium. The situation…
Colin Powell Meets with Israeli and Palestinian Writers in Washington - 2003-12-05
Colin Powell met with Israeli and Palestinian writers to discuss an informal peace plan, which Israel opposes. The Geneva Accord proposes a Palestinian state in…
Rocket Explodes Near U.S. Embassy in Kabul
A rocket exploded near the U.S. Embassy in Kabul shortly after a meeting between Afghan leader Hamid Karzai and U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld.…
Pakistan's Information Minister Rejects Human Rights Watch Claims
Pakistan's Information Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed has rejected claims made by Human Rights Watch regarding the suppression of press freedom under President Pervez Musharraf. The…
Kim Clijsters, Belgian Tennis Player, Will Not Participate in Athens Olympics - 2003-12-03
Belgian tennis player Kim Clijsters has decided not to participate in the Athens Olympics, prioritizing her sponsorship with FILA over national representation. Jacques Rogge, President…
Man Arrested on Suspicion of Involvement in Terrorist Bombing in Riyadh
A man has been arrested in Saudi Arabia on suspicion of being involved in a terrorist bombing that occurred in November, killing 17 people. This…
FIFA President: Premier Leagues Should Comprise 16 to 18 Teams
Sepp Blatter announced that national leagues should consist of 16 to 18 teams and plans to limit annual club matches to 45. He rejected financial…
List of Photos from Golestan Palace in the Qajar Era to Be Published
A new book compiling 2,100 selected photographs from the Golestan Palace archive will be published soon, showcasing the Qajar era's history and culture. Dr. Mohammad…
USA: The Geneva Accord is a Valuable Initiative, Not a Replacement for the 'Roadmap for Peace in the Middle East'
The U.S. has acknowledged the Geneva Accord as a valuable initiative for Middle East peace but insists it cannot replace the official Roadmap for Peace.…
Iran and Lebanon to Face Off in the 92nd Davis Cup
Iran and Lebanon are set to compete in the 92nd Davis Cup tennis matches in Beirut in February 2004. Lebanon, as the only Arab team…