The eyes of the world will be on the United Arab Emirates in December, as it hosts major events and activities that reinforce its significant position and influence on both regional and international stages. The UAE is one of the key global destinations for hosting and organizing exhibitions, conferences, and specialized events throughout the year. In December, a list of significant events will take place, highlighted in the following report:
**COP28**
The UAE will welcome the world during the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, taking place in Expo City Dubai from November 30 to December 12, 2023. It is expected that more than 70,000 participants, including heads of state, government officials, international industry leaders, private sector representatives, academics, experts, youth, and NGOs, will attend the event. The UAE aims to work with all stakeholders to achieve balanced, ambitious, and inclusive outcomes that advance climate ambition through the transition from setting goals to implementing them. According to the Paris Agreement on Climate, the UAE will conduct its first comprehensive global assessment on progress made toward climate change mitigation goals.
**Sheikh Zayed Festival**
In Abu Dhabi, the Sheikh Zayed Festival 2023-2024 will continue throughout December, featuring weekly and daily events, along with activities scheduled according to special dates such as the Union Celebration program, which starts next month and includes numerous activities and programs. This includes the Union Parade, a significant national event involving citizens showcasing a strong national spirit over several days. Visitors to the festival will have thousands of opportunities to win valuable prizes through various competitions and draws organized by different sectors and booths participating in the event, which is held in Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi.
**Super Angels**
Abu Dhabi will host the Super Angels Summit 2023 on December 15-16, an event aimed at proactive investors, expected to draw more than 2,000 attendees, including 1,000 major investors, over 400 leading startup founders, over 300 proactive investors, more than 200 company CEOs, and over 100 global government officials.
**Mother of the Emirates Festival**
The seventh session of the Mother of the Emirates Festival will take place in various locations in Abu Dhabi throughout December. Al Ain City will host several of the festival's activities from December 29 to December 3, 2023, while Abu Dhabi Corniche will host events from December 8 to December 31, 2023. The festival, organized by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, will feature artistic performances, global artists, carnival parades, and a marketplace for fashion, accessories, beauty products, and a variety of dishes from world cuisines.
**Tal Marb' Festival 2023**
From December 8 to 31, 2023, the Liwa International Festival (Tal Marb' 2024) will take place in Liwa, Al Dhafra region, Abu Dhabi. Organized by the Liwa Sports Club in collaboration with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi over 24 days, it attracts camping and desert enthusiasts and provides a range of sports competitions and international car challenges featuring renowned professionals in this field. The Tal Marb' Festival is known as the first destination for both amateurs and experts in climbing a 300-meter high dune with a 50-degree incline, making it the ultimate challenge in the region.
**Dubai Shopping Festival**
The countdown has started for this year's Dubai Shopping Festival, now in its 29th edition, which will kick off on December 8, 2023, and continue until January 14, 2024. Residents and visitors of Dubai will enjoy an exciting season filled with amazing shopping deals and extraordinary entertainment experiences for 38 days filled with adventures and exploration. The festival's agenda will include the "Sole DXB" festival— the most famous community cultural festival in the region—alongside sports tournaments, dialogue sessions, and various workshops.
**Arab Scout Camp**
The UAE will host the 33rd Arab Scout Camp from December 15 to 25, 2023, organized by the Emirates Scouts Association under the supervision of the Arab Scout Organization. Hosting the Arab Scout Camp symbolizes the UAE's leadership in organizing international events and its active role in developing youth and promoting scouting values and the spirit of volunteering.
**Men’s Health Conference**
At the end of December, Dubai will host the Global Men's Health Conference, taking place for the first time in the region with around 1,000 doctors and specialists participating, 60% of whom are from outside the country. The conference will feature a number of workshops with urologists specializing in men's health and male diseases from nine Arab countries, alongside experts from various European countries.
**Earth Soul Festival**
Dubai will host the "Earth Soul Festival 2023," the first of its kind music festival aimed at raising environmental awareness in the UAE, from December 8 to 10, 2023, at the Dubai Media City Theatre. The festival will feature an impressive lineup of over 20 local and international artists presenting their musical, artistic, and creative performances to deliver a strong message about the importance of protecting marine environments and combating plastic pollution.
**Islamic Arts Festival**
On December 13, the 25th edition of the Islamic Arts Festival will kick off in Sharjah under the theme "Reflections," running until January 21, 2024. The festival provides artists with an opportunity to showcase new creations and intellectual endeavors inspired by the essence of Islamic art. It will feature international artistic experiences through individual and collective exhibitions, taking place in numerous locations across the emirate, including the Sharjah Museum of Arts, House of Wisdom, Al Majaz Waterfront, Al Qasba, and various others showcasing diverse and striking artworks, accompanied by various interactive events across multiple venues.
