Deputy Minister Urges Efforts to Boost Iran’s Share of Global Flower Market
The deputy head of planning and economy in the Ministry of Agriculture, referring to Iran’s capacity in the global flower market, said Iran’s share in the stated market, which is estimated to be worth about US$20 billion per year, is very low and the gap indicates the need for targeted planning and intelligent investment in the field.
“Approximately 75.4 million potted flowers, 1.6 billion cut flowers, and 450 million ornamental shrub branches are produced annually in Iran. Roses, chrysanthemums, and native narcissus are the three flowers with the largest cultivation and production area in the cut flower sector,” Akbar Fathi said, as reported by IRNA.
“Iran is the fifth largest producer of flowers and ornamental plants in Asia and the seventeenth in the world, and with existing capacities and strengthened exports, it can achieve a much higher position.”
Fathi underlined that in the agricultural sector, the field of ornamental and cut flowers, in addition to its cultural and aesthetic role, is considered one of Iran’s comparative advantages in the export of agricultural products from an economic perspective, and can play a significant role in generating foreign exchange within the country’s non-oil export basket.
“Iran, with its unparalleled climatic diversity, favorable solar radiation in most parts of the country, access to skilled human resources, and the historical artistic talent and passion of its people in floriculture, has the potential to become one of the hubs for flower production in the region and even the world,” he said.
“By providing logistical infrastructure such as specialized flower export terminals, facilitating permit issuance, reducing transportation costs, and easing access to target markets (especially the Persian Gulf, Central Asia, and Europe), conditions can be created for domestic producers to compete in global markets.”
The deputy minister expressed optimism that by relying on scientific capacities, young and creative human capital, and targeted government support for the private sector, Iran can achieve a worthy position in the global flower and plant trade, and the industry can become one of the important drivers of foreign exchange earnings and sustainable employment across the country. - Iran Daily
11/06/2025
Iran Seizes 4 Tankers Smuggling Fuel
Iran’s naval forces have successfully intercepted and seized four tankers transporting thousands of liters of smuggled fuel in the Persian Gulf.
Ebrahim Taheri, the prosecutor of Minab County in Hormozgan Province, said in a statement on Tuesday that naval patrol officers, supported by a marine commando unit, carried out the operation.
During the operation, they discovered and confiscated thousands of liters of fuel stored in the vessels and accompanying large fuel containers, he said.
The vessels have since been handed over to the National Iranian Oil Products Distribution Company (NIOPDC).
This operation follows a similar incident on March 31, when the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy seized two foreign tankers carrying over three million liters of smuggled diesel fuel. All 25 crew members aboard those vessels were arrested.
Iran, known for some of the world’s lowest fuel prices due to heavy subsidies, and at the same time, sharp price disparities with neighboring countries, continues to battle widespread fuel smuggling both by land and sea. - Press TV
11/06/2025
Turkish Firm to Double Electricity Interconnector Capacity to Iraq
Iraq's Minister of Electricity, Ziyad Ali Fadel, has overseen the signing of a new contract with Turkish company Alifrin to double the capacity of the Iraq-Turkey electricity interconnection line from 300 to 600 megawatts.
Under the agreement, the first phase will see the supply of 300 MW via the Jazira-Kesk 400kV line in Nineveh province, with full capacity expected within a month. The Ministry has already completed all required technical preparations, including stations and transmission lines.
The project will directly enhance electricity supply to northern regions and provides strategic benefits by linking Iraq's grid with the European energy network, of which Turkey is a key member.
Importantly, the agreement adopts a "Take and Pay" model, meaning Iraq will pay only for consumed power-offering financial flexibility and avoiding waste.
This initiative is part of the Ministry's broader strategy to diversify energy sources and reduce dependency on a single supply channel, while strengthening cooperation with neighbouring countries and the EU.
11/06/2025
Marhaba & Prime Health Partner for Services to Medical Tourists Arriving in Dubai
Marhaba, part of dnata and a leading global airport hospitality brand, has partnered with Prime Health to provide premium travel services for passengers arriving in Dubai for medical treatment. Driven by a commitment to patient well-being, the partnership ensures a smooth and stress-free travel experience that complements the quality of care provided by Prime Health, a statement said.
Marhaba will provide its full airport hospitality offering to support medical travellers, including its signature Meet & Greet, Chauffeur and Lounge services. In addition, its recently announced Check-in Anywhere and Land & Leave solutions will further enhance the journey, enabling a smooth, hands-free experience from arrival to departure.
Jaffar Dawood, dnata’s Divisional Senior Vice President - UAE Airport Operations, said: “We are pleased to partner with Prime Health to further enhance the medical tourism experience in Dubai. With marhaba’s personalised service and Arabian hospitality, twinned with Dubai’s world-class infrastructure, we ensure medical travellers feel looked after from the moment they land. This partnership reflects our shared focus on care, comfort and service excellence.”
Dr Jamil Ahmed, Founder and Managing Director, Prime Health, said: “At Prime Health, we believe exceptional care starts well before a patient enters the hospital. Our partnership with marhaba ensures international patients receive a warm, stress-free welcome the moment they land. By combining world-class hospitality with trusted medical expertise, we are redefining the healthcare journey — making it as seamless and supportive as possible from arrival to recovery.”
Dubai welcomed over 691,000 people for medical treatments in 2023, with spending on healthcare services exceeding AED1.03 billion (~US$280 million). The emirate is rapidly positioning itself as a leading global destination for medical tourism, combining advanced healthcare with world-class luxury and personalised care.
According to Prime Health, international patient flows to Dubai have grown across diverse medical specialisms, with dentistry, dermatology, cardiology, and fertility treatments leading demand. Medical tourists increasingly seek Dubai's orthopaedic treatments, particularly joint replacement surgeries, and the city’s range of the latest cosmetic treatments also remain popular with visitors.
As part of its growing network, Prime Health also operates medical centres within terminals one and three at Dubai International airport (DXB), providing convenient access to high-quality care for travellers.
Marhaba, which means ‘welcome’ in Arabic, was launched in the UAE to help passengers arriving in or departing from Dubai International airport. The popularity of meet & greet services has grown exponentially in line with Dubai’s growth as a major international travel hub, and marhaba has continually expanded its product offering with a growing list of services and extra options designed to make the passenger airport experience as comfortable as possible.
The marhaba brand is part of dnata, one of the world’s largest air services providers. A trusted partner of over 300 airline customers, dnata offers ground handling, cargo, travel catering & retail services in over 30 countries across six continents.
11/06/2025