"dot" in front of a domain name is often used as the URL to qualify a new Top Level Domain project. A few examples : dotafrica.org - dotsaarland.com - dotberlin.de - dotbkk.org - dotcym.org - ...
Apparently squatters have taken the lead once again.
A blog about New gTLDs and dotBrands (.BRANDs) from the ICANN new gTLD program. You can subscribe to The gTLD Club's Newsletter.
New gTLD Consultant based in Paris. "New gTLD" stands for "new generic Top-Level Domains" from the ICANN new gTLD program. They are new domain name extensions such as ".consulting" (instead of ".com").