The Computer Emergency Response Team (aeCERT):

The UAE Computer Emergency Response Team (aeCERT) is a TRA initiative accredited by the UAE Ministerial Council for Services, under Direct number (89/5) for 2008, as the national CERT of the UAE.

It was established in 2008 to facilitate the detection, prevention and response of cyber security incidents on the Internet; hence, providing implementation mechanisms for TRA’s strategy in supporting a cyber safe environment for the residents of the UAE. 

The .ae Domain Administration (.aeDA)

The .ae Domain Administration (.aeDA) was established in 2007 by TRA as the regulatory body and registry operator for the .ae domain name. aeDA is responsible for the enforcement of all policies reference to the operation of the .ae country code Top Level Domain (ccTLD) as well as overseeing the operation of the registry system.

Its role is to develop and execute the domain administration policy; grow, build on and market the .ae namespace; accredit and manage .ae registrars; educate the public on the domain name .ae, deliver and promote the .ae domain name; facilitate the .ae Dispute Resolution Policy; and represent .ae at international forums.

Be’tha (Scholarship) Program

In 2009, TRA launched its scholarship program or “Be’tha” with the goal of creating a specialized and well trained ICT human force in the country. Be’tha supports national education efforts by bridging the educational outcomes with the needs of the evolving job market, with Be’tha focusing on the leading scientific, telecom and IT specializations and majors.

TRA mapped the current human national potential in the ICT sector; as a result, findings showed that the current number of UAE nationals specialized in the ICT sector is far less than the market need, especially with the expanding and rapid growth of this vital sector.

The ICT Fund

The first of its kind in the Arab world, the ICT Fund was launched in 2008 by TRA to achieve rapid, progressive and concrete developments within the ICT sector in the UAE. The Fund launched its operations to jump start innovation within the ICT sector in the UAE mainly in the fields of intellectual capital, technological leadership, smart research, innovative ideas, and incubating start-ups.

The Fund’s Board of Trustees is chaired by TRA and encompasses high level professionals and dignitaries from the ICT private sector, the academia, and the telecom operators of the UAE, Etisalat and du; both contributing 1% of the annual net profit to finance the Fund’s operations.

The UAE National Astronomical Telescope (Emirates Telescope)

As part of the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority’s (TRA) vision to create an optimal enabling environment through which the UAE’s ICT sector will emerge as a leader in the global market place, TRA is sponsoring the establishment of the UAE National Astronomical Telescope (Emirates Telescope), in partnership with the Emirates Institution for Advanced Science and Technology (EIAST).

With a keen desire to further develop the field of astronomical sciences in the country, TRA has taken a lead role in supporting national astronomical initiatives by signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the Emirates Institution for Advanced Science and Technology (EIAST). Under this cooperation framework, the EIAST is entrusted with conducting feasibility and scientific studies, along with an overall geographical survey with two main objectives in mind; Finding the best location to establish and assemble the Emirates Telescope; and Establishing a solid vision for best implementation measures of the project, including determining the optimal telescope size in relation with the country's needs and aspirations.