Web 2 Dubai
Web 2.0 Development in Dubai UAE
Web 2.0 developments of websites in the UAE are few and far between. One of the largest issues impacting web 2.0 community developments in the UAE is the lack of an effective and standardized Moderation system and guidelines from the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of the UAE which results in many community based websites being blocked by Etisalat the UAE's telecommunications operator.
In general adoption of Web 2.0 communities has been focused on websites developed outside of the UAE although a number of website companies are now starting to develop social communities in Dubai which includes Dubai lime the website community for the Dubai Original Music Scene.
Website development in the UAE is GeneRally restricted to static pages of content. Some websites that utilize web 2.0 technology in the UAE include Website Developments:
http://www.dubailime.com
http://www.qualityoasis.com
http://www.uaeestateagent.com
http://www.dubaiengineeringjobs.com
Although Web 2.0 is being used in the UAE only a few companies are developing on the platform due to the issues relating to what is and what is not acceptable to UAE internet users based on Islamic sensitivities. In general a website development in Dubai or the UAE can not as a rule:
Provide any information or point of view derogatory to Islam or Muhammed
Provide a platform for dating
Contain swearing or [...] references
Contain information critical of the government of the UAE
Companies that have embraced Web 2.0 as a platform for web development in the UAE include
Onlime - http://www.onlimeme.com Maqsad - http://www.maqsad.com Flip Media - http://www.flipcorp.com CactMedia - http://www.cactimedia.com
All communities should be heavily moderated as the countries regional operator Etisalat deploys automated software to pick up and filter content from Dubai based developers based on keywords that match certain filters.
Companies developing Web 2.0 communities in the UAE would be well advised to contact the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission in Dubai who control blocking and acceptance of website based in the United Arab Emirates as part of any planning on some of the senior level consultancies that focus on the telecommunications sector in the Middle East such as Ascala Group. The TRA has offices located in Abu Dhabi and Dubai and provides guidelines regarding acceptable policy for general user generated content acceptance for web 2.0 community builds.
http://www.tra.ae http://www.ascalagroup.com
Links
Web 2.0