Abu Dhabi launches new internet domain name to promote emirate around the world

New online address will support the capital's digital growth in the region and beyond

Abu Dhabi has launched an internet domain name to promote the capital around the world. The National

Abu Dhabi has launched an internet domain name to promote the capital on the international stage.

Authorities say the new online address – .abudhabi – will boost the emirate's digital presence in key sectors such as tourism, culture and the economy.

The move is aimed at accelerating the emirate's drive to deliver an increasing number of its services online.

The domain name will be accessible to all citizens, residents and employers working in and outside Abu Dhabi.

It will help to represent the Abu Dhabi brand at events, festivals and fairs hosted annually by the capital.

“We are very pleased with our adoption of the “.abudhabi” domain, which highlights the fact that the Emirate of Abu Dhabi is proceeding with confidence and speed in the process of digital transformation," said Dr Mohamed Al Askar, director general of Abu Dhabi Digital Authority.

Dr Al Askar said the new domain name would help to shape the digital future of the capital.

“This initiative contributes to elevating the UAE’s Global Innovation Index status and promotes Abu Dhabi in the tourist, cultural and economic arenas through this distinctive domain name, an attractive factor for companies interested in business opportunities and local and international events and fairs hosted annually by Abu Dhabi," Dr Al Askar said.

To date, more than 550 names have been successfully registered to the “.abudhabi” domain, with the number growing daily.

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Dr Al Askar called on all companies in Abu Dhabi to register and reserve their domain names to help establish a strong digital identity for Abu Dhabi.

“.abudhabi” is now considered to be the official internet domain name of Abu Dhabi.

For more information on reserving a domain name, visit www.nic.abudhabi.

An internet domain name is the name of a website entered into a browser to access the website. It replaces the full IP address for easy access to sites. It includes the domain name extension, which is usually added after the actual website name, such as '.com' or 'edu'.

Abu Dhabi pressing ahead with digital switch

Abu Dhabi has been laying the groundwork for a smooth transition to digital platforms in recent years.

The Higher Committee of the Digital Government was formed in March 2020 to help emphasise the importance of a successful online strategy across the emirate.

Sheikh Khalid bin Mohamed bin Zayed, chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Office, said at the time that officials were working hard to secure the capital's reputation as a leading regional and international centre for digital development.

The importance of having a strong and reliable digital framework was made clear in the early months of the coronavirus outbreak.

Not only did schools successfully transfer to remote learning, but many government services switched online when safety measures limited face-to-face interaction.