GARCIA DEL AMO, ALBERTO
COP28, held in Dubai in 2023, was not only a key event in the global fight against climate change but also a significant boost for the city's infrastructure and sustainable development. With over 85,000 attendees, including delegations from more than 195 countries, the conference tackled climate challenges and reaffirmed the urgency of meeting global emissions reduction goals. For Dubai, COP28 was a platform to showcase its commitment to sustainability and responsible urban development. The government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) aligned the event's planning with its ambitious Vision 2050, which aims for the country to become the first in the region to achieve net-zero emissions. Among the key initiatives highlighted were the use of clean technologies and renewable energy, such as the construction of Masdar City, a city designed to be carbon-neutral, and the Noor Abu Dhabi complex, the world's largest single-site solar project. Dubai's infrastructure not only served as the venue for COP28 but has also become an international benchmark for how cities can combine diplomacy, sustainability, and development. Moreover, COP28 left an important legacy for local economic development. It is estimated that the conference generated significant foreign investment and an increase in international tourism. This event not only elevated Dubai's profile as a diplomatic destination but also positioned the country as a leader in adopting climate policies, including the transition to clean energy and the implementation of sustainable construction projects. Dubai has demonstrated that destinations hosting international summits can not only contribute to global sustainability goals but also reap tangible local benefits, such as improved infrastructure and the attraction of investments. The success of COP28 in Dubai is a clear example of how global summits can drive local development and strengthen a destination's standing on the diplomatic and economic stage. As other cities seek to attract similar events, Dubai's model will serve as a key reference for combining sustainability with economic growth and responsible urban development.