Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development
December 2023
Iran Human Rights Organization: Two Afghan Prisoners Executed in Karaj Central Prison
Two Afghan prisoners were executed in Karaj Central Prison, with their identities and charges remaining unconfirmed. This incident highlights ongoing human rights concerns in Iran,…
Increased Security Measures Ahead of New Year in France; 90,000 Police Officers to be Deployed Nationwide
France is ramping up security measures with 90,000 police officers deployed nationwide ahead of New Year celebrations, particularly in Paris where over 1.5 million people…
Testimony of Released Israeli Hostage from Gaza: Not Everyone Was Lucky
Chen Almog Goldstein recounts her harrowing experience as a hostage in Gaza, where she lost her husband and daughter to Hamas attacks. She highlights the…
Crisis Management Organization: Most Hospitals in Tehran Should Be Closed
Ali Nasiri, head of Tehran's Crisis Management Organization, announced that many hospitals in Tehran are structurally unsafe and should be closed. The Attorney General's Office…
The Preferred Currency Rate for Baby Formula Increases Sevenfold; Production May Stop in Coming Months
The preferred currency rate for baby formula in Iran has surged from 4,200 to 28,500 tomans, prompting warnings from producers that production may halt due…
Zelensky and the Pope Discuss Peace in Ukraine; Over 80 Countries Participating in Peace Process
Ukrainian President Zelensky discussed peace efforts with Pope Francis, highlighting that over 80 countries are involved in the peace process. Meanwhile, Russian officials claim the…
Netanyahu: We are negotiating for the release of hostages in Gaza
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced negotiations for the release of hostages held in Gaza while Egypt proposed a draft to end the ongoing conflict.…
Aida Younesi: My Father Has Lost Hearing in One Ear in Evin Prison
Aida Younesi reports that her father, Myrious Younesi, has lost hearing in one ear while imprisoned in Evin without a conviction. The family claims he…
60% Decrease in Saffron Production in Iran
Iran's saffron production has decreased by 40-60% despite rising prices, primarily due to inflation and lack of support for farmers. Ali Hosseini Gazdar of the…
Inflation Warning for Proposed Budget Bill 1403; Inflation Exceeds 50 Percent
Experts are warning about worsening economic conditions in Iran, with inflation expected to exceed 50 percent due to unrealistic revenue projections in the proposed budget…
Ukrainian Army: We Shot Down 28 Shahed Drones
The Ukrainian army reported shooting down 28 Iranian-made Shahed drones launched by Russia, which caused damage in several regions. This incident highlights the ongoing military…
Continued Financial Corruption in Iran; Traces of 'Mafia' in Importing Two Million Tons of Rice with Cheap Currency
Two Iranian parliament members have revealed ongoing corruption in rice imports, alleging that two million tons of rice were imported using subsidized currency while local…
The U.S. FDA Seizes Counterfeit Versions of Weight Loss Drug 'Ozempic'
The U.S. FDA has seized counterfeit versions of the weight loss drug 'Ozempic', which has been linked to several illnesses. The drug's manufacturer, Novo Nordisk,…
Accusation: Propaganda Against the Regime; Yasser Rahmani-Rad Summoned to Court
Yasser Rahmani-Rad, a doctor detained during protests for aiding injured protesters, has been summoned to court on charges of propaganda against the regime. He asserts…
Turkey Arrests Over 300 Suspected ISIS Affiliates in Nationwide Operation
Turkey's security forces arrested 304 individuals suspected of being connected to ISIS in a nationwide operation. The majority of arrests took place in Istanbul, Ankara,…
Committee to Protect Journalists: The Gaza War is the Deadliest War in History for Journalists
The Committee to Protect Journalists reported that the ongoing Gaza war has resulted in the highest number of journalist fatalities in history, with 68 journalists…
Russian Football Union Votes Against Transition to Asian Football Confederation
The Russian Football Union has voted against transitioning to the Asian Football Confederation, choosing instead to remain with UEFA as relations improve. This decision follows…
Ukraine's Plan to Produce 'One Million' Reconnaissance Drones
Ukraine plans to produce over one million reconnaissance drones and thousands of attack drones in 2024, aiming to enhance its military capabilities and reduce reliance…
Trump Campaign's Reaction to Colorado Court Ruling: Interference in Elections and 'Undemocratic'
The Colorado Supreme Court ruled to remove Donald Trump from the 2024 presidential ballot, citing the 'Insurrectionists' clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. Trump's campaign condemned…
Putin Says Russia is Ready for Dialogue on Ukraine's Future, But Based on National Interests
Vladimir Putin has expressed Russia's readiness to engage in dialogue about Ukraine's future, contingent on national interests, while Ukrainian President Zelensky is considering a significant…
Zelensky: The Ukrainian Army Seeks to Enlist an Additional 450,000 to 500,000 Personnel
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced a request for an additional 450,000 to 500,000 military personnel amid ongoing challenges in securing foreign aid. The decision is…
Turkey Gives Green Light to Sweden's NATO Membership; Erdogan: Actions by the U.S. and Canada Have Been Effective
Turkey's President Erdogan announced that positive developments regarding U.S. F-16 sales and Canadian arms sanctions are paving the way for Sweden's NATO membership approval. Erdogan…
Israel Did Not Renew UN Representative's Visa; Hastings Forced to Leave Palestinian Territories
Lynn Hastings, the UN humanitarian coordinator in Palestinian territories, was forced to leave after Israel did not renew her visa, citing UN bias. This situation…
Vatican Approves Blessings for Same-Sex Couples in Historic Ruling
The Vatican has approved a historic ruling allowing priests to bless same-sex couples, emphasizing that these blessings do not equate to marriage. Pope Francis aims…
A Senior Palestinian Authority Official: Hamas Must Reassess Its Policies After the War
A senior Palestinian Authority official, Hussein al-Sheikh, has called for Hamas to reassess its policies following the recent conflict in Gaza. This marks a significant…
Zelensky: The Progress of Ukraine's Alignment with EU Laws Will Be Assessed Soon
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Ukraine and the European Commission will soon assess progress in aligning Ukrainian laws with EU standards. This comes after…
Egyptian Sources: Israel and Hamas Disagree on Ceasefire
Egyptian and Qatari sources indicate that Israel and Hamas are both willing to agree to a ceasefire and release hostages, but they are at odds…
The First Humanitarian Aid Shipment Entered Gaza Through the 'Karem Shalom' Crossing
The 'Karem Shalom' crossing has reopened for humanitarian aid into Gaza for the first time since the war began, allowing 79 trucks to enter. This…
Israeli Army Claims to Have Discovered 'Weapons and Tunnels' in Yahya Sinwar's Vacation Home
The Israeli army has conducted raids on Hamas leaders' homes and offices in Khan Younis, claiming to have discovered weapons and tunnels. This operation follows…
Israeli Soldiers 'Mistakenly' Kill Three Hostages in Northern Gaza
Israeli soldiers mistakenly killed three hostages in northern Gaza, believing them to be a threat. The Israeli army has taken full responsibility for the incident…
Stop of Sending 'Imams' from Turkey to Mosques in Germany
Germany and Turkey have agreed to stop sending imams from Turkey to Germany, aiming to enhance the integration of Muslims into German society. This decision…
Gallant: We will continue until Hamas is destroyed and all hostages are freed; no one can dictate to us
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant reaffirmed Israel's commitment to destroy Hamas and free hostages, despite international pressure. He emphasized that military operations will continue unabated,…
Abbas Daris, a detainee from the November 2019 protests, sentenced to 14 years in prison
Abbas Daris, a detainee from the November 2019 protests in Iran, has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for alleged murder and weapon possession.…
US: An Early Ceasefire at This Stage Means Hamas's Survival and Repetition of Attacks Similar to October 7 Against Israel
The US has rejected an early ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict, arguing it would allow Hamas to survive and regroup. Matthew Miller emphasized the need…
Cutting Down Dozens of Trees in Chitgar Forest Park; Environmental Activists: Result of 'Systematic Intent'
Environmental activists are condemning the systematic cutting down of trees in Chitgar Forest Park, attributing it to broader issues of urban development and neglect. Reports…
End of COP28 Meeting; About 200 Countries Agree to Gradually Reduce Fossil Fuels
At COP28 in Dubai, nearly 200 countries agreed to gradually reduce fossil fuel consumption to combat climate change, marking a significant shift in global energy…
Government Forces Attack Two Religious Schools in Zahedan; Dar al-Uloom Teachers: 'Violation of Sanctity'
Government forces attacked two religious schools in Zahedan, detaining dozens of students, which the Society of Teachers of Dar al-Uloom condemned as a violation of…
Joe Biden: We will continue military aid to Israel until they rid themselves of Hamas
President Joe Biden reaffirmed U.S. military support for Israel, emphasizing the need to eliminate Hamas while acknowledging the complexities of the situation. He highlighted efforts…
Widespread Criticism from Activists on the Draft Agreement of the 28th Climate Change Conference; It Does Not Address Global Warming
The draft agreement from COP 28 in Dubai has been criticized by global activists for lacking measures to combat global warming, particularly the absence of…
The U.S. Expects Israel to Use Received Weapons in Accordance with International War Laws
The U.S. has expressed concern over Israel's reported use of white phosphorus in Lebanon and has requested explanations from Israel. This situation raises questions about…
Mona Mehrjui's Lawyer Surprised by Indictment: We Have Objected to the Forensic Report
Mona Mehrjui's lawyer expressed surprise at the indictment of suspects in the murder of her parents, citing ongoing investigations and ambiguities in the case. The…
The Reduction of Gardens in Tehran; The Area of Gardens in the Capital Has Decreased to One-Eighth Over Four Decades
Tehran's garden area has drastically decreased to one-eighth of its original size over the past four decades due to mismanagement and land monopolization. This loss…
Ronaldo's Continued Brilliance in Saudi Arabia; Portuguese Star Reaches 1200 Matches
Cristiano Ronaldo has reached 1200 official matches in his career while playing for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, moving closer to Peter Shilton's record. He…
The U.S. Bans Imports from Three Chinese Companies Due to Use of 'Uyghur Forced Labor'
The U.S. has banned imports from three additional Chinese companies due to their involvement in forced labor practices against Uyghurs and other minorities. This action…
Train Drivers in Germany Go on Strike
German train drivers have initiated a 24-hour strike due to unsuccessful negotiations with Deutsche Bahn over working hours and pay. The union is demanding a…
50% Increase in Taxes; Experts Say It Will Worsen Poverty
Iran's government has proposed a 50% increase in taxes in the 2024 budget, which experts warn will worsen living conditions and expand poverty. Critics argue…
US Ambassador to the UN Does Not Comment on Guterres' Request for Ceasefire in Israel-Hamas War
US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield declined to comment on UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' request for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Guterres has referred the Gaza…
Account of Released Thai Hostage: Hamas Forces Killed My Friend Before My Eyes
Anucha Ankhaw, a Thai agricultural worker, recounts his harrowing experience of being taken hostage by Hamas, where he witnessed the murder of a friend and…
UN Secretary-General Refers Gaza Situation to Security Council; Israel: Guterres is a Threat to Global Peace
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has referred the Gaza situation to the Security Council, urging action to prevent a humanitarian crisis, while Israeli officials criticize him…
ChatGPT Tops 'Most Viewed' Searches of 2023 on Wikipedia
ChatGPT emerged as the most searched topic on Wikipedia in 2023, with over 79 million views. The data reflects global interests, including significant events and…
Exclusive | 13 Days of Hunger Strike and Deteriorating Health of Zohreh Sarv; Prison Officials Threaten to Cut Phone Access
Zohreh Sarv, a political prisoner in Iran, has been on a hunger strike for 13 days in protest against ongoing legal harassment and denial of…
US State Department Urges Israel to Facilitate Increased Aid to Gaza
The US State Department has urged Israel to increase humanitarian aid to Gaza, citing insufficient fuel, food, and water. This comes amid ongoing ground operations…
Committee to Protect Journalists Calls for Release of Critical Journalist in Azerbaijan
The Committee to Protect Journalists has called for the release of Raft Muradli, a journalist arrested in Azerbaijan on dubious charges. His arrest follows the…
Biden: Hamas's refusal to free young women led to the failure of ongoing ceasefire negotiations
U.S. President Biden condemned Hamas for not releasing young women hostages, linking this refusal to the failure of ceasefire negotiations. He highlighted reports of sexual…
French Interior Minister: We are Permanently Threatened by 'Islamist Terrorism', Extremists are Mostly Mentally Ill
French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin highlighted the ongoing threat of Islamist terrorism following a recent attack in Paris that resulted in a death and injuries.…
Billie Eilish's Comments on Her Sexual Orientation Spark Controversy: 'Leave Me Alone'
Billie Eilish addressed her sexual orientation in a recent interview, expressing frustration over the media's focus on her personal life instead of her achievements. She…
White House: Israel is making efforts to protect civilians in Gaza
A senior U.S. official claims Israel is trying to minimize civilian casualties in Gaza amid ongoing conflict. The U.S. is urging Israel to prioritize civilian…
Kyiv Accuses Russia of Shooting Unarmed Ukrainian Soldiers
Kyiv has accused Russia of committing a war crime after a video surfaced showing Russian soldiers shooting at unarmed Ukrainian soldiers who were surrendering. This…
Conditions of Marriage Contract Added Back to Electronic Marriage Document
The Iranian government has decided to include the conditions of the marriage contract in the newly introduced electronic marriage documents after initial plans excluded them.…
Arnold Schwarzenegger Supports Families of Israeli Hostages
Arnold Schwarzenegger met with families of Israeli hostages taken by Hamas during their October 7 attack, offering support and gifts. He aims to raise awareness…
Russia Extends Detention of American Journalist for Two More Months
A Russian court has extended the detention of Alsu Kormashova, a Russian-American journalist, for failing to register as a 'foreign agent.' Her detention has raised…
German Christian Democratic Party Representative: Berlin's Foreign Policy Towards the Islamic Republic is Shameful
Norbert Röttgen, a member of the German parliament, criticized the federal government's foreign policy towards Iran, calling it shameful for prioritizing meetings with regime officials…
The Death Toll from Thursday's Hamas Terrorist Attack in Jerusalem Rises to Four
A Hamas terrorist attack in Jerusalem has resulted in four fatalities, including a 37-year-old man who died from injuries sustained in the attack. The incident…