Dubai eGovernment applies to ICANN for dotDubai geographic top level domain

Press release

Published June 17th, 2012 - 06:32 GMT

H.E. Ahmed Bin Humaidan, Director General of Dubai eGovernment

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) recently announced the list of candidates for obtaining the new top level domains including the successful application of Dubai eGovernment for the dotDubai top level geographic domain.

Around 1900 organizations applied to ICANN, the US-based global organization responsible for assigning various top level domains, including Dubai eGovernment which applied to obtain the dotDubai top level geographic domain as part of the Department’s ongoing endeavour to promote Dubai through the creation of an online brand identity to reinforce Dubai’s position as a leading global hub for business, knowledge-based economy and socio-culture.

Dubai eGovernment (DeG) applied to ICANN for the dotDubai top level geographic domain by demonstrating its operational, technical and financial capabilities and intends to provide further registration of dotDubai domain names to all Dubai government entities and businesses, non-profit organizations, NGO’s and associations registered in Dubai or at any of the Dubai Free Zones.

Commenting on this, H.E. Ahmed Bin Humaidan, Director-General, Dubai eGovernment said: “This step comes in line with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, for reinforcing Dubai’s authentic identity and global position as a leading economic hub. Obtaining dotDubai top level geographic domain will open new windows for those interested in obtaining exclusive information on Dubai and will enable them locally and globally to get fast access to the rich and diverse content of Dubai government and private websites in addition to rich and comprehensive information on all aspects of life in the emirate. It will also familiarize visitors and investors with the facilities and benefits provided by Dubai in preparation for their arrival in Dubai.”

Bin Humaidan added: “DeG intends to utilize leading edge modern technology infrastructure coupled with effective and efficient processes in operating the dotDubai top level geographic domain. In addition to our partner at Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA), DeG is in the process of forming strategic partnerships and alliances with local and international bodies to adopt best practices and formulate policies for allocating and administering dotDubai domain names to ensure fair, transparent and equitable operating processes and procedures.”

DeG strives to achieve a globally competitive knowledge-based economy through the smart use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) including the Internet, Bin Humaidan said, noting that this domain would contribute to regionally and globally promoting Dubai from the economic, tourist and cultural viewpoints in a more effective manner by enhancing online accessibility to Dubai.

Following the completed procedures of obtaining dotDubai top level geographic domain, all government entities and Dubai-registered organizations would be eligible to obtain the new domain name, which would match or be closely related to the name of each entity or organization or the services provided by it. This authoritative online space would provide the organizations with a clear and reliable channel for conveying information and engage in eCommerce. It would also introduce them as Dubai-registered authorized official organizations.

Operating the dotDubai top level geographic domain as an authoritative online space for promoting Dubai is among the priorities of DeG’s current responsibilities based on its vision of improving the lives of people and businesses through employing multiple information and communication technology channels to provide services to those who live and trade in Dubai in co-ordination and integration with all government entities that come under the government umbrella in Dubai.

Meanwhile ICANN has introduced the new top level domains to promote competition in the domain name market while ensuring Internet security and stability. It allows any established public or private organization to apply to create and operate new top level domains provided they demonstrate the operational, technical and financial capability to run the registry and comply with all ICANN regulations.