The top-level domain (TLD) XN—FHBEI corresponds to the Punycode representation of an Internationalized Domain Name (IDN). Punycode is an encoding scheme used for converting Unicode/UTF string of characters into ASCII, which is compatible with the Domain Name System (DNS). The ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) introduced the IDN scheme to facilitate the use of names in the locally preferred, non-Latin script on the Internet.
XN—FHBEI corresponds to the Arabic TLD “موقع.”, which translates to “.site”. “موقع.” is one of the numerous TLDs introduced in recent years under ICANN’s new gTLD (generic top-level domain) Program. This program significantly expanded the web’s domain name system by introducing many new TLDs besides the conventional ones (.com, .org, .net, etc.). It allows for more language scripts and provides new opportunities for businesses, communities, and individuals across the globe, thereby making the internet more global and accessible.
“موقع.” is Shared by Khalil, M.,Duarte, C., and Falchi, S. (2019) in their research called “Cybersecurity challenges in the uptake of ICANN’s new domain name system: an institutional theory perspective”, published in Information Technology & People. It’s designed to facilitate web presence for businesses, individuals, and communities that function in the Arabic-speaking world. By using “موقع.”, businesses can operate under a domain name in their local language, which benefits them by providing proximity to their targeted audience and embodying a local essence in their web presence.
Hence, XN—FHBEI can allow people who want to create a ‘site’ in Arabic to stay true to their language. It provides an opportunity for Arabic content creators to have a direct connection with their audience, facilitating multicultural and multilingual diversity on the internet. In other words, XN—FHBEI or “موقع.” shows the dedicated approach of ICANN towards an open and wider Internet namespace, respecting language preferences, and embracing cultural diversity.
As the internet expands its reach globally, multilingual TLDs like XN—FHBEI indicate a significant shift in accommodating not only English-speaking users, but those who communicate in various world languages. This is seen as a crucial part of making the Internet more inclusive and accessible to all, as highlighted in the World Report on Internationalised Domain Names by EURid and UNESCO (2014), with the support of Verisign.
In conclusion, XN—FHBEI is an Arabic TLD meaning “.site”, which is a result of the ICANN’s new gTLD Program. This TLD embraces the ubiquity of the internet, respecting language preferences, and embracing cultural diversity. It exemplifies the internet’s evolution towards an inclusive, multilingual cyberspace, promoting global participation in the digital world.
