Cop28 summit in the UAE this year is successful

It is absolutely critical the Cop28 summit in the UAE this year is successful, the new UK ambassador to the UAE has said.

Edward Hobart said a climate deal had to be done in Dubai, one that is as ambitious as possible.

He said the UK would do “whatever it can” to make the summit at Expo City Dubai from November 30 to December 12 a success, given the UK's hosting of Cop26.

"We need the big energy companies to switch their investment priorities to renewable energy from hydrocarbons. That’s about engaging them. He has got credibility. It is not the UAE’s responsibility to deliver the solution to climate change globally.”

Mr Hobart said the UK’s priorities for Cop28 were keeping the global warming target of 1.5°C alive; seeking a transition to renewable energy; reducing fossil fuel emissions but also usage, with a particular emphasis on coal; and scaling up climate finance for the transition.

Today there are about 5,000 British companies in the UAE; the UAE is Britain’s largest trading partner in the Middle East and third-largest trading partner outside Europe after China and the US. Total trade in goods and services between the UK and the UAE last year was £21.6 billion (Dh98 billion).

Mr Hobart also highlighted the 100,000 British residents in the UAE (he said there has not been a rise since Covid-19) and 1.5 million visitors a year to the UAE as further examples of the strong relationship.