Preparations are underway in "Expo Dubai" at a rapid pace to welcome the world for the COP28 climate conference, reaffirming the UAE's leading role in addressing global issues. Several plans are being developed in collaboration with specialized teams from local authorities in Dubai and federal entities to ensure smooth transportation for guests and easy access to the blue zone in Expo City. Special buses have also been designated to transport visitors and participants to the green zone.
The global event will take place in the UAE from November 30 to December 12, 2023, and will feature two areas: a blue zone reserved for official delegations and a green zone open to the public, unofficial organizations, and other participants. For the first time at a COP climate conference, the green zone will be adjacent to the blue zone, allowing decision-makers and officials to interact with individuals, students, and community institutions and work closely with them to align the conference outcomes with the hopes and needs of people for impactful actions benefiting our generation and future generations.
In a statement to the Emirates News Agency "WAM," Hind Al Mehairi, Director of Special Projects at Expo City Dubai, stated that "the UAE seeks to inspire both the local and international community to work together with the goal of promoting effective practices for sustainability, in addition to enhancing global efforts to tackle environmental and climate challenges."
She added, "Expo City Dubai exemplifies a city that embraces sustainable urban living, especially with the expertise and competencies it offers, placing it at the forefront of leading destinations in this field. Hosting COP28 confirms that the goal is shared, and the message is united: to work towards achieving environmental sustainability and addressing climate change challenges."
Al Mehairi pointed out that "based on the UAE's approach of cooperation and joint action to unify efforts and reach practical solutions, various programs and initiatives have been prepared to make the conference a distinctive platform reflecting the country's endeavors to find realistic solutions to emission problems, food waste, energy, water, and more, while uniting efforts aimed at achieving environmental and climate sustainability."
Regarding plans to welcome and facilitate visitor access to the event site, she mentioned that "in addition to its proximity to key highways and ease of access from Dubai and Abu Dhabi by car, Expo City Dubai is fully integrated with the public transportation network, including a metro station and public buses, making it accessible from different areas of Dubai."
She continued, "Expo City is an example and product of the UAE's commitment to sustainability." She noted that "since the beginning of our journey with Expo 2020 Dubai, we have worked in the planning and design phases to create a sustainable Expo City, focusing on building a new city that serves as a model for future cities— an ambitious city with a low environmental footprint, respecting environmental principles and natural resources while reducing pollution and carbon emissions."
Al Mehairi emphasized that "Expo City Dubai is the sustainable city of the future that centers on serving humanity and is moving forward with clear steps to encourage action and achieve carbon neutrality, designed to be a model for sustainable urban planning based on innovation," pointing out that "the city relies on an ambitious roadmap to achieve sustainability that aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals for 2030, the UAE Strategic Initiative for Climate Neutrality 2050, and the UAE Centennial 2071."
