TRA hosts Arab Internet Governance Forum

"Internet governance is critical to enabling the broader ICT development of the region," said Mohamed Nasser Al Ghanim, Director General of the TRA.

"The TRA hosts this seminal event to highlight the priorities of the region and promote dialogue and cooperation between different sectors and institutions responsible for the management of Internet resources. This meeting is in line with our efforts to enhance the development of the Internet and protect the interests of end-users and operators."

The meeting comes on the heels of the rapid growth in internet use across the Arab region, and amongst larger questions about the direction and role of internet governance. 150 participants will join in the forum, representing public and private sector entities, as well as academic institutions from across the Arab world.

This meeting aims to facilitate a platform to discuss issues related to regional internet policy, and aims to promote the principle of participation and cooperation among all parties concerned to achieve common goals. The meeting will discuss the implementation of ICANN in the Middle East, implementation of a regional domain name, and strategies to increase capacity for an expanding market.

The forum will be followed by the 12th edition of the Middle East Network Operating Group and the Middle East Forum for Internet Exchange, organized by the regional register of the Internet in Europe and the Middle East (RIPE NCC) from March 6th to 7th, 2013 in Dubai.