Dubai eGovernment has applied to the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) for the dotDubai geographic top level domain (TLD).

Around 1900 organisations applied to ICANN, the US-based global organisation responsible for assigning various top level domains.

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 organisations, NGO’s and associations registered in Dubai or at any of the Dubai Free Zones.

Ahmed Bin Humaidan, director-general, Dubai eGovernment said: “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 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 organisations would be eligible to obtain the new domain name, which would match or be closely related to the name of each entity or organisation or the services provided by it.

This authoritative online space would provide the organisations with a clear and reliable channel for conveying information and engage in eCommerce. It would also introduce them as Dubai-registered authorized official organisations.

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.

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. – TradeArabia News Service