The top-level domain (TLD) “.ARAB” has been proposed and approved by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), which oversees the domain name system. TLDs are the highest level of domain names in the Internet’s DNS hierarchy, and they appear after the last dot in a domain name.
“.ARAB” is expected to provide a virtual space for the Arabic community online and reinforce the cultural bonds between the Arab nations. This initiative is driven by the necessity for an Arabic digital identity, aiming to enhance internet usage to ensure greater online presence for the Arabic language and culture.
In ICANN’s “New gTLD Program”, a process enabling the introduction of new TLDs to the Internet’s addressing system, the “.ARAB” was approved. This program saw a massive expansion of the domain name system, from just 22 generic TLDs like .com and .org to more than 1,200 new choices. “.ARAB” was one of these newly introduced domains (Source: ICANN).
The proposal for “.ARAB” was submitted by the League of Arab States, an organization that promotes political, economic, cultural, and social programs designed to promote the interests of its 22-member Arab countries. The application procedure was a complex process, involving extensive reviews for security, technical, financial, and operational criteria. The “.ARAB” domain was formally delegated to the League of Arab States on 29 March 2016 (Source: ICANN).
“.ARAB” is a community-based domain, intended to serve the needs of the global Arab community. It’s anticipated to be used by individuals, businesses, and organizations that either identify as a part of the Arab community or wish to reach it. For instance, a business providing Arabic language classes or Arab cuisine recipes might use a “.ARAB” domain to emphasize their focus on this demographic and cultivate an immediate sense of community with site visitors. Official government websites of Arab nations could also utilize “.ARAB” to underline their cultural ties and solidarity with each other (Source: League of Arab States).
In selecting a “.ARAB” domain, entities can identify their site’s content with Arab culture, thereby encouraging the growth and maintenance of the Arabic language on the Internet. Such community TLDs foster better online representation and inclusivity. However, it’s important to note that while a “.ARAB” domain indicates a focus on Arab culture or language, it does not necessarily guarantee that the site is based in an Arab country or controlled by an Arab entity, much like how “.com” does not ensure a commercial organization.
In conclusion, the “.ARAB” TLD, proposed by the League of Arab States, and approved and delegated by ICANN, is geared to enhance an Arabic digital identity, reflecting a welcome step towards better online representation of diverse languages and cultures.
