November 2024 - Middle-East

"New gTLD Applicant Support Program for Diversity in the DNS Industry" statement
by Amin Hacha Nov. 28, 2024

Nov. 28, 2024

Dear friends and colleagues, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to each of you who participated in our ME Space session, whether in person or online, during ICANN81 in Istanbul. The positive outcomes we achieved would not have been possible without your invaluable support and contributions. As you know, we requested your input on the draft statement concerning the "New gTLD Applicant Support Program for Diversity in the DNS Industry" a week before the start of ICANN81. Following our engaging discussions of the draft during the ME Space session, we provided a two-week window for additional feedback or comments on the draft to ensure that every voice was heard. For that, attached to this email, you will find the final version of the statement that we are preparing to publish online and present to the ICANN board members. We want to extend our sincere appreciation to the working group members who assisted in crafting this statement. Thank you once again for your continued support. Together, let's keep pushing forward for positive work. Regards, ME Space Co-chairs, Amin and Layal

1 0

ICANN Opens New gTLD Registry Service Provider Evaluation Program
by Fahd Batayneh Nov. 22, 2024

Nov. 22, 2024

https://www.icann.org/en/announcements/details/icann-opens-new-gtld-registr… Today, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) opened the Registry Service Provider (RSP) Evaluation Program for the New Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLD) Program: Next Round. The RSP Evaluation Program was created to streamline the evaluation of gTLD applications by separating the evaluation of the technical aspects of operating the gTLD from the application for the name. RSPs provide critical back-end services on behalf of the gTLD registry operator. These services include operating Domain Name System (DNS) services, performing the cryptographic operations required of DNS Security Extensions, and providing registration data via the Registration Data Access Protocol, among others. The RSP Evaluation Program ensures that RSPs have the proper technical qualifications to run a gTLD back end. RSPs need only be evaluated once through the program, regardless of the number of services they provide or the number of gTLDs they support. All gTLD applicants must use RSPs that have been successfully evaluated through the program. In some cases, the RSP may be the same entity as the prospective applicant; in other cases, the gTLD may outsource services to a third party. There are two distinct periods during which RSPs may be evaluated: 19 November 2024 to 20 May 2025, and again during the New gTLD Program: Next Round application window, which is expected to open in April 2026 for 12–15 weeks. RSPs that choose to be evaluated in this first phase and successfully complete the process will be listed on the RSP Evaluation Program webpage. This timing will allow new gTLD applicants to enter into discussions with evaluated RSPs before the gTLD application window opens in April 2026. The RSP Evaluation Program, like the New gTLD Program: Next Round, is operated on a cost-recovery basis by those seeking evaluation. This approach involves potentially lowering the final RSP evaluation fee based on the number of applicants received by 20 May 2025, the end of the first evaluation phase. Based on a conservative estimate of how many RSP applications will be received, the evaluation fee is set at a maximum of US$92,000, due at the time of application. ICANN may issue refunds if it receives more applications than were projected. If you are seeking comprehensive information related to the RSP Evaluation Program, the RSP Handbook along with instructions for accessing the RSP Portal can be found on the program webpage.

1 0

ICANN Opens Application Period for New gTLD Applicant Support Program
by Fahd Batayneh Nov. 20, 2024

Nov. 20, 2024

https://www.icann.org/en/announcements/details/icann-opens-application-peri… Today, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) opened the application submission period for the Applicant Support Program (ASP), part of the New Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLD) Program: Next Round. The ASP provides financial and nonfinancial assistance to qualified, eligible entities who plan to apply for a new gTLD. ICANN developed the ASP to make the New gTLD Program accessible to organizations that may want to apply for a new gTLD but are unable to do so because of financial and other resource constraints. The ASP provides a range of assistance, including access to volunteer professional services, training, and other resources, and reductions in gTLD evaluation fees. Nonprofits, nongovernmental, and charitable organizations; intergovernmental organizations; indigenous and tribal peoples’ organizations; and small businesses that operate as social enterprises or which operate in a less-developed economy are eligible to apply for support. Applications will be evaluated based on financial need; financial viability; and eligible entity status, among other criteria. A complete guide to the ASP application and evaluation process is available in the ASP Handbook. The ASP website provides resources to prepare potential applicants for the support evaluation process. These materials include the ASP Quick Start Guide, which provides links to two critical resources: the ASP Applicant Checklist and the ASP Application System Applicant User Guide. The checklist offers a summary of the information required as part of the ASP application. The ASP Application System Applicant User Guide is a technical aid to lead the applicant through the online application system. It is important for potential applicants to consider both the risks and rewards of operating a registry in the long term, which requires significant operational, technical, and financial resources – beyond what is covered by the ASP portfolio of support. Therefore, an award of support does not guarantee a successful application for a gTLD because all new gTLD applicants must pass the required evaluations. More information about applying for a gTLD is available on the Next Round website. The ASP application submission period is open today, for 12 months, through 19 November 2025. Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early to take full advantage of the capacity development materials and pro bono services to inform a strong gTLD application in April 2026. If you are interested to learn more about this opportunity, please visit the ASP website for more information. Questions about applying for the ASP or New gTLD Program: Next Round, can be sent to globalsupport(a)icann.org.

1 0

[Reminder] MEAC School on Internet Governance 2025 - Call for Applications
by Fahd Batayneh Nov. 17, 2024

Nov. 17, 2024

Dear All, The Middle East and Adjoining Countries School on Internet Governance (MEAC-SIG) 2025 is offering a five-day in-person intensive program covering fundamental Internet governance issues. Where: Cairo, Egypt When: Week 2 or Week 3 of February 2025 The program integrates the political, legal, economic, sociocultural, and technological dimensions of Internet governance into a coherent curriculum, focusing on regional imperatives critical to the Middle East. Structurally, the program provides a pragmatic mix of theoretical foundations, presentation skills, practical participant engagement skills, and interactive activities. The MEAC-SIG faculty includes experts from academia, the technical community, civil society, governments, and the private sector with experience in the field of Internet governance. We invite academicians, representatives of civil society, government and the public sector, the technical community, and the private sector from the Middle East and Adjoining Countries (MEAC) (22 Arab States, Republic of Türkiye, Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan) to participate in this unique program. Requirements for application: Applicants must be a nationality of the MEAC region and/or currently residing in the MEAC region; Applicant has not attended any SIGs previously; It is mandatory for applicants to attend all five days of the in-person program; and Applicants must fill out the below application form in its entirety. Incomplete applications will not be considered. There is no cost to attend the MEAC-SIG 2025. The application period will be open from Friday 8 November 2024 until Friday 22 November, 2024 23:59 UTC. In selecting successful candidates, the organizers will ensure criteria such as gender balance, geographic balance, and academic research in the field of Internet governance are considered. More information about MEAC-SIG 2025 will be available at https://meacsig.org/. Application Form >> https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdRymOxSgwzKaiNIqZLL-IPdEPb-uvVg0Y… Thank you, Fahd Batayneh ICANN

1 0

MENOG'24 | Muscat, Oman | 1-5 December 2024
by Fahd Batayneh Nov. 15, 2024

Nov. 15, 2024

Dear Colleagues, We are excited to invite you to MENOG 24, the Middle East Network Operators' Group Meeting and Peering Forum, taking place at the Grand Millennium in Muscat, Oman, on 4-5 December 2024. MENOG 24 is one of the largest gatherings of network engineers and operators in the region, providing a unique platform for networking, sharing insights, and fostering collaboration. Don’t miss this opportunity to participate in this important forum! For the draft agenda and more information on MENOG 24 and Peering Forum, please visit: www.menog.org/meetings/menog-24/ Register Now MENOG is open to everyone, and attendance is free of charge! Register here: www.menog.org/register MENOG 24 Workshops Registration | 1-3 December Sign up for workshops running prior to the main event: www.menog.org/meetings/menog-24/workshops/ MENOG 24 Day Zero Registration | 3 December Participate in Day Zero activities: www.menog.org/meetings/menog-24/day-zero-activities/ Submit a Presentation We are currently accepting content proposals from the community for presentations, panel sessions, and lightning talks. If you would like to contribute, please submit your talk in English, along with an abstract and a draft version of the slides, before 17 November 2024 at:www.menog.org/meetings/menog-24/cfp/ Sponsorship Opportunities Gain visibility for your organization by sponsoring MENOG 24! Sponsorship provides access to a diverse audience of key Internet industry players. Learn more about sponsorship packages here: www.menog.org/sponsors/sponsorship We look forward to welcoming you to MENOG 24 in Muscat! Best regards, The MENOG 24 Meeting Team www.menog.org Facebook: menog.org X: @MiddleEastNOG

1 0

Zoom link / reminder
by Amin Hacha Nov. 14, 2024

Nov. 14, 2024

Join us today, to connect, collaborate, and contribute to impactful discussions with colleagues from across the region. ICANN Middle East Space session at ICANN81 in Istanbul. 📅 Date: Today, Thursday, 14 November 2024 🕐 Time: 13:15 Turkey (UTC+3), 10:15 UTC 📍 Location: Beylerbeyi (Secondary Ballroom) 📌 Session ID: 15928 Zoom Access for Virtual Attendees: • Zoom Meeting Link: [Join here]( https://icann.zoom.us/j/97198978496?pwd=VylIgNJ7t6ks69KeYtkmYcY6Ufe7ep.1) • Meeting ID: 971 9897 8496 • Passcode: s0Fe#@=mnU • International Dial-In Numbers: [Access here]( https://icann.zoom.us/u/adKnWVxQJC) • Phone Passcode: 031 107 8254 We look forward to connecting with you and having your valuable input in our session. Regards, Co-Chairs of ICANN ME Space

2 1

Invitation to ICANN Middle-EAst Space Session at ICANN 81 / and session agenda
by Amin Hacha Nov. 13, 2024

Nov. 13, 2024

*Invitation to ICANN Middle-EAst Space Session at ICANN 81 - Hybrid meeting* Join us for our ICANN ME Space session during ICANN 81, where we’ll explore the latest developments and unique perspectives impacting the Middle East. This session promises to be a collaborative and forward-looking dialogue, engaging key voices on issues shaping our region’s digital future. 🗓 *Thursday, 14 November 2024* 🕒 *13:15 - 14:30 Turkey / 10:15 UTC* 📍* ICANN 81 – **Istanbul Congress Center. **ME Space Session Room - Beylerbeyi (Secondary Ballroom) ID#15928 * *Zoom Link*: will be send and shared same day of the session (Thursday 14 November 2024) Don’t miss this chance to connect, contribute, and be part of the conversation that drives change! Looking forwards! ME Space Co-chairs, Amin Hacha and Layal Jebran --------------------------------- ICANN Middle-East Space Session Agenda: 1. *Welcome and Opening Remarks* a. *Duration:* 5 minutes b. *Speakers:* · ME Space Co-Chairs: Amin Hacha and Layal Jebran. · Baher Osmat, ICANN Regional Vice President for stakeholder engagement in the Middle East and Managing Director for the Middle East and Africa (MEA) Regional Office 2. *Topic 1: New gTLD Applicant Support Program for Diversity in the DNS Industry* a. *Duration:* 25 minutes b. *Discussion:* · Provide an overview and discussion of the statement draft prepared by the drafting team. c. *Input:* · presenting the Draft Statement. · Sally Costerton, Interim ICANN President and CEO. · Kristy Buckley, ASP Program Lead. 3. *Topic 2: DNS Abuse Mitigation Program* a. *Duration:* 25 minutes b. *Speakers:* · Ram Mohan, SSAC Chairperson. · Adiel Akplogan, VP of technical engagement. · SSAC members: Hadia El Meniawi, and Layal Jebran. c. *Focus Areas:* · INFERMAL (Inferential Analysis of Maliciously Registered Domains) · SIFT (Special Interest Forum on Technology) 4. *Q&A Session* a. *Duration:* 10 minutes b. *Format:* Open floor for questions from participants 5. *Session Remarks and Closing Remarks* a. *Duration:* 5 minutes b. Summary and final thoughts from Co-Chairs Amin Hacha and/or Layal Jebran <http://www.avg.com/email-signature?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_cam…> Virus-free.www.avg.com <http://www.avg.com/email-signature?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_cam…> <#DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2>

3 2

DNSSEC and Security Workshop | Wednesday 13 November 2024 | 06.00 - 13.00 UTC
by Fahd Batayneh Nov. 13, 2024

Nov. 13, 2024

Friends and Colleagues, I trust this finds you well. The Domain Name System Security Extensions (DNSSEC) and Security Workshop brings together those who are actively engaged in the deployment of DNS Security Extensions with those interested in the security of the Internet. Anyone with an interest in the deployment of DNSSEC – particularly registry, registrar, and Internet Service Provider representatives with technical, operational, and strategic planning roles – should attend the workshop. The DNSSEC and Security Workshop presentations for this meeting will include the continuation of the panel on DNSSEC provisioning and a presentation on the DNSSEC Deployment and Operational Guidelines for Corporate Executives and Operators in Japan. DNSSEC and Security Workshop (1 of 3) | 13 November, 9:00–10:00 TRT (6:00 UTC) DNSSEC and Security Workshop (2 of 3) | 13 November, 13:15–14:30 TRT (10:15 UTC) DNSSEC and Security Workshop (3 of 3) | 13 November, 15:00–16:00 TRT (12:00 UTC) Thank you, Fahd Batayneh ICANN

1 0

icann 81
by NP Kurtböke Nov. 12, 2024

Nov. 12, 2024

Dear members of the ME group, I'm at the conference venue everyday but I haven't been able to catch up with you. Please let me know how we could liaise before the meeting ends. Kind regards Nebiye Kurtböke

1 0

[Paper] INFERMAL: Inferential Analysis of Maliciously Registered Domains
by Fahd Batayneh Nov. 12, 2024

Nov. 12, 2024

Friends and Colleagues, This paper on INFERMAL: Inferential Analysis of Maliciously Registered Domains may be of interest to some. https://www.icann.org/en/system/files/files/inferential-analysis-maliciousl… Thank you, Fahd

1 0