The "House of Sustainability" in the Green Zone at the COP28 conference in Expo City Dubai offers a multisensory experience that narrates the UAE's unique journey towards climate neutrality and its deep-rooted legacy in environmental sustainability. Mira Abdullah Al-Mutawa, Director of Strategy and Visitor Experience at the House of Sustainability, stated that the House provides COP28 visitors with an insight into the UAE's collective sustainable progress and its inspiring story shared with the world, beginning with the values of resilience and endurance passed down from ancestors to the changemakers and stewards of the UAE's environment today, who are working towards a future of climate neutrality.
She added that COP28 guests can learn about the country's history and transformation over the past fifty years and its current development, moving towards a future of sustainable prosperity and its exceptional environmental and climate experience. Al-Mutawa highlighted that the "House of Sustainability" is an inspiring Emirati platform offering various activities and cultural events, a series of "Pop Up" sessions, as well as organizing diverse activities at the Climate Action Supporters Center, which includes specialized workshops and presentations aimed at encouraging constructive dialogue and enhancing collective climate action.
The House of Sustainability consists of three main sections: the Sustainability Oasis, the UAE's Journey to Collective Progress, and the Future of Sustainable Prosperity, reflecting the resilience and ambition of all who consider the UAE their home—from ancestors and rulers to today's changemakers who are dedicating their efforts towards a prosperous and sustainable future for all.
The Sustainability Oasis serves as an outdoor rest area featuring engaging activities focusing on nature, cultural heritage, and life in the country, where guests can explore and relax in the oasis and learn about the historical "Falaj" irrigation system and a variety of adaptive plants and trees thriving across the UAE. Visitors then move on to experience the UAE's Journey to Collective Progress, narrated in a dome theater with a 300-degree angle, showcasing a powerful display with spatial sound effects. This experience revolves around individuals in the country and their capacity for rapid transformation, including voice commentary at the beginning and end of the experience narrating the role of communities and individuals in the UAE's journey to climate neutrality.
The animated features reflect the values driving the UAE's vision towards collective progress. The space also hosts an exhibition celebrating climate action supporters in the UAE—youth working towards a sustainable future based on innovation and deep-rooted wisdom, serving as an inspiration for the next generation.
Visitors then proceed to a section titled "The Future of Our Sustainable Prosperity," transitioning from the present to the future. Here, they can explore three areas highlighting the country's sustainability journey towards climate neutrality: Nature Solutions, Dinner in 2050, and Our Journey to Climate Neutrality. The Nature Solutions section emphasizes the importance of salt-tolerant plants that thrive in the UAE's environment, celebrating the Emirati people who care for these plants and innovate through them. Dinner in 2050 focuses on the impact of sustainable choices today in effecting individual and collective change towards food security and employs artificial intelligence to reimagine how favorite meals might look in the future, exploring how small changes in ingredients can lead to healthier, more sustainable meals.
The UAE's Journey to Climate Neutrality provides insights into the sciences, policies, innovations, and changemakers driving a sustainable future towards climate neutrality. The House of Sustainability offers visitors vibrant activities and cultural programs during COP28 in collaboration with local organizations, with the Climate Action Supporters Center being a significant venue for major activities. Located adjacent to the House of Sustainability, the center hosts discussions, presentations, workshops, and documentaries for representatives of public and private sectors, NGOs, and Blue Zone guests, all aimed at inspiring collective action and participating in securing a prosperous and sustainable future for all forms of life.
The Sustainability Oasis also hosts three "Pop Up" sessions until December 10, providing dynamic workshops related to climate action, offering opportunities for immersive activities, reflective experiences, personal assessments of sustainable behaviors, and lessons in design principles and practical methods for achieving climate neutrality. Participants can share their ideas and future hopes with climate leaders and negotiators at COP28.
