The .bh domain ending is now in Sunrise

Good news for owners of .com.bh domain names! The registry for this doman ending has announced the launch of the ccTLD .bh for domain names directly at the second level. The Sunrise period, which is reserved for owners of a registered trademark, runs until January 2, 2022. At the same time, a Limited Registration Period (“LRP” also known as “Grandfathering”) dedicated to second-level domain name (SLD) owners of .com.bh, .net.bh, etc. runs until May 3, 2022.

Who can register a .bh domain name?

In contrast to .com.bh, .bh domain names are not subject to any particular restriction:

• no local presence required
• no prior rights are necessary
• no documents requested

The release schedule for .bh will be as follows:

• Sunrise: from November 3, 2021 to January 2, 2022. This phase is reserved for those with a registered trademark.
• Limited Release Phase (LRP): from November 3, 2021 through May 3, 2022. During this phase, owners of .com.bh domain names, .net.bh domain names, etc. can priority register the equivalent .bh domain names
• Local general availability: from January 2, 2022 to May 3, 2022. Local companies and individuals in Bahrain can priority register their domain names
• General availability: starting May 3, 2022, anyone can register a .bh domain name on a first-come, first-served basis

Of course, .com.bh, .net.bh, and other SLDs will continue to be operational and you may still register them according to the existing registration conditions (local presence required, prior rights necessary, and documents required).

Gandi Corporate Services’ advice

The level of risk related to cybersquatting is relatively limited with .bh. However, there is proven interest in this TLD for:

• businesses with a presence in Bahrain
• owners of .com.bh, .net.bh, etc. domain names seeking to extend the protection of their brand in .bh as well and avoid confusion with their current domain name. Otherwise, someone else is free to register the domain name when it enters either the local or international general availability phases.

To learn more, please feel free to contact your Account manager or email us at corporatecontact@gandi.net.