What is an Accredited Registrar?
An accredited Registrar is an entity from the private sector that is duly authorized (i.e. accredited) by SaudiNIC to provide Saudi domain names Registration Services (such as: Register domain name, modify registration information, delete domain name registration,… etc.).
What are the tasks and roles that will be performed by an accredited Registrar?
- Provide all basic registration services reletated to Saudi Domain Names (such as: Register domain name, modify registration information, delete domain name registration,…) for the delegated TLDs, in accordance with the approved Regulations and procedures.
- Marketing Saudi Domain Names
- Provide Customer support and payments channels.
- Provide add-on services (e.g., web hosting, email services, online stores,…)
- Innovation in provided services.
How to become an accredited Registrar for Saudi Domain Names?
The application for accreditation as a registrar will open in March 2022, and you can view the eligibility, requirements and procedure for accreditation through the following link (https://help.nic.sa/ar/second-phase-registrar/).
Is there an Application Fee for Registrar Accreditation?
In first application phase there is no application fee.
Will there be registration and renewal fees for Saudi domain names through the Registrars?
Yes, according to the regulations, Accredited Registrars may collect registration service fees from the registrants.
What are the fees that the registrar must pay to SaudiNIC?
Currently, there is only a fixed fee for the registration and renewal of domain names.
How the fees due to SaudiNIC will be collected from the registrars?
It will be collected through direct debit from the registrar balance. The registrar must ensure that there is sufficient balance by depositing an additional payment to charge the balance periodically.
What is the technical mechanism to connect to the SaudiNIC’s registration system? Is it done using the standard protocol designated for connecting to registry’s system (EPP)?
Connecting to the registration systems is done using the standard protocol known as (EPP: Extended Provisioning Protocol). We provide an Operational Manual containing all necessary technical details.
How can I get the Operational Manual of the technical requirements and procedures for connecting to the registration system?
It can be obtained by sending a request using the ticket system on SaudiNIC website.
What is the technical mechanism to connect to the SaudiNIC’s registration system? Is it done using the standard protocol designated for connecting to registry’s system (EPP)?
Connecting to the registration systems is done using the standard protocol known as (EPP: Extended Provisioning Protocol). We provide an Operational Manual containing all necessary technical details.
How can I get the Operational Manual of the technical requirements and procedures for connecting to the registration system?
It can be obtained by sending a request using the ticket system on the SaudiNIC site (link).
Should registration systems be hosted within the Kingdom?
Yes, all systems that are used to provide Saudi domain name registration services and are linked to the registration system must be hosted inside the Kingdom and with one of the authorities registered and licensed by the CITC.
Will the one who submits first get preference over other who submit later?
The preference is made based on the evaluations of the requirements, which does not include the time of receipt of the application.
What is the procedure that will be taken for the current registrants who previously registered Saudi domain names directly with SaudiNIC before the launching Registrar services?
Existing registrants (who registered with SaudiNIC directly before the Registrars start their activities) will be given a one-year period. During that period they must transfer their domain name(s) to one of the accredited Registrars according to procedures that will be published by SaudiNIC. This procedure will be applied for all domain names.
Will SaudiNIC continue to provide registration service after the launching Registrar services?
SaudiNIC stopped providing registration services for all TLDs. Registration for government agencies will be via Digital Government Authority, and for non-government agencies and individuals via Accredited Registrars.