The 2025 Middle East Domain Name System (DNS) Forum will take place on April 29–30, 2025, in Manama, Bahrain, in collaboration with the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) of Bahrain. This hybrid event will gather key stakeholders both on-site and online to discuss the latest developments in DNS, Internet governance, and digital transformation in the region, according to ICANN’s official website.
The two-day forum aims to foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing among industry experts, policymakers, registries, registrars, and the broader Internet community. Key highlights include:
- Regional and Global Perspectives: Representatives from TRA Bahrain, ICANN, industry players, and experts will discuss the evolving ICT sector and the DNS ecosystem.
- DNS Security and Abuse Mitigation: Explore ICANN’s Contractual Compliance efforts and how organizations are addressing DNS abuse and cyber threats.
- Expanding the Domain Name Space: Learn about the New Generic Top-Level Domain (gTLD) Program, Applicant Support Program, and experiences from established registries launching new domain extensions.
- IDNs and Arabic Domain Name Adoption: Discover the latest in Internationalized Domain Names (IDNs) and best practices for registering and hosting Arabic domain names and email addresses.
- Technical Deep Dives and Innovation: Gain insights into DNS best practices, blockchain-based name systems, and trends in public DNS resolvers.
- Internet Governance and WSIS+20 Review: 2025 is a significant year for Internet governance, with industry leaders discussing the WSIS+20 review, multistakeholder collaboration, and its impact on the future of the Internet.
The Middle East DNS Forum presents a valuable platform for regional and global stakeholders to exchange knowledge on DNS security, policy, and technical advancements. Participants will have the opportunity to learn from industry experts, registries, registrars, and policymakers about emerging trends, regulatory developments, and innovations shaping the DNS landscape. Additionally, the event provides a unique chance to engage with decision-makers, explore business and technical opportunities, and contribute to discussions that will shape the future of DNS in the region.