Abu Dhabi now has its own web address in English (.abudhabi), and Arabic (.أبوظبي).
The addresses are expected to improve online business, draw attention to the emirate. They will “represent the Emirate’s digital identity in the virtual world” reported state-news agency, WAM.
"The launch of Abu Dhabi domain name enhances Abu Dhabi and the UAE’s distinguished position, as well as the economic activity and e-presence of registered entities in the UAE,” said a statement by Hamad Al Mansoori, the TRA director general.
The address is the result of an agreement between Abu Dhabi’s Smart Solutions and Services Authority (ADSSSA), the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) and Etisalat.
Final approval for .abudhabi and .dubai web addresses was sought from Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (Icann) in February, 2014 .
It is not yet known which organisation will authorise purchases of the web addresses with the capital’s suffix, and whether it will be made available to government departments, private companies or individuals.
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Mr Al Mansoori said the partnership would “raise the nation’s global innovation index” and “promote Abu Dhabi in touristic, cultural and economic fields”.
The agreement will “enrich Abu Dhabi’s technological systems”, said Dr Rauda Al Saadi, director general of the smart solutions authority.
A year ago, Dubai released its own typeface, the Dubai Font which combines Latin and Arabic texts, to mixed reactions from international media.
Like the Abu Dhabi web address, it was about fostering a new digital identity. It was Microsoft’s first typeface to be created for a city.
