TRA to promote .ae domain name

Abu Dhabi, Aug 3, 2008 (WAM) - The UAE Telecommunications Regulatory
Authority (TRA) will start the registration and licensing process for the domain name .ae, said a top official of the authority.

This is in wake of internet's new-found-marketing value and potential that's running into billions of dollars globally. Internet advertising is expected to reach an annual figure of $120.3 billion world-wide by 2012 according to a report in 'Emirates Business 24/7.'

Last year, the TRA successfully launched the Domain Administrator (.aeDA) to manage the .ae domain.

Mohammed Nasser Al Ghanim, TRA Board Member & Director-General, said: "The TRA has endorsed the .aeDA to manage the .ae domain name on behalf of all domain name owners and internet users, both in the country and worldwide.”Domain name retailers (registrars) and end users will have access to all relevant industry information in an easy-to-read and simple-to-understand format. We aim to promote the Domain Name Registry System's framework, highlight the different members, and promote the use of the .ae domain name."

A team consisting of engineers and technicians of the TRA will manage the technical services and ensure the application of regulatory frameworks and procedures for the registration of domain names. They will provide the necessary licences for providers of domain names in and outside the UAE in order to develop, encourage and promote the use of the domain name .ae.

Mohammed Al Khamis, the authority's Manager, Planning, said: "The .aeDA will be responsible for setting up and enforcing all policies and regulations, as well as overseeing the operation of the registry system. The .aeDA's role is to grow, develop and market the name, accredit and manage the registrars and educate the public. It will also deliver and promote the domain name, and represent .ae at international forums."


Al Ghanim said: "The TRA aims to promote the .ae name and meet high
international standards through a system that we have developed specially and exclusively for this purpose."

Al Khamis added: "Managing the websites using the domain name will take place through controlling and executing all the policies related to operating the higher-level domain for the country's .ae internet signature."

Additional details and information about the .ae Domain Name Registry System are available on the website: http://www.aeda.ae.