In many ways , the UAE hosting COP28 is a case of being in the right place at the right time . At the crossroads of East and West , and not part of the Western industrial establishment – the UAE has the opportunity to encourage conversation rather than talking down to developing and emerging nations .

COP President designate Dr Sultan Al Jaber promised to “ champion an inclusive agenda that ramps up action on mitigation , encourages a just energy transition that leaves no one behind , ensures substantial , affordable climate finance is directed to the most vulnerable , accelerates funding for adaptation and builds out a robust funding facility to address loss and damage .”

The UAE was the first country in the region to sign the Paris Agreement , and the first to announce a net zero by 2050 pledge . That puts the UAE level in line with the EU , the US and the UK , 10 years ahead of China and 20 ahead of India .

“ We have seen multiple Middle Eastern countries announcing their net zero targets ,” says Tawfik .

“ The UAE announced a net zero pledge by 2050 , Saudi Arabia 2060 . Just last week , the national oil company for UAE – ADNOC – brought the deadline forward from its previous target for net zero from 2050 to 2045 . So that ’ s a steep commitment .

“ I think the translation of our political will to action is something that is worth mentioning in this region . We see multiple multi-billion sovereign wealth funds totally dedicated to renewable energy investments , specifically solar and wind .”

Tawfik also highlights sustainable-first megaprojects like NEOM in Saudi Arabia – a city growing from the sea , sands and mountains of the kingdom to be a new “ net zero-by-design city 33 times the size of New York ”.

Outside of the Middle East , Tawfik highlights South Africa as one to watch when

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