- ICANN84 to take place in Dublin, Ireland, formerly scheduled for Muscat, Oman, due to flight cancellations and airspace closures.
- Dates remain 25–30 October 2025; FAQs and logistics to be issued ahead of registration opening.
What happened: ICANN84 Annual General Meeting shifts from Oman to Ireland
The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) has announced the relocation of its ICANN84 Annual General Meeting from Muscat, Oman to Dublin, Ireland.
The move comes in response to recent disruptions in regional air travel—including widespread flight cancellations and airspace closures—stemming from heightened tensions in the Middle East. While Oman remains a secure and welcoming host, the continuity of safe and reliable travel proved too uncertain to risk.
Date and duration remain fixed: the meeting will now proceed in Dublin on 25–30 October 2025, as originally planned. ICANN emphasised that acting early avoids the risk of reverting to a fully remote conference due to logistical constraints, and ensures both hybrid and in-person engagement. The organisation thanked Oman’s Telecommunications Regulatory Authority for its efforts and expressed hope to return for a future Public Meeting.
Also read: ICANN83 in Prague: Growing pressures on internet governance
Also read: ICANN83 fellowship recipients announced
Why it’s important
ICANN meetings draw delegates from more than 150 countries, requiring secure and accessible venues. Flight instability threatens both attendance and engagement across time zones. By relocating to Dublin, ICANN preserves the integrity of its hybrid format and reinforces attendee confidence. Ensuring a stable European hub also simplifies visa, accommodation, and scheduling logistics.
While no direct cost estimates were released, relocating such a major conference typically entails logistical expenditures—venue bookings, contract cancellations, travel re-arrangements, and local accommodation changes. In US dollars, event relocation costs can vary widely, but the switch is a strategic investment to avert larger losses from low turnout or format disruption. ICANN will shortly release a detailed FAQ covering travel, accommodation, scheduling and the registration process.
