.ae Domain Name Policy Explained

Below is a user-friendly overview of the official .ae Domain Administration (.aeDA) policy for registering .ae domain names in the UAE, written from AEserver’s perspective. We’ve distilled the essentials to help our clients understand the rules and process in simple terms.

The original and most up-to-date polices can be found on the official .ae domain registry website.

1. What Is the .ae Domain?
The .ae domain is the official country-code top-level domain (ccTLD) for the United Arab Emirates. All registrations under .ae are managed and regulated by the .ae Domain Administration (.aeDA). Our role at AEserver is to help you navigate these regulations when you register your .ae domain.

AEserver is an accredited .ae domain name registrar (licensed and accredited) since 2008 in the UAE under the aeDA’s rule.

2. First Come, First Served
Domains in the .ae namespace are issued on a “first come, first served” basis. In other words, if the domain name is available and you meet the eligibility requirements, you get to register it before anyone else.

3. Domain Name License (Not Ownership)
When you register a .ae domain, you don’t technically “own” it. Instead, you hold a “license” to use it for a certain period—usually 1 to 5 years—subject to renewal. Once that license expires, you must renew it or risk losing the domain.

4. Unrestricted vs. Restricted Domains

• Unrestricted (.ae): Anyone, anywhere can register a domain directly under .ae (e.g., yourname.ae). There are no extra documents required, just basic registration details.
• Restricted (.co.ae, .net.ae, .gov.ae, .mil.ae, .org.ae, .sch.ae, .ac.ae): These require you to meet additional eligibility criteria. For example:
  • co.ae: You must have a valid UAE trade license (or registered trademark in the UAE) to operate as a commercial entity.
  • net.ae: You must be an IT or network service provider licensed in the UAE.
  • org.ae: For nonprofits or organizations (charities, sports clubs, cultural groups, etc.) registered in the UAE.
  • sch.ae / ac.ae: For schools, colleges, and universities recognized by the UAE Ministry of Education or Ministry of Higher Education.
  • gov.ae / mil.ae: For official UAE government or military entities.
    Each restricted extension comes with specific document requirements, such as a copy of a valid trade license, government authorization letters, etc. Our AEserver team will guide you through these if you qualify.

5. Choosing Your Domain Name

• It must be between 2 and 63 characters.
• It can include letters (A–Z), digits (0–9), and hyphens (-) but cannot begin or end with a hyphen.
• It must not include spaces or special symbols.
• For restricted domains, the chosen name should be related to your company, trademark, organization name, or an accepted abbreviation/acronym.

6. Registrant Responsibilities
When you apply for a .ae domain, you confirm that:

• You have the right to use the name (e.g., you’re not infringing a trademark).
• Your registration won’t defame someone else or break UAE laws.
• Any info you provide (like trade license details) is accurate.
  If the .aeDA finds that false information was submitted, it can revoke your domain.

7. Reserved & Legacy Domains

• Reserved Names: Certain words or phrases are “reserved” and cannot be registered without special permission from the .aeDA.
• Legacy Domains: Older domains registered before certain policy changes remain valid. However, if you make major updates or renew, you may need to provide eligibility documentation to keep them.

8. How AEserver Helps You
At AEserver, we make the .ae domain registration process straightforward:

1. Check Availability: Use our domain search to see if your desired .ae is free.
2. Submit Required Details: For restricted domains, we’ll ask for scans of documents like trade licenses or official letters.
3. Review & Approval: We verify everything before sending it to the .aeDA.
4. Secure Your Domain: Upon approval, you get your official .ae domain license for the chosen period (1–5 years).

Throughout the process, we’re available to answer questions and ensure you meet .aeDA requirements.

9. Renewal & Updates

• You can renew your .ae domain for another 1–5 years.
• If your details (like license information) change, keep us updated so we can inform the .aeDA, ensuring your domain remains valid.
• Failing to renew on time could lead to losing the domain if someone else registers it right after expiration.

10. Policy Changes
The .ae Domain Administration (.aeDA) may update its policies periodically, and we’ll let you know about any changes that affect your domain. This policy is accurate as of February 2025.

In Summary

• .ae domains operate under official rules set by the .aeDA.
• Licenses are granted on a first come, first served basis.
• Unrestricted .ae domains don’t need special documents.
• Restricted .ae extensions (.co.ae, .gov.ae, etc.) require proof you fit specific criteria.
• We at AEserver simplify the process and help ensure full compliance with UAE regulations.

If you have any questions about registering or renewing your .ae domain, feel free to get in touch. We’re here to help you secure the perfect .ae name for your business or organization.