April 2026 - Middle-East - lists.icann.org

[Blog] Technical Study Group Forming: gTLD Integrations with Alternative Naming Systems
by Fahd Batayneh April 29, 2026

April 29, 2026

https://www.icann.org/en/blogs/details/technical-study-group-forming-gtld-i… ICANN is in the process of forming a new technical study group (TSG) to understand the implications of integrating a generic top-level domain (gTLD) name with the same name in an alternative naming system. A thorough assessment of the potential impact to the security and stability of the Domain Name System (DNS) must be conducted before moving forward with this type of new registry service. This aligns with ICANN's mission of ensuring the stable, secure, and unified operation of the Internet's unique identifier systems. The decision to form this new TSG was based on several factors, including interest from multiple gTLD operators in adding this service to their offerings. After analyzing these requests, ICANN determined that, in addition to following the Registry Services Evaluation Policy<https://www.icann.org/en/contracted-parties/consensus-policies/registry-ser…>, gTLD registry operators would likely be required to complete an assessment by the Registry Service Technical Evaluation Panel<https://www.icann.org/en/contracted-parties/registry-operators/services/rse…> (RSEP), which has an associated cost for registries. With these factors and the growing interest in integrating a gTLD with other naming systems, it is prudent for ICANN to assess this type of service. ICANN President and CEO Kurtis Lindqvist will invite experts to participate in the new TSG. While details are still being ironed out, meeting discussions and related material will be publicly available on a dedicated web page. We will provide regular updates on the group's progress and its recommendations will be published for Public Comment at the appropriate time. Stay tuned for more information.

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[Blog]Inside the Room: Our Upcoming KSK Ceremony
by Fahd Batayneh April 29, 2026

April 29, 2026

https://www.icann.org/en/blogs/details/inside-the-room-our-upcoming-ksk-cer… The Domain Name System (DNS) has a complex set of security measures that help ensure the integrity of the system, which is used every time you type a web address, send an email, or open an app. One of the most important links in that chain is something called the root zone key signing key (KSK), an essential component that must be carefully managed and guarded. Also known as the "trust anchor," this piece is administered under strict controls that are exercised through a process known as a KSK ceremony. The next KSK ceremony<https://www.iana.org/dnssec/ceremonies/61> takes place on 30 April 2026 at 17:00 UTC as part of the carefully designed processes that help keep the DNS secure and resilient. These events are a study in contrasts—procedural, clinical events with high visibility and great criticality. Comparable events by other critical organizations are performed in secret, but we've pioneered the concept of performing them in the open to promote transparency, trust, and knowledge-sharing. At a basic level, the DNS functions like a directory, translating readable domain names into the numerical addresses computers use to find each other. To protect that system from tampering, DNS Security Extensions (DNSSEC) add a layer of cryptographic verification. This is where the KSK comes in. The KSK sits at the top of the DNSSEC trust hierarchy. It is used to sign another key, the Zone Signing Key (ZSK), which in turn signs the DNS data in the root zone. This chain of signatures allows devices around the world to verify that the DNS data they receive is authentic and has not been altered. If that trust is broken, users could be redirected to malicious sites without realizing it. That's why the KSK is handled with extraordinary care. KSK ceremonies are typically held four times a year in highly secure facilities. They follow strict, transparent procedures that have been refined over time and are publicly documented. Each ceremony brings together ICANN staff and Trusted Community Representatives–independent security experts from around the world who help ensure accountability and oversight. During a typical ceremony, the KSK is used to sign key material that will be used in DNSSEC operations over the following months. The process also allows for other critical maintenance tasks, such as updating roles for Trusted Community Representatives, updating hardware security modules, or, when necessary, generating or replacing the KSK itself. The structure is intentional. Every step is witnessed, logged, and typically live-streamed, reinforcing confidence that no single person or organization has unilateral control. This transparency is central to ICANN's multistakeholder model and to maintaining global trust in the DNS. For most Internet users, the impact of a KSK ceremony is invisible, which is exactly the point. When everything works as it should, users can rely on the Internet without thinking about the infrastructure that makes it possible. But the integrity of that experience depends on processes like these being executed with precision and care. The upcoming ceremony continues that steady, deliberate work. It is one of many steps taken to ensure that the Internet remains a single, interoperable network that users everywhere can trust. In a digital environment where threats continue to evolve, maintaining that trust is an ongoing responsibility. The KSK ceremony takes place behind secure doors, but its impact reaches every corner of the Internet, quietly safeguarding the connections people depend on every day. If you're curious to see how this works in practice, you can join the upcoming ceremony<https://www.iana.org/dnssec/ceremonies/61> via livestream and observe the process as it unfolds. If you'd like to understand more about how it all works, you can read The Key to the Internet and Key Ceremonies: An Explainer<https://www.icann.org/en/blogs/details/the-key-to-the-internet-and-key-cere…>.

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ICANN Launches Webinar Series on 2026 Round Objections and Appeals Processes
by Fahd Batayneh April 29, 2026

April 29, 2026

https://www.icann.org/en/announcements/details/icann-launches-webinar-serie… The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) will host a series of webinars in May 2026 that will provide an overview of specific grounds for objections and appeals, their processes, and timelines for the New Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLD) Program: 2026 Round<https://newgtldprogram.icann.org/en>. Each webinar will be presented by an organization with a focus on its specific process and be held twice to accommodate different time zones. All of the webinars will be recorded and include time for questions and answers. Content 14:00–15:00 UTC 6:00–7:00 UTC ICANN will provide a general introduction and overview of what to expect in the objections and appeals process in the 2026 Round. Tuesday, 19 May Register<https://icann.zoom.us/meeting/register/OnJryiDFQw-C77L9mE2siw> Tuesday, 26 May Register<https://icann.zoom.us/meeting/register/Gq9vwYJWQiOqI34Xh64aug> The World Intellectual Property Organization, the Dispute Resolution Service Provider for String Confusion and Legal Rights objections and appeals, will focus on its specific processes and requirements. Wednesday, 20 May Register<https://icann.zoom.us/meeting/register/3UCPIWG-QAGwD9w-ks39YQ> Wednesday, 27 May Register<https://icann.zoom.us/meeting/register/OBMPYfpaQWWWUCEuFmydKA> The International Chamber of Commerce, the Dispute Resolution Service Provider for Limited Public Interest and Community objections and appeals, will focus on its specific processes and requirements. Thursday, 21 May Register<https://icann.zoom.us/meeting/register/gM9mxJukRNGhNAdfvgHuSA> Thursday, 28 May Register<https://icann.zoom.us/meeting/register/YuHWbbMJQQ6u4DjOxp8g9w>

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ICANN86 Prep Week Schedule Now Available
by Fahd Batayneh April 29, 2026

April 29, 2026

https://www.icann.org/en/announcements/details/icann86-prep-week-schedule-n… Today, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) announced the ICANN86 Prep Week schedule. The schedule consists of seven sessions to prepare the ICANN community for the ICANN86 Policy Forum taking place 8–11 June 2026 in Seville, Spain. ICANN86 Prep Week will be held Wednesday, 20 May, and Thursday, 21 May 2026. Sessions will be conducted in English and will feature remote simultaneous interpretation in French and Spanish. To attend any of the sessions, please register<https://events.icann.org/icann86/registration> for ICANN86. After registering, you will receive an email confirmation with additional event details. Please visit the ICANN86 website<https://meetings.icann.org/en/meetings/icann86/> to view the Prep Week schedule details. Remote participation information will be published 24 hours before the start time of each session. Session materials, recordings, and transcripts will be published on the website as they become available. Date Time (UTC) ICANN86 Prep Week Session Wednesday, 20 May 2026 15:00–16:00 DNS Abuse Mitigation Policy Development Process 1 Update 16:30–17:30 Approaching the Finish Line: Update on the Internet Coordination Policy 2 Review 18:00–19:00 Finance and Planning Update 19:30–20:30 Policy and Advice Update Thursday, 21 May 2026 15:00–16:00 Review of Reviews Update: Contribute to the Draft Report 16:30–17:30 Geopolitical, Legislative, and Regulatory Developments Update 18:00–19:00 ICANN Board Engagement With the ICANN Community

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[Technical Webinar] Phishing and DNS Abuse: Operational Blindspots
by Fahd Batayneh April 26, 2026

April 26, 2026

Dear all, Our next Technical Webinar will be held on Wednesday 29 April 2026, on Phishing and DNS Abuse: Operational Blindspots. More info + registration: https://www.icann.org/en/engagement-calendar/details/icann-technical-webina… Thank you, Fahd Batayneh ICANN [cid:image001.png@01DCD565.9EE78B20]

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ICANN Webinar: Review of Reviews Cross Community Group Progress
by Fahd Batayneh April 22, 2026

April 22, 2026

https://www.icann.org/en/announcements/details/icann-webinar-review-of-revi… The Review of Reviews Cross Community Group (CCG) invites stakeholders to join them in an interactive webinar. Building on input received at ICANN85, the Reviews CCG will present a refined outline of what a refreshed ICANN reviews system could look like and respond to questions from the Nominating Groups and interested stakeholders as it develops the draft report ahead of the Public Comment period. To support inclusive participation across time zones, the Review of Reviews CCG will host two 60-minute sessions on Tuesday, 5 May 2026. Webinars will be conducted in English and live interpretation will be provided in Arabic, Chinese, French, Portuguese, Spanish, and Russian. Webinar Sessions (identical agenda, register for one or both): * Tuesday, 5 May 2026 – 06:00–07:00 UTC * Tuesday, 5 May 2026 – 18:00–19:00 UTC Registration here: ICANN Review of Reviews CCG webinar<https://icann.zoom.us/meeting/register/YRFgosrJTYy2J3tdcPzXoA> Background The Review of Reviews CCG brings together ICANN Supporting Organizations, Advisory Committees, ICANN Board, and the ICANN organization. The Reviews CCG was tasked with conducting a fundamental evaluation of the reviews set out in the ICANN Bylaws as a system, and to propose a refreshed review framework to enhance ICANN's accountability, transparency, and effectiveness. The Reviews CCG welcomes observers to contribute to its discussions. More information can be found on the Reviews CCG workspace<https://icann-community.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/CDOR/overview>.

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Re: EMEA Webinar April: ICANN and Global Internet Governance Engagements in 2026
by Seher Sagiroglu April 20, 2026

April 20, 2026

Hi Fahd, I am working on arranging a pivate meeting with CyberSecurity Directorate but not finalized yet. I just added ITU GSR meeting so far. Thanks Seher Sagiroglu Ayhan Global Stakeholder Engagement Manager – Middle East Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) Mobile:+90 533 341 8985 www.icann.org From: Fahd Batayneh via Middle-East <middle-east(a)icann.org> Reply-To: Fahd Batayneh <fahd.batayneh(a)icann.org> Date: Sunday, April 19, 2026 at 11:58 AM To: ICANN Middle East <middle-east(a)icann.org> Subject: [ME ICANN] EMEA Webinar April: ICANN and Global Internet Governance Engagements in 2026 Dear all, The webinar series for EMEA in April will feature members of ICANN’s Government Engagement team, which will give an update on its Global Internet Governance Engagements in 2026. When: Wednesday, 22 April 12.00 – 13.00 UTC. More info + registration: https://www.icann.org/en/engagement-calendar/details/icann-webinar-series-f… Thank you, Fahd Batayneh ICANN [cid:image001.png@01DCD0AF.3EE6A770]

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EMEA Webinar April: ICANN and Global Internet Governance Engagements in 2026
by Fahd Batayneh April 19, 2026

April 19, 2026

Dear all, The webinar series for EMEA in April will feature members of ICANN’s Government Engagement team, which will give an update on its Global Internet Governance Engagements in 2026. When: Wednesday, 22 April 12.00 – 13.00 UTC. More info + registration: https://www.icann.org/en/engagement-calendar/details/icann-webinar-series-f… Thank you, Fahd Batayneh ICANN [cid:image001.png@01DCCFF3.BED820B0]

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2026 Round TAMS Webinars and Newly Available FAQs
by Fahd Batayneh April 16, 2026

April 16, 2026

https://www.icann.org/en/blogs/details/2026-round-tams-webinars-and-newly-a… With just two weeks left until the New Generic Top-Level Domains (gTLD) Program: 2026 Round application window opens, prospective applicants may wish to explore newly available TLD Application Management System (TAMS) resources. TAMS is the online system that will be used by applicants, ICANN staff, and evaluation panelists to submit, manage, and process new gTLD applications. To help prepare applicants for working in TAMS, ICANN has developed several useful resources, including FAQs<https://newgtldprogram.icann.org/en/application-rounds/round2/2026-round-ge…>, that focus on how to use the system. The FAQs cover topics like how to save your application or add a replacement string, and where to get help if you have a question. ICANN also is hosting a new webinar series<https://www.icann.org/en/announcements/details/icann-to-host-question-and-a…> aimed at addressing questions about TAMS. The first two webinars will take place on 21 April with two more scheduled in May. General questions related to the 2026 Round also are welcome. Pre-submitted questions<https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/019d4af86f4871a8a4f7826847f756e1> will be prioritized. There are a variety of new materials and resources for prospective gTLD applicants available on the New gTLD Program website<https://newgtldprogram.icann.org/en/application-rounds/round2/2026-round-ge…> – one of which is the New gTLD Program: 2026 Round Readiness Pathway<https://newgtldprogram.icann.org/sites/default/files/documents/applicant-re…>. This learning curriculum begins with providing a baseline understanding of ICANN and the Domain Name System, gives an overview of the applicant journey, and then delves into more in-depth discovery of each stage and milestone of the process. I encourage you to check these pages frequently; they're updated regularly as new resources become available.

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Middle East DNS Forum 2026 Alternatives - Seeking Input
by Fahd Batayneh April 15, 2026

April 15, 2026

Friends and Colleagues, I trust this finds you well. The Middle East DNS Forum 2026 was scheduled to take place in Kuwait City, Kuwait on Wednesday 13 May 2026 in a hybrid format. However, due to the ongoing situation in the region, and following consultations with our local host, we have concluded that holding an in-person gathering in Kuwait in May is not feasible. In addition, there appears to be limited interest in organizing a virtual event during the same timeframe. Therefore, we have decided to cancel the event. We would welcome your input on alternative activities you would like to see in the region to replace the Middle East DNS Forum 2026. And just to be clear, this is just for this year’s edition. We look forward to hearing from you. Thank you, Fahd Batayneh ICANN

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