.shabaka domain names are now available for purchase by the general public. Interested registrants are encouraged to act quickly to secure the best domain names.
Arabic-speaking Internet users around the world now have access to a new corner of the Internet completely dedicated to their native language following the official general public launch this week of .shabaka, the world's first Arabic cross-border Top-Level Domain.
On Tuesday 4 February, dotShabaka Registry - the Dubai-based company behind .shabaka - officially opened the namespace for public registrations to allow anyone to register their domain name on a first-come first-served basis.
The landmark occasion signifies the evolution of the Internet landscape; now offering Arabic Internet users the ability to have an end-to-end online experience completely in their native language.
.shabaka (written in Arabic and translates to .web in English) provides Arabic-speaking Internet users with an alternative to non-Arabic Internet namespaces such as .com, .net and .org. It's part of a revolutionary program being rolled out by the global regulator of web addresses to introduce greater domain name choice and availability online.
dotShabaka Registry said they are expecting strong interest from individuals and businesses within the Arabic community. "There is no better way for businesses to demonstrate their affiliation with the Arabic language online than by registering a .shabaka domain name," Yasmin Omer, General Manager of dotShabaka Registry said.
"This is the first time anyone can register a domain name, create a website and begin producing online content completely in our native language. This marks a monumental achievement for the Arabic-speaking online community," Ms Omer said.
More than 250 registrants have already secured their domain names during the special early registration process held over the past month specifically for trademark holders and other highly interested registrants.
Some of the biggest brands in the world secured their .shabaka domain names during this period, including the likes of Google, Montblanc, Rolex and Piaget. Etisalat, the largest telecom operator in the Middle East and North Africa, also activated their .shabaka domain name and was the first company to launch a website live under the new namespace.
"Our early promotional activity and initial registrations have demonstrated the vast number of proud Arabic businesses and individuals who have been waiting for the chance to accurately represent their brand online in their native language," Ms Omer said.
One of the goals of .shabaka is to empower the Arabic language on the Internet. Ms Omer said .shabaka domain name owners will get more than just a web address; they're signing up for a cause, and becoming part of the movement to empower the Arabic language online.
"dotShabaka Registry's vision is to build an Internet that facilitates end-to-end communication and collaboration for every user utilizing only their native tongue," Ms Omer said. "Through .shabaka we are campaigning for a truly Arabic Internet experience and we encourage businesses and individuals to join us in this fight for our language online."
The public launch of .shabaka marks a milestone and makes it the first of around 1400 new Top-Level Domains to officially enter into general availability.
.shabaka domain names can only be registered via officially accredited retailers. A list of all the accredited .shabaka domain name retailers can be found here: www.dotshabaka.com