Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development
December 2015
The Number of Street Addicts in Iran Has Increased Tenfold
Saeed Safatian revealed that the number of street addicts in Iran has surged dramatically, with Tehran alone having 15,000 street addicts today, the same number…
Iraq Threatens Turkey with 'Military Action'
Iraq's Foreign Minister has warned Turkey of potential military action if Turkish troops do not withdraw from northern Iraq, where they have been training Kurdish…
Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert Sentenced to 18 Months in Prison
Ehud Olmert, former Prime Minister of Israel, has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for bribery related to a construction permit. This ruling may…
Pentagon: 10 Leaders of ISIS Killed in the Past Month
The Pentagon reported that U.S. airstrikes in Iraq have killed 10 ISIS leaders, some linked to the Paris attacks. This includes Sharaf al-Ma'adan, who was…
Reporters Without Borders: 110 Journalists Killed in 2015
In 2015, Reporters Without Borders reported that 110 journalists were killed globally, with a significant number targeted for their work. The organization criticized governments for…
Minister of Culture: The case of the insulting magazine against Rouhani's deputy will go to the Press Supervisory Board
The Iranian Minister of Culture announced that the case of the weekly magazine Yalasarat, which published insulting content about the Deputy for Women's Affairs, will…
Continued Unhealthy Air Quality in Tehran; Warning to the Government in Parliament
Tehran's air quality has remained unhealthy for 17 consecutive days, prompting warnings from 106 members of Parliament to the Rouhani government to take action. The…
Ministry of Health: 88% of Iranians Have Unhealthy Diets
A recent report from Iran's Ministry of Health reveals that 88% of the population has unhealthy diets, contributing significantly to early deaths and non-communicable diseases.…
ISIS Administrative Center in Ramadi Under Complete Siege
Iraqi forces have completely surrounded the ISIS administrative center in Ramadi and are preparing to enter, with reports indicating that ISIS fighters have fled. The…
Uncertain Literacy Levels of Three and a Half Million Iranians
The head of Iran's Literacy Movement revealed that the literacy status of 3.5 million Iranians remains unclear, preventing them from registering for education. The government…
The Situation of Drug Trafficking in Iran is 'Shocking'
Alireza Jamshidi has highlighted the alarming state of drug and medical equipment smuggling in Iran, calling for legal reforms and better oversight. The Iranian Red…
Female Clerics in Iran Suffer from Food Poverty
Female clerics in Iran are facing severe food poverty and insufficient support from their seminaries, as highlighted by Mahmoudreza Jamshidi. With over 60,000 women studying…
Arab League Calls for Immediate Withdrawal of Turkish Forces from Iraq
The Arab League has called for Turkey to withdraw its military forces from northern Iraq, labeling the intervention as a violation of Iraq's sovereignty. Iraq…
Symbolic Movement of 'Chador-Wearing' Girls in Tajrish
A group of girls and boys dressed in early Pahlavi-era clothing staged a symbolic event in Tajrish to evoke nostalgia for old Tehran. The event,…
20 Percent of Marriages in Iran are Temporary
Shirin Ahmadnia of the Welfare Organization reported that 20% of marriages in Iran are temporary, indicating a shift in family structures. This trend is attributed…
Farajollah Selahshour Paralyzed Due to 'Medical Error'
Farajollah Selahshour, a prominent Iranian director, has become paralyzed due to a medical error during his lung cancer treatment. He has called attention to the…
Increase in Iraqi Army Casualties in the 'Liberation' Operation of Ramadi
Iraqi army forces are facing increased casualties in the ongoing 'liberation' operation of Ramadi from 'Islamic State' militants, with at least 16 soldiers killed in…
Tehran Prosecutor: We Have Issued Judicial Orders to Police for Dealing with Bad Hijab
Tehran's prosecutor has ordered police to intensify actions against bad hijab and other social issues, citing a close link between social harms and crime. This…
Barzani Calls for Kurds to Prepare for Independence Referendum in Iraqi Kurdistan
Masoud Barzani has called for preparations for a referendum on Kurdish independence from Iraq, urging political groups to allow for real participation of minorities. This…
Trial of Six Individuals in the UAE for Assisting Yemen's Houthis
The UAE is prosecuting six individuals for allegedly aiding the Houthi movement in Yemen, marking the first such trial in the country. This development highlights…
Hossein Alizadeh: If Someone Responds to Insults, They Belong in a Corner of Prison
Hossein Alizadeh, a renowned Iranian musician, criticized the government's censorship of music and the insults directed at artists, stating that responding to such insults could…
Iran's 'First' Female Sanitation Worker
Soghra Khani Shahabadi has become Iran's first female sanitation worker, supporting her family of eight amid economic challenges. Her story highlights the struggles of women…
Apple Criticizes Britain's Plan to Increase Spy Agencies' Powers
Apple has raised concerns about a UK proposal to enhance the surveillance powers of security agencies, arguing it could compromise user data security. Critics claim…
ISIS as a Cause of Transboundary Diseases at Iran's Borders
Mehdi Khalaj, head of Iran's Veterinary Organization, warned that the presence of ISIS has made Iran's borders unsafe regarding transboundary diseases. He highlighted the organization's…
Controversial Mistake by Host at 2015 Miss Universe Pageant
The 2015 Miss Universe pageant was marred by a significant mistake when host Steve Harvey incorrectly announced the winner, initially crowning the Colombian representative before…
Obama Defends Fight Against ISIS Within 'American Standards'
Barack Obama defended his administration's strategy against ISIS in a recent NPR interview, emphasizing the need for the fight to align with American values. Despite…
Tuition Fees of Eight Million Tomans at Some Private Schools in Iran
The Iranian Deputy Minister of Education announced that tuition fees at some private schools have reached eight million tomans, with some schools charging up to…
Rouhani Emphasizes the Importance of Women's Participation in Elections
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani highlighted the importance of women's participation in upcoming elections, calling for qualified women to register. This comes amid ongoing debates about…
Current Land Use Change Trends Will Lead Iran to 'Famine'
Manouchehr Gorji warns that Iran is losing fertile land at an alarming rate, with 10,000 hectares converted annually, potentially leading to famine in 20 years.…
Police: The Killer of Potential Parliamentary Candidate in Khorramabad Arrested
The police in Lorestan province arrested the killer of Hosiyar Maleki Toleabi, a potential candidate for the upcoming parliamentary elections. The motive for the murder…
Interior Minister Reports 'Red Security Status' in 10 Electoral Districts
Iran's Interior Minister Abdulreza Rahmani Fazli announced that 10 electoral districts are in a 'red security status' due to regional conditions and ethnic disputes. He…
Discovery of a '500-pound bomb' in Marivan by two students
Two students in Marivan discovered a 500-pound bomb leftover from the Iran-Iraq war, which was safely neutralized. This incident highlights ongoing issues with unexploded ordnance…
First Death from Influenza in Khuzestan Province
A person has died from influenza in Khuzestan Province, marking the first reported death from the virus in the area. Health officials report a total…
Iran's Efforts to Finalize Accession to the World Trade Organization
Iran is actively working to finalize its accession to the World Trade Organization, viewing it as a crucial step for integrating its economy with the…
Putin's Annual Press Conference: 'Statements More for Domestic Consumption'
Vladimir Putin held his annual press conference addressing various issues, including Turkey's downing of a Russian jet and the Syrian civil war. He indicated a…
The Impact of Hot Peppers and Spicy Sauces on Longevity and Cancer Cells
New Zealand researchers have found that consuming hot peppers may increase lifespan and help fight cancer cells. Dr. David Popovich's study indicates that capsaicin, a…
UN Secretary-General: Palestinian Attacks Stem from Five Decades of Occupation
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon criticized Israeli policies and linked recent Palestinian attacks to decades of occupation. He called for both sides to reduce tensions, while…
Islamic State Rocket Attack on Turkish Military Base in Northern Iraq
Islamic State militants launched a rocket attack on a Turkish military base in northern Iraq, injuring at least four Turkish soldiers. In retaliation, Turkish forces…
Possibility of Reduction or Elimination of Customs Tariffs on Iranian Agricultural Products by Russia
Russia's Economic Development Minister announced potential reductions or eliminations of tariffs on Iranian agricultural products following a meeting with Iran's trade minister. This could enhance…
Armed Men Kidnap at Least 26 Qatari Nationals in the Deserts of Iraq
A group of armed men kidnapped at least 26 Qatari nationals, including royal family members, from a hunting camp in Iraq. The incident has prompted…
Increase in Cancer in Low-Income Countries Due to 'Adopting Western Lifestyle'
A study indicates that cancer rates are rising in low-income countries due to the adoption of Western lifestyles, while high-income countries see a decline due…
ISIS and Trump's Statements; Fifth Debate of Republican Candidates in the U.S.
The fifth Republican debate in the U.S. focused on national security and the fight against ISIS, with Donald Trump's controversial remarks about banning Muslims drawing…
Ministry of Health: Swine Flu Reported in Most Provinces
Iran's Ministry of Health reports 57 deaths from swine flu (H1N1) across the country, with cases in most provinces. The health official emphasizes that the…
Closure of Los Angeles Schools Following Release of a 'Threatening Email'
Los Angeles schools were closed due to a threatening email that raised concerns of a potential attack. Local officials took precautionary measures, while New York…
John Kerry Calls for Alignment Between the U.S. and Russia on Syria and Ukraine
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry emphasized the need for U.S.-Russia alignment on the Syrian conflict and the Ukraine crisis during his visit to Moscow.…
Prison Organization: Average Age of Criminals Has Decreased from 36 to 30 Years
Asghar Jahangir, head of Iran's Prison Organization, announced a decrease in the average age of criminals from 36 to 30 years, attributing this trend to…
Friday Prayer Leader of Khomeini Shahr: The News of the Child's Stitches Being Cut Was Political
Abbas Rahimi, the Friday prayer leader of Khomeini Shahr, criticized the media for reporting on a case where medical staff cut a child's stitches due…
Turkey Withdraws Some Troops from Base in Northern Iraq
Turkey has begun withdrawing some of its troops from a base in northern Iraq following Iraq's demand for an immediate exit. This move comes amidst…
Iran's National Youth Organization: Marriage Has Become the Fourth Priority
The Iranian Ministry of Sports and Youth reports that marriage has fallen to the fourth priority among youth, down from first place in 2003. Factors…
Protest Gathering of Firefighters in Front of Tehran Municipality
Firefighters in Tehran protested in front of the municipality over their working conditions and demands for changes to retirement laws. The protest involved around 200…
Obama: The Paris Agreement is a Turning Point for the World
U.S. President Barack Obama hailed the Paris Agreement as a historic turning point in the global fight against climate change, with 195 countries committing to…
Establishment of a Judicial Complex for Intersex Individuals in Tehran
A new judicial complex has been established in Tehran to handle cases involving intersex individuals, addressing a gap in the legal system regarding personal status…
Increase in Class Disparity Between Doctors and Nurses Amid Health Transformation Plan
The implementation of the third phase of Iran's Health Transformation Plan has significantly increased the income disparity between doctors and nurses, leading to widespread protests…
Swine Flu: Over 60% of Travel to Kerman Province Canceled
The swine flu outbreak has led to over 60% of travel to Kerman Province being canceled, with officials claiming the situation is now normal. The…
Donald Trump Postpones His Trip to Israel
Donald Trump has postponed his scheduled trip to Israel following backlash over his controversial remarks about banning Muslims from entering the U.S. This decision comes…
US: ISIS Financial Officer Killed in Airstrikes
The US-led coalition has killed three senior ISIS leaders, including their financial officer, Abu Salah, in recent airstrikes. This is significant as it may weaken…
An Iranian-American Doctor Who Alone Went to Help the Injured in San Bernardino
Dr. Michael Niki, an Iranian-American emergency physician, provided critical assistance to victims during the San Bernardino shooting, showcasing his expertise in treating severe military-style wounds.…
Rouhani Calls America a 'Sponsor of Terrorism' in Response to Trump's Remarks
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani condemned the U.S. as a 'sponsor of terrorism' in response to Donald Trump's remarks about banning Muslims from entering the U.S.…
Taliban Attack on Kandahar Airport Leaves 37 Dead
A Taliban attack on Kandahar Airport resulted in at least 37 deaths and numerous injuries, highlighting the group's ongoing military operations in Afghanistan. The attack…
Imprisonment Awaiting Misconduct Staff at 'Ashrafi Isfahani' Hospital
A doctor and a nurse at the Ashrafi Isfahani hospital in Khomeini Shahr face imprisonment for failing to perform their duties, leading to the injury…
28% of Tehran's Adolescents Under 18 Have Had Sexual Experience
A recent study reveals that 28% of Tehran's adolescents under 18 have had sexual experiences, with significant implications for relationships and mental health in Iran.…
Donald Trump: Ban Muslims from Entering America
Donald Trump proposed a complete ban on Muslims entering the U.S. following a deadly shooting by a Muslim couple in California. His statements have drawn…
Obama: We Will Overcome Terrorist Threats
President Obama addressed the nation regarding the U.S. response to terrorist threats, particularly in light of recent attacks in Paris and California. He emphasized the…
Elimination of Humanities Education in Regular Public Schools
The Iranian education system will no longer allow enrollment in humanities fields in regular public schools, directing students instead to specialized Farhang high schools. This…
Iran Criticizes Turkey's Military Presence in Iraq
Iran has criticized Turkey's military presence in Iraq, labeling it as a violation of regional security and calling for coordination with the Iraqi government. The…
Kerry Warns of Possible Consequences of Collapse of Palestinian Authority
John Kerry has warned about the potential collapse of the Palestinian Authority and its implications for Israel, highlighting increasing violence and distrust between the two…
Haider al-Abadi: Turkey Must Immediately Withdraw Its Forces from Northern Iraq
Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi has demanded the immediate withdrawal of Turkish forces from Nineveh province, citing a violation of Iraq's sovereignty. This comes as…
OPEC Fails to Reach Agreement on Production Ceiling Limits
OPEC failed to agree on production ceiling limits during a recent meeting, allowing member countries to maintain current production levels. Iran is pushing for other…
The Female Attacker in California Had Pledged Allegiance to the 'Islamic State'
Tashfeen Malik, who attacked a welfare center in California with her husband, had pledged allegiance to ISIS on Facebook. The attack resulted in the deaths…
Iranian Airlines Owe 5 Trillion Tomans
Iranian airlines are facing severe financial difficulties, owing 5 trillion tomans, prompting a planned increase in ticket prices. While the Civil Aviation Organization supports this…
An Iranian-American Among the Victims of California Shooting
A 46-year-old Iranian-American woman was among the 14 victims of a shooting in California. The attackers, Syed Rizwan Farook and Tashfeen Malik, were linked to…
Iran Joins International Program to Eliminate AIDS Epidemic
Iran has joined a UN program aimed at eliminating the AIDS epidemic by 2030, committing to the 90-90-90 goals for HIV treatment and identification. The…
Obama: The Deployment of Special Forces to Iraq is for Targeted Strikes Against ISIS
President Obama announced the deployment of special forces to Iraq for targeted operations against ISIS, clarifying that this does not indicate a return to large-scale…
Obama Emphasizes Uncertainty of Motives Behind California Shooting Incident
President Obama addressed the California shooting incident, emphasizing the uncertainty of motives and urging citizens to await facts before judgment. The assailants, identified as Muslims,…
Putin Threatens Turkey Again: 'Economic Sanctions Are Not the End'
Vladimir Putin has threatened Turkey with further retaliatory actions following the downing of a Russian warplane, asserting that economic sanctions will not be the only…
Iranian Women Seek Relationships with the Opposite Sex More Than Men on Social Media
A recent survey shows that Iranian women are more likely than men to seek relationships with the opposite sex on social media, driven by loneliness…
Death of Five Suicide Bombers Who Intended to Attack Pilgrims in Karbala
Five suicide bombers intending to attack pilgrims in Karbala were killed by Iraqi Hezbollah Brigades after a prolonged confrontation. This incident highlights ongoing security concerns…
The U.S. Sends New Special Forces to Iraq to Combat ISIS
The U.S. is deploying up to 200 new special forces to Iraq to combat ISIS, coordinating with Iraqi government forces. Shiite militias have threatened to…
The Rate of Women Infected with AIDS in Iran has Increased Tenfold
The rate of women infected with AIDS in Iran has increased tenfold due to a shift in transmission methods from drug use to sexual contact,…
Iraq Criticizes Tehran Over 'Illegal Influx' of Iranian Pilgrims
The Iraqi Ministry of Interior has criticized Iran for the illegal entry of tens of thousands of Iranian pilgrims without visas, leading to clashes at…
Putin: Turkey Shot Down Jet to Protect Oil Trade with ISIS
Vladimir Putin accused Turkey of shooting down a Russian jet to protect its oil trade with ISIS, a claim Turkey denies. The incident has led…