GoDaddy Inc., the world’s largest domain registrar helping entrepreneurs thrive, has announced the launch of the .AI domain extension in the Kingdom. This addition opens up a world of opportunities for individuals, developers, startups and research institutions, aligning perfectly with Saudi Arabia’s visionary AI strategy and dynamic growth in the field of artificial intelligence.
As a part of its commitment to foster AI potential, the Kingdom has established the Saudi Data and AI Authority to drive the national data and AI agenda and to outline a multi-phased approach with six dimensions, namely ambition, skills, policies and regulations, investment, research and innovation, and ecosystem. The ultimate goal is to position Saudi Arabia as a global hub for data and AI activities and to create a strong domestic ecosystem.
.AI domains bring numerous advantages to small businesses across various sectors. By associating with AI, these domains become powerful branding tools, projecting innovation and technological expertise to customers and stakeholders alike.
“AI is set to contribute $135 billion to Saudi Arabia’s economy and we will see AI’s contribution to GDP rise to 12.4 percent in 2030, making it the biggest beneficiary of AI in the Middle East. By introducing .AI domains in the Kingdom, we aim to provide a platform for businesses and individuals to fully embrace AI’s transformative potential,” said Selina Bieber, vice president, international markets at GoDaddy.
GoDaddy provides a user-friendly tool to help entrepreneurs select the perfect domain name for their business. With GoDaddy Domain Names Creator, users can answer basic questions about their business and industry, receiving a series of domain suggestions that will make their company stand out on the web.
“Having seen the Kingdom’s progress in AI firsthand, we are excited to be part of this journey by offering .AI domains, which will undoubtedly add value to the AI community in Saudi Arabia,” added Bieber.
In the event that a desired domain is already owned, GoDaddy offers the assistance of dedicated domain brokers who can strategize and negotiate with the current domain owner to secure the best possible price while ensuring confidentiality.
“We firmly believe that the .AI domain extension will play a key role in shaping the future of AI-driven businesses in Saudi Arabia. It is a powerful branding tool that signifies technological expertise and innovation,” Bieber said.
The future of businesses in the Kingdom is set to be reshaped as 85 percent of business leaders foresee the transformative impact of generative AI on their customer offerings or business operations within the next three years, according to a recent study.
The Kingdom’s dedication to AI is reflected in its impressive global rankings. Saudi Arabia is the top-ranking country in the world for government strategy in AI. It scored 100 percent in all criteria related to AI, including establishing the National Strategy for Data and AI, having a dedicated government authority for AI, and adequate funding for AI initiatives.
