Ruler of Dubai says UAE will host COP28 climate conference in 2023

“We will do our best to make the meeting a success. The UAE will continue to work on global climate action to protect the planet,” said Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who is also prime minister of the UAE.

This will be the second annual meeting in the Middle East in many years. Egypt is scheduled to host it in 2022 and the third time it will be hosted by a member of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries. The former OPEC member Qatar hosted it in 2012 and Indonesia in 2007.

UAE Climate Change and Environment Minister Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri said on Twitter that the UAE is preparing to convene a meeting to mobilize countries to strengthen their efforts to combat climate change.

“Holding this global gathering will provide us with an excellent opportunity for our most dynamic class of society-our youth-to participate in meetings and negotiations, and ultimately ensure a sustainable future for future generations,” she said.

At the COP26 meeting in Glasgow, Scotland, the unexpected announcement between the world’s two largest greenhouse gas emitters, China and the United States, raised hopes that the nearly 200 countries under negotiation can strengthen their commitments and reach an agreement by Friday.