The COP 28 venue will be accessible for those with reduced mobility needs. The UAE has published its vision of accessibility and inclusion at COP 28 here.

Detailed information is available here.

Registered participants are urged to book their accommodation for their time at COP 28 as soon as possible.

UAE offers a wide selection of accommodation options to suit every budget, ranging from 1-star to 5-star hotels and serviced apartments.

Additionally Abu Dhabi, the UAE’s capital, is located one hour away from the event venue and features a wide range of accommodation options, with more than 230 hotels and resorts plus serviced apartments available, ranging from 1-star to 5-star.

Bookings for accommodations are managed by the appointed accommodation agency, bnetwork. The bnetwork online booking site can be accessed here. The online booking site offers the option to filter those accommodation options that have accessibility measures in place. In addition, attendees with accessibility requirements can contact bnetwork for personalized assistance (via phone +33 1 58 16 20 10 or email).

For detailed information regarding accommodations please refer to the link here.

Several automated teller machines (ATMs) are available at the conference venue and will be operational during the pre-sessional week and throughout the Conference.

There is a wide variety of catering options across the venue, including food truck zones, Grab & Go outlets, coffee kiosks, restaurants, and on-demand event catering. An overview on available food and beverages options in the Blue Zone can be found here and a map of all food and beverages outlets can be downloaded here.

Further information on catering is available here, please click “Additional Information”. Detailed information on ordering catering for events and the direct link to the catering portal are available here.

Code of Conduct

The UNFCCC is committed to upholding the fundamental human rights, dignity and worth of the human person, and equal human rights of all participants in a UNFCCC event. UNFCCC events are guided by the highest ethical and professional standards, and all participants are expected to act with integrity and respect towards all participants.

Harassment in any form, including sexual harassment, will not be tolerated. All participants are expected to conduct themselves in a professional and respectful manner and familiarize themselves with the Code of Conduct and other guidelines, including, but not limited to the following:

UN Administrative instruction on Authority of United Nations security officers, available here.

Use of cameras and audio/video recording devices by participants at sessions of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and other meetings and workshops, available here.

UN Security guidelines related to media actions, distribution of publicity materials, and use of UN emblem at the UNFCCC conferences, available here.

Guidelines for the participation of representatives of non-governmental organizations at meetings of the bodies of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, available here.

The Code of Conduct contains detailed information on prohibited conduct, complaint and investigation processes as well as possible consequences in case of misbehaviour.

Any incident that infringes on the Code of Conduct guidelines should be reported either directly to any badged UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) officer or by calling the United Nations Security Control Centre, which is open 24 hours a day at +971 543 059 098. Incidents may also be reported to SpeakUp@unfccc.int.

Additional guidelines for participants

Instruction on Authority of United Nations security officers

For detailed information, please see the complete UN Administrative instruction on Authority of United Nations security officers.

Guidelines on the use of cameras and audio/video recording devices

Cameras and audio/video recording devices may be used by participants in public areas, such as lobbies and corridors, provided that such activities do not cause disruption to the activities or movements of participants or security provisions of that area.

However, the recording of audio and video by Party or observer organization delegates at open or closed official meetings or in designated high-security zones is not permitted.

For detailed information, please see the complete guidelines on the use of cameras and audio/video recording devices.

United Nations Security guidelines related to observer media actions, distribution of publicity materials, etc.

Authorized media actions and publicity events by admitted observers following official procedures, in designated areas, are permitted. Materials containing abusive or offensive language or images or political pronouncements are not permitted in the conference venue.

For detailed information, please see the complete United Nations Security guidelines related to media actions, distribution of publicity materials, etc.

Guidelines for the participation of non-governmental organization representatives

Non-governmental organizations are responsible for the conduct of their representatives. Any behaviour not consistent with these guidelines may have an impact on current or future participation in UN Climate Change events, including de-badging or revoking access for the organization and/or the individual.

For detailed information please see the complete guidelines for the participation of non-governmental organization representatives.

Two computer centres are available at the conference venue offering computer and limited printing services free of charge to all Blue Zone participants on a first come, first served basis. Further electronic device charging stations are available at several locations. Please follow the wayfinding signage for locations and directions.

Use of the UNFCCC logo requires written authorization from the UNFCCC secretariat. Please find further information here.

The COP 28 Platform is a space where participants can watch and join meetings according to their badge type, network with other participants and create self-service online meetings. Please note that all public meetings with webcast remain accessible to everyone via the public website.

COP 28 Platform information and access

Party delegates who are self-isolating may request to participate in negotiations remotely by writing to UNFCCC-VirtPart-exception@unfccc.int.

Information from the COP 28 Presidency and the COP 28 Blue and Green Zone is available on the COP 28 Presidency website.

Thematic Program

Throughout the conference, the incoming COP 28 Presidency will hold open consultations on thematic areas and sequencing, inviting inputs from the broad mix of stakeholders that will attend the conference.

Information on the UAE Thematic Program can be found here.

Opening Ceremony

Detailed information on the Opening Ceremony, scheduled to be held on Thursday, 30 November 2023, will be provided in due course.

World Climate Action Summit

The World Climate Action Summit will take place on Friday, 1 December and Saturday, 2 December 2023. The Summit will welcome world leaders to present their progress and ambitions across all pillars of the Paris Agreement, providing momentum and guidance for the remainder of the COP. Detailed information will be provided in due course.

Information on the COP 28 Programme can be found here.

In accordance with rule 19 of the draft rules of procedure being applied, the credentials of representatives of Parties, as well as the names of alternate representatives and advisers, shall be submitted to the secretariat no later than 24 hours after the opening of COP 28, CMP 18 and CMA 5. Any later change in the composition of the delegation shall be communicated to the secretariat as early as possible.

The credentials must be issued by the Head of State or Government, by the Minister of Foreign Affairs or, in the case of a regional economic integration organization, by a competent authority of that organization. They should indicate the date and place where the instrument was issued, be signed by the competent authority and indicate the title of the signatory. In the case of a person acting ad interim as the Head of State or Government or as the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the title must indicate that the person is exercising such powers ad interim. In this respect, the secretariat will accept the following formulations: Acting President, Acting Prime Minister, Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, President ad interim, Prime Minister ad interim and Minister of Foreign Affairs ad interim.

The secretariat wishes to remind Parties that, in accordance with decisions 17/CP.9, 36/CMP.1 and 2/CMA.1, only one set of credentials is necessary to cover the participation of Parties in COP 28, CMP 18 and CMA 5.

Original credentials, duly signed as indicated above and written in one of the six official languages of the United Nations, one should be deposited during COP 28, CMP 18 and CMA 5 at the Information Desk counter in the conference venue. To ensure proper handling and delivery to the repository, no other office or authority of the secretariat or the host country has been designated to receive credentials.

To acknowledge receipt of credentials, the badge of the delegate delivering the credentials will be scanned as confirmation of receipt of the document. A list of valid credentials will be posted on the UNFCCC COP 28 web page. The secretariat strongly recommends that Parties verify that their credentials have been listed on the official web page of the secretariat. In the event that they are not listed 48 hours following the deposit of credentials, the External Relations Office of the UNFCCC should be contacted. In accordance with rule 20 of the draft rules of procedure being applied, the Bureau will examine the credentials and submit its report to the COP.

Information concerning the appointment of representatives participating in the sessions that is communicated by fax, email, letter or note verbale from a ministry, embassy, permanent mission to the United Nations or other participating government office or authority or through a local United Nations office will not be considered as a credential.

The Daily Programme will be available during the conference on the COP 28 Daily Programme web page, starting 30 November and through 12 December 2023.

Pre-session and in-session documents are made available on the COP 28, CMP 18, CMA 5, SBSTA 59 and SBI 59 session web pages on the UNFCCC website.

Sign up for email notifications on a document related to a topic or agenda item of interest being published on the UNFCCC website.

Moreover, participants can sign up for push notifications from the COP 28 apps and COP 28 digital platform on a document related to an agenda item of interest being published.

In view of sustainability considerations and the need to optimize the use of resources, documents will be available online only. There will be no documents counter for distribution of paper copies. However, delegates may print documents themselves at the computer centres, should print copies be required.

Medical and Security emergencies

First aid and emergency medical services (EMS) are available from 30 November to 12 December 2023, opening hours from 8:00 to 22:00 hrs. Any person may self-present to an EMS point to access medical care. EMS points are distributed throughout the Blue Zone and indicated on the venue maps.

For other emergencies, please approach United Nations Security staff (wearing either a United Nations uniform or an armband), contact the Information Desk in the Service Hub North, or call United Nations Security Control Centre (24/7): +971 543 059 098.

In case of emergency outside the conference venue, please call the following UAE emergency number: 999.

Party delegates who are self-isolating may request to participate in negotiations remotely via the COP 28 digital platform by writing to UNFCCC-VirtPart-exception@unfccc.int.

Disclaimer

Participants are strongly advised to obtain comprehensive international medical insurance for the duration of their stay. The United Nations and the UNFCCC secretariat disclaim all responsibility for medical, accident and travel insurance, for compensation for death or disability, for loss of or damage to personal property and for any other costs or losses that may be incurred during travel or the period of participation at the conference including pre-sessional meetings.

In the interests of the security and safety of all participants and the smooth running of the sessions, the UNFCCC secretariat reserves the right to deny and/or restrict access to the conference premises, or to request participants to leave the premises. The UNFCCC secretariat shall not be responsible for any expenses incurred by participants who are requested to leave the premises or refused registration or access to the sessions for which they have been nominated and/or registered as participants.

Non-smoking policy

Smoking indoors is strictly prohibited, including the use of vapers and electronic cigarettes. Smoking outdoors is only permitted in designated outdoor smoking areas which are available at various locations throughout the conference venue.

Information on interpretation services on a commercial basis is available on the COP 28 Presidency website, please click “Additional Information”.

Meditation rooms will be available at the conference venue. Directions can be found on the wayfinding signage and map displayed within the venue.

Meeting rooms can be booked by Parties and observer organizations free of charge for slots of up to 55 minutes between 8:00 and 17:55 hrs.

Meeting Room Assignment (MRA) counter open hours:
Thursday, 30 November to Tuesday, 12 December: 08:00 – 18:00 hrs
(except Thursday, 7 December – when the conference premises are closed)

Kindly note that requests for meetings to be held on the first day of the conference (30 November), will be accepted electronically from 16 to 29 November 2023. Filled-out MRA forms may be sent by email to meetingrequest@unfccc.int.

The MRA team will track your request and issue notifications/confirmations by 29 November 2023 at the latest.

As of 30 November 2023, MRA forms must be submitted in person at the MRA counter located at the venue.

All requestors will receive confirmation of the availability and location of their meeting room in the evening of the day before their meeting in person at the MRA counter. Once confirmed, it is advisable to frequently check your email inbox for potential changes to your confirmed meeting room booking. All confirmations must be reconfirmed again in person by the requestor at the MRA counter one hour before the start of the meeting. Meetings that have not been reconfirmed will be automatically removed from the system.

• Meeting room requests may be submitted for a maximum duration of 55 minutes per Party, regional group or observer organization (United Nations, intergovernmental organization or non-governmental organization). Please be reminded that meetings must conclude and the rooms must be vacated on time. The last meeting must be concluded by 17:55 hrs.
• The confirmation of meeting room reservations depends on the demands of the negotiating process, which takes priority.
• In the event that the meeting room you have booked is required for informal consultations, contact groups or other urgent negotiation meetings at short notice, you may be provided with an alternative solution. You will be notified by phone, or by email if you have not provided a phone number.
• Meeting room layouts are fixed and comply with the national safety regulations of the host country. Therefore, change of setup, removal or relocation of any furniture or equipment by meeting organizers is strictly forbidden.
• All meeting participants are to be seated in accordance with meeting room capacity. Standing participation in meetings is not permitted.
• Food and beverages are not permitted inside the meeting rooms, except water.
• Meeting rooms cannot be booked for side events. To organize a side event, please refer to the Side Events and Exhibits Online Registration System (SEORS) for further information.

Detailed information on the COP 28 mobile apps can be found here.

A nursing room is available in the registration area. Directions can be found on the wayfinding signage and map displayed within the venue.

General information on participation and engagement of observer organizations and other non-Party stakeholders can be found here.

The Blue Zone is under the authority of the United Nations. The pavilion space is operated by the host country on a commercial basis in order to provide Parties and admitted observers with dedicated space to host their own private meetings and office accommodation. The pavilion space is not intended as a part of the formal intergovernmental process. Events hosted in pavilions are not part of the official COP programme.

It has come to the attention of the COP 28 Presidency and the UNFCCC secretariat that some pavilion spaces in the Blue Zone are being further subleased or offered for co-hosting against fees. Those actions are not consistent with the purpose of pavilions in the Blue Zone and are not endorsed by the UNFCCC secretariat. Organizations who lease pavilion space are requested to refrain from any commercialization of that space.

The Executive Secretary has the administrative authority to take any necessary action to ensure the efficient and purposeful functioning of the COP 28 Blue Zone. This may include the review of the admission status of the represented observer organization, including suspension, where applicable.

The portal for securing pavilions and office space was closed on Thursday, 15 June 2023 at 11.59 pm, (GMT +4).

Queries can be sent to the host country COP 28 team directly at bluezonepavilion@cop28.com.

Operating hours for the pavilions for the duration of the conference:
Thursday, 30 November to Tuesday, 12 December: 08:00 – 22:00 hrs
(except Thursday, 7 December – when the conference premises are closed)

Information on pavilions, including pavilion event schedules, is available here.

UN Climate Change works collaboratively with governments, the private sector, foundations, international organizations, academia, NGOs, UN agencies and others. Further information on UNFCCC partnerships is available here.

All information relevant to media representatives will be published here as it becomes available. For more information on COP 28, please bookmark the conference landing page.

Media accreditation

Media accreditation for COP 28 is now closed. Please consult this web page and our frequently asked questions (FAQs) on media accreditation. Every effort will be made to issue the accreditation as soon as possible.

Press conferences

To reserve the press conference room, please send a completed press conference request form to the UN Climate Change Press Office. All press conferences are webcast (live and on-demand), unless otherwise noted. More information on press conferences is available here.

Interview requests

Please send interview requests to press@unfccc.int, including all necessary information such as: Timeframe for the interview, when it should take place, amount of time needed, in-person or virtual, live or pre-recorded, in which language, who will conduct the interview, and topics to be covered.

All formalities regarding registration, including issuance of badges to duly nominated participants to attend the sessions, are free of charge.

All COP 28 participants traveling from outside the UAE will require a visa, regardless of their national passport. Detailed information can be found under Visas below.

Who can register

Parties to the Convention, United Nations and related organizations and agencies, media and non-profit organizations with observer status may register to attend the sessions of the Convention. More information on options for participation is available here.

How to register

Registration for the conference is managed through the UNFCCC Online Registration System (ORS).

For Parties and observer States as well as for United Nations and related organizations and specialized agencies, the ORS opened for the nomination and confirmation of their representatives on 19 June 2023 and will remain open until 27 November 2023, 23:59 Central European Time (CET).

For admitted intergovernmental organizations and non-governmental organizations, the ORS was open for the nomination of participants from 19 June 2023 until 31 July 2023, 23:59 Central European Summer Time (CEST). The ORS will be open for the confirmation of their representatives from 25 August 2023 until 27 November 2023, 23:59 Central European Time (CET).

Notifications on COP 28 registration for Parties and observer States, for United Nations organizations and specialized agencies as well as for admitted intergovernmental organizations and non-governmental organizations, are available here.

Multiple registration for the conference is not permitted (i.e. registration as an observer organization representative and a Party or State representative and/or press/media representative).

Changes to the registration system and process

The UNFCCC secretariat has introduced updates to the registration of conference participants, with the aim to increase the transparency of participation in the UNFCCC process. Detailed information is available here.

Collecting conference badges

To be issued a conference badge, all participants must be duly registered as indicated in the section “How to register” above.

Upon arrival at the venue for the first time, participants are requested to proceed to the registration desk to collect badges for access to the conference premises. The acknowledgement letter from the online registration system – printed or on mobile device – and a valid passport or a nationally approved photo identification card should be presented to the registration staff for the issuance of badges.

For subsequent visits to the venue, with an already obtained badge, participants may access the venue directly through security, without stopping at the registration desk.

Once the badge has been activated, the record cannot be deleted from the database.

Pre-printing badges for Party and UN delegations

National focal points of Parties and designated contact persons of the UN system may request to have badges pre-printed for their delegations and have them collected in advance from the registration counters. The person collecting the badges shall then sign on behalf of the delegates and will be responsible for the distribution of those badges. This option is available only to those delegates who already have a photo in the system. Kindly submit your request under the related section via the communication tab in the ORS by selecting “Pre-printed badges” from the drop-down menu. Please note that a delegate whose badge has been printed will be reflected in the List of Participants. A step-by-step guide can be found here.

Registration desk open hours:
Friday, 24 November to Tuesday, 28 November: 08:00 – 18:00 hrs
Wednesday, 29 November: 08:00 – 21:00 hrs
Thursday, 30 November: 06:30 – 21:00 hrs
Friday, 1 December: 06:30 – 19:00 hrs
Saturday, 2 December to Wednesday, 6 December: 08:00 – 19:00 hrs
Thursday, 7 December: The conference premises, including registration, are closed.
Friday, 8 December: 06:30 – 19:00 hrs
Saturday, 9 December to Tuesday, 12 December: 08:00 – 19:00 hrs

Daily badges for IGOs and NGOs

For COP 28, a simplified version of daily badges has been introduced. Further information is available here. The deadline for confirmation of delegates is 27 November 2023 23:59 hrs (CET).

Virtual-only registration

Following the successful pilot at SB 58, virtual-only registration is also available for COP 28. The UNFCCC “Virtual-only” registration in the Online Registration System (ORS) facilitates virtual only (online) access to delegates from Parties and observer organizations by providing access to UNFCCC meetings remotely, provided the meeting is open to the respective delegate and has the possibility for online participation. Detailed information can be found here: FAQ Virtual-only.

The UAE is responsible for the movement and management of commodities from the point of origin to the point of destination in collaboration with the official freight service provider, including the complementary methods and tools applied to realize these objectives.

The UAE has published logistical guidelines, document samples and other relevant information.

Detailed information can be found here.

The Shipping and Consignment Counter will be located in the “Service Hub” along the Al Wasl Avenue.

Shipping and Consignment Counter open hours:
Friday, 24 November to Wednesday, 29 November: 09:00 – 17:00 hrs
Thursday, 30 November to Friday, 15 December: 09:00 – 18:00 hrs
(except Thursday, 7 December – when the conference premises are closed)

Applications for side events and exhibits are managed through the Side Events and Exhibits Online Registration System (SEORS). SEORS is the only channel used by the UNFCCC secretariat to receive applications for official side events and exhibits by admitted observer organizations, and Parties partnering with admitted observer organizations. The information on the application timeline is available on the SEORS home page.

The UN inter-agency coordination for side events to be organized by the UN organizations and specialized agencies at COP 28 is undertaken by the UNFCCC secretariat. For information on the application process and timeline, please liaise with UNSideEvents@unfccc.int. Applications from UN organizations and specialized agencies for COP 28 exhibits are received via the Side Events and Exhibits Online Registration System (SEORS) during the application period indicated on the SEORS home page. Further information on UN side events and exhibits at COP 28 is available on this web page on the official UNFCCC website.

Please review the following documents prior to applying for a side event and/or an exhibit slot:

• Eligibility Criteria
• Selection Criteria
• Application Manual
• Frequently asked questions

Logistical information on COP 28 side events and exhibits will be published on the SEORS home page as soon as this information becomes available.

Side events can be watched live and on demand on the official UNFCCC website and the official UNFCCC YouTube channel.

For further information on side events and exhibits, please consult the Side Events and Exhibits information page on the official UNFCCC website.

Along with live webcast, social media community tools such as X, Facebook, Instagram, Flickr and YouTube enable virtual engagement with COP 28. The full list of key social media accounts can be found here.

Information on the COP28 UAE Event Sustainability Policy can be found here.

The Government of the United Arab Emirates is working to ensure that delegates have a range of smooth running and sustainable modes of transport.

Due to the limited car parking in the Blue Zone, delegates are encouraged to use Dubai Metro to reach the conference venue, which will be complemented by a conference shuttle bus system. These transport services will be free of charge to all Blue Zone participants. Free cards (known as NOL Cards) are  available for pick up at the Distribution Counters in the conference venue.

Information on the Dubai metro, shuttle buses, taxi & e-hail and rental cars options can be found here. Particularly, information on Dubai metro can be found here.

A detailed downloadable transport guide containing comprehensive information on transport options can be found here.

Both the UNFCCC Information Counter as well as the Distribution Counter will be located in the “Service Hub” along the Al Wasl Avenue, where participants can ask questions and receive their ‘’COP 28 Welcome Gift’’.

UNFCCC Service Hub open hours:
Friday, 24 November to Wednesday, 29 November: 09:00 – 17:00 hrs
Thursday, 30 November to Tuesday, 12 December: 08:00 – 18:00 hrs
(except Thursday, 7 December – when the conference premises are closed)

Information on the venue is available on the COP 28 Presidency website.

An overview map of the conference venue is available here.

Operating hours:
Thursday, 30 November to Tuesday, 12 December: 08:00 – 22:00 hrs
(except Thursday, 7 December – when the conference premises are closed)

All COP 28 participants traveling from outside the UAE will require a visa, regardless of their national passport. Visas can be obtained only through the visa portal as described below.

All foreign participants entering the UAE for COP 28 and the pre-sessionals must have a passport which is valid for a minimum period of six months from the date of entry into the UAE.

COP 28 registered participants will be granted an electronic visa called a “Special Entry Permit”, hereafter referred to as COP 28 UAE Visa, free of charge. After approval of the registration via the UNFCCC Online Registration System, participants will receive a link to apply for the visa as part of the UNFCCC registration confirmation email.

Participants are strongly encouraged to promptly apply for the COP 28 UAE Visa as soon as their UNFCCC registration is confirmed. Please visit the visa portal link in your UNFCCC registration email to track the status of your visa.

The COP 28 UAE Visa will be a single-entry permit, valid for 30 days from the date of arrival. Please note that this COP 28 UAE Visa will indicate date of issue and valid until 12 December 2023, meaning that the COP 28 UAE Visa holder should utilize the visa to “enter” the UAE prior to 12 December 2023. Airports have been informed of the validity of the COP 28 UAE Visa. Please consult the COP 28 Presidency website for further information here.

Queries concerning visa arrangements should be addressed directly to visas@unfccc.int.