Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development
March 2017
Israeli Cabinet Approves Construction of New Settlement in West Bank
The Israeli cabinet has approved the construction of a new Jewish settlement in the West Bank, marking the first such approval in nearly two decades.…
UN: The Number of Syrian Refugees in the Region Exceeds 5 Million
The UN reports that the number of Syrian refugees has surpassed 5 million due to the ongoing civil war, which has now lasted longer than…
The UK Government Announces Bill to Replace EU Laws
The UK government has announced a comprehensive plan to repeal and replace EU laws following Brexit, aiming to ensure clarity and stability for British citizens.…
Arrest of Five Baha'i Citizens in Isfahan
Five Baha'i citizens were arrested in Isfahan, Iran, amid ongoing discrimination and repression against the Baha'i community. The arrests were confirmed by a Baha'i spokesperson,…
Merkel Rejects Key UK Demand Regarding Brexit
Angela Merkel has rejected a key demand from the UK regarding Brexit negotiations, stating that the UK cannot negotiate its exit and future relationship with…
Turkey Protests the Raising of the Kurdistan Region Flag on Government Buildings in Kirkuk
Turkey has protested the decision to raise the Kurdistan Region flag over government buildings in Kirkuk, warning against unilateral actions that could escalate tensions. The…
Germany Begins Investigation into Possible Turkish Espionage
Germany has launched an investigation into potential Turkish espionage against its citizens, following tensions between the two nations over canceled speeches by Turkish officials. Turkish…
Joint Presence of Israeli and Emirati Fighters in an Air Exercise
Israeli and Emirati fighter jets are participating in a joint military exercise in Greece, alongside the U.S. and Italy. This marks a significant step in…
Khaled Mashal Warns Israel About Changing the 'Rules of the Game'
Khaled Mashal of Hamas warned Israel about changing the rules of engagement following the assassination of Hamas leader Mazen al-Fuqaha. This incident has heightened tensions…
The U.S. and 40 Other Countries Will Not Participate in Nuclear Disarmament Talks
The U.S., along with about 40 other countries, will not participate in UN nuclear disarmament talks, citing concerns over the effectiveness of such negotiations. Nikki…
Senate Intelligence Committee Investigates Donald Trump's Son-in-Law in Russia Case
The Senate Intelligence Committee is set to interview Jared Kushner regarding his connections with Russian officials, particularly two meetings with the Russian ambassador and the…
Iran's Hajj Organization Office in Saudi Arabia to Reopen
Iran's Hajj Organization office in Saudi Arabia is set to reopen, allowing over 80,000 Iranian pilgrims to attend this year's Hajj. This development follows a…
UK Police Say Motives for London 'Terrorist Attack' Remain Unclear
The UK police are investigating the motives behind Khalid Masood's attack near Parliament, which resulted in four deaths. While Masood was identified as a lone…
UN Warns of Widespread Famine in Yemen
The UN has issued a warning about an impending famine in Yemen, with 60% of the population expected to face hunger. The situation has deteriorated…
Increase in Civilian Deaths Halts Mosul Operations
Iraqi security forces have halted operations to retake Mosul from ISIS due to a significant increase in civilian deaths, with reports ranging from dozens to…
Zolnoor: Rouhani Has No Chance of Winning Votes, People Should Vote for Someone Who Has Experienced Poverty
Mojtaba Zolnoor, a member of the Iranian Parliament, criticized President Rouhani's economic claims and suggested that the public should not vote for him in the…
Trump's Healthcare Plan Removed from Voting Agenda
Donald Trump's healthcare plan aimed at replacing Obamacare was removed from the House voting agenda due to insufficient support, facing unanimous opposition from Democrats and…
Four Chain Collisions in Iran; At Least One Dead and One Hundred Injured
On a single day in Iran, four chain collisions resulted in at least one death and nearly one hundred injuries, primarily due to severe weather…
Trump's Warning to Republicans: Universal Healthcare Plan to be Voted on Friday
Donald Trump has warned Republicans that they must vote on the alternative to Obamacare on Friday after a previous vote was postponed. Despite holding a…
United Nations: 400,000 People Trapped in Western Mosul
The UN reports that 400,000 civilians are trapped in western Mosul amid ongoing conflict between Iraqi forces and ISIS militants, facing severe shortages of food…
A Jewish Man in Israel Arrested for Threatening Jewish Centers in America
A 19-year-old Jewish man was arrested in Israel for making bomb threats to Jewish centers in the U.S. He is identified as a hacker and…
Construction of Dozens of Dams in Iran Halted Due to Climate Change
The Iranian Ministry of Energy has halted the construction of 50 dams due to climate change impacts, including increased water evaporation and decreased surface water.…
Tillerson: Defeating ISIS is the Top Priority for the U.S. in the Middle East
U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson emphasized that defeating ISIS is the top priority for the U.S. in the Middle East during a meeting with…
Associated Press: Former Trump Campaign Manager Worked for Russian Interests
Paul Manafort, former campaign manager for Donald Trump, allegedly worked with Russian billionaire Oleg Deripaska to promote Vladimir Putin's interests, contradicting previous claims that he…
Terrorist Incident Near British Parliament Leaves at Least Four Dead
A terrorist incident occurred near the British Parliament, resulting in at least four deaths and 20 injuries. The assailant attacked with a knife and ran…
UN: Syrian Government and Opponents to Participate in Geneva Peace Talks
The Syrian government and opposition groups have confirmed their participation in new peace talks in Geneva, aiming to address key issues such as governance and…
Mahdavi Azad: Khamenei has apparently accepted that the next president will be Hassan Rouhani
Ayatollah Khamenei denied interfering in elections but indicated he would oppose anyone challenging the people's vote. Analyst Mahdi Mahdavi Azad noted Khamenei's softer tone, suggesting…
Recent Acid Attack in Isfahan Involved Family Daughter as Perpetrator
A daughter in Isfahan has been identified as the perpetrator of an acid attack on her family, motivated by revenge. This incident highlights the unusual…
Yahya Al-Ishaq: 45 Million Iranians Are in Economic Hardship
Yahya Al-Ishaq, head of the Iran-Iraq Chamber of Commerce, reports that 45 million Iranians are facing economic hardship due to a significant decline in per…
Canadian Prime Minister Wishes Happy Nowruz
Justin Trudeau, the Prime Minister of Canada, extended Nowruz greetings to those celebrating the holiday, emphasizing cultural diversity and inclusivity. His message highlighted the significance…
Explosion in Baghdad Leaves at Least 23 Dead
A car bomb explosion in a Shiite neighborhood of Baghdad killed at least 23 people and injured 45 others amidst ongoing battles between Iraqi forces…
Minister of Economy: State-Owned Companies 'Available for Transfer' Will Be Transferred Within a Year
Iran's Minister of Economy announced that state-owned companies deemed 'available for transfer' will be privatized within a year, citing previous delays due to managerial opposition…
Support from German and Japanese Leaders for Free Trade Following Unprecedented G20 Statement
German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe have expressed their commitment to free trade following a G20 statement that avoided reaffirming such…
Invitation to Women to Register for Council Elections
The Reformist Women's Assembly is urging qualified women to register for upcoming council elections in Iran, emphasizing the importance of women's participation in governance. Mohammad…
Erdogan: Merkel Has Resorting to Nazi Tactics
Turkish President Erdogan has accused German Chancellor Merkel of using Nazi tactics to incite tensions between Germany and Turkey, particularly in the context of an…
Ali Larijani: Corruption in the Islamic Republic is not Systematic
Ali Larijani, the Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, claims that while corruption exists in Iran's administrative system, it is not systematic or organized. This statement…
Agreement Between the US and China to Strengthen Bilateral Relations
US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed to strengthen bilateral relations despite tensions over North Korea and trade. This meeting…
The Battle of Mosul Continues House by House
The battle for Mosul continues as Iraqi forces advance towards the symbolic Al-Nuri Mosque, where ISIS declared its caliphate. Despite slow progress due to civilian…
Arrest of Two Football Referees in Bushehr on Suspicion of Hijacking
Two football referees were arrested at Bushehr Airport due to their referee headsets being mistaken for hijacking equipment. They were detained for several hours before…
Four Family Members in Shahreza Victims of Acid Attack
A family of four in Shahreza, Iran, was attacked with acid, resulting in severe injuries to the father, mother, and son, while the daughter suffered…
42 Killed in Attack by Helicopter and Military Vessel on Somali Refugee Boat
An attack by an Apache helicopter and military vessel on a boat carrying Somali refugees off the coast of Yemen resulted in at least 42…
Central Bank Announces Completion of 'Second List of Major Bank Debtors'
The Central Bank of Iran has prepared a second list of 50 major bank debtors to be submitted to the judiciary amidst rising overdue debts…
Dozens of Human Rights Organizations Call for Extension of UN Special Rapporteur's Mandate on Human Rights in Iran
41 human rights organizations are urging the UN Human Rights Council to extend the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on human rights in Iran, highlighting…
Trump: We Will Take Immigration Order Case to Supreme Court if Necessary
President Trump criticized a Hawaii court ruling that temporarily blocks his new immigration order, claiming it undermines America's strength. He vowed to continue fighting for…
Member of Parliament Reports on 'Strange Lobbying' by Municipality to Reject Investigation Proposal
Fatemeh Saidi, a Tehran MP, reported heavy lobbying by the Tehran Municipality to reject an investigation proposal into its activities, citing pressure and absences among…
Retired Population or Unemployed?
The report from the Central Bank of Iran reveals that over 26% of urban households had no employed individuals in 2015, raising questions about unemployment…
House of Lords Supports Start of Brexit Negotiations
The UK House of Lords has approved a bill allowing Prime Minister Theresa May to begin Brexit negotiations, removing the last legislative hurdle. This decision…
Escalating Tensions Between Ankara and Amsterdam; 'Dutch Ambassador Not Allowed to Return to Turkey'
Tensions have escalated between Turkey and the Netherlands after the Dutch government prevented Turkish ministers from conducting election activities. Turkey has suspended political talks and…
Iraqi General: We Have Recaptured 30 Percent of West Mosul
Iraqi forces have recaptured 30% of western Mosul from ISIS, with signs of weakening resistance from the militants. General Ma'in al-Saadi expects the retaking of…
Turkish Prime Minister: We Will Respond Firmly to the Netherlands
Tensions between Turkey and the Netherlands escalated after the Dutch government prevented the landing of Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu's plane. Turkish officials, including Prime…
What Kind of Aircraft is Iran Air's Airbus 330?
Iran Air received its second Airbus 330, enhancing its fleet with modern aircraft capable of long-haul flights. The Airbus 330 can carry up to 300…
Federal Prosecutor of New York Says He Was 'Fired' by the President of the United States
Preet Bharara, the federal prosecutor of New York, announced he was fired by President Trump after refusing to resign. Bharara is known for high-profile cases,…
Governor of South Khorasan: I apologize if religious people were upset
Ali Akbar Parvizi, the governor of South Khorasan, apologized for remarks about dancing that upset religious leaders, who protested his retention in office. His comments…
Fines for Hunting Iranian Leopards Increased 16 Times
The Iranian government has increased the hunting fine for Iranian leopards from 5 million to 80 million tomans, coinciding with a significant decrease in leopard…
235,000 New Job Opportunities Created in the U.S.; Likelihood of Interest Rate Hike Strengthens
The U.S. created 235,000 new jobs in February, leading to a decrease in the unemployment rate and likely prompting the Federal Reserve to raise interest…
Two Women Victims of Acid Attack in Mahshahr Port
Two women were victims of an acid attack in Mahshahr, with one reportedly pregnant. The police have initiated extensive efforts to identify and apprehend the…
South Korea's Constitutional Court Dismisses President Park Geun-hye
South Korea's Constitutional Court has officially dismissed President Park Geun-hye following a parliamentary impeachment due to a political and economic scandal. This marks a significant…
German Police: Seven Injured in Axe Attack on Passengers at Train Station
A 36-year-old man from Yugoslavia was arrested for an axe attack at a Düsseldorf train station, injuring seven people. The police are investigating the incident…
An Official from the Forest Organization: Nearly Two Million Hectares of Oak Forests Have Dried Up
An official has reported that mismanagement of water resources has led to the drying up of 1.8 million hectares of oak forests in Iran. This…
Housing, Income, and Iranian Households
The article analyzes housing statistics in Iran from 2007 to 2015, revealing that urban homes are generally larger than rural ones, contradicting common perceptions. It…
Guardian Council Rejects Salary Cap for Managers Again
The Guardian Council has rejected the Iranian parliament's salary cap for managers set at 24 million tomans, citing concerns over potential brain drain and administrative…
IRGC Official Warns of Consequences Following Recent US Navy Encounter in Strait of Hormuz
An IRGC official warned of severe consequences following a US Navy ship's encounter with Iranian fast boats in the Strait of Hormuz. The US claims…
Ahmadinejad's Response to Rouhani: I Did Not Hand Over Empty Warehouses
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has publicly refuted accusations from Hassan Rouhani regarding the alleged emptiness of essential goods warehouses at the end of his presidency. Ahmadinejad claims…
Why Doesn't the Unemployment Rate Decrease?
Es'hagh Jahangiri highlights the persistent unemployment issue in Iran, noting that while the economy can create 600,000 jobs, over a million job seekers enter the…
Tourism Deputy: We Have Received Reports of Mistreatment of Iranian Travelers at the Turkish Border
Reports of mistreatment of Iranian travelers at the Turkish border have surfaced, prompting official protests from Iran. The situation highlights ongoing security concerns in Turkey…
Cultural Heritage Organization Confirms Burial of 'Unknown Martyrs' in the Ancient Site of Pasargadae
Iran's Cultural Heritage Organization has confirmed the burial of two unknown martyrs in the second-degree buffer zone of Pasargadae, near the tomb of Cyrus. This…
Trump: Obama Wiretapped My Phones During the 2016 Election Campaign
Donald Trump accused Barack Obama of wiretapping his phones during the 2016 election campaign without providing evidence. This claim has sparked controversy and echoes the…
Ahmad Khatami: A Secret Committee is Reviewing Candidates for the Future Leader
Ahmad Khatami announced the formation of a secret committee within the Assembly of Experts to review candidates for the future leader of Iran, with only…
One of the Largest Drug Traffickers and Death Row Inmate Released on Bail
Ali Moidi announced the release on bail of Basq, a major drug trafficker sentenced to death, raising concerns about the effectiveness of Iran's drug laws.…
Kremlin: The Controversy Surrounding the U.S. Attorney General Harms Washington-Moscow Relations
The Kremlin has warned that the controversy surrounding U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions' meetings with the Russian ambassador could harm U.S.-Russia relations. Sessions, who has…
ECO Summit Emphasizes the Need to Combat Terrorism and Expand Economic Cooperation
The 13th ECO summit in Islamabad focused on combating terrorism and enhancing economic cooperation among member states, including Iran, Turkey, and Pakistan. The summit resulted…