In December 2023, the United Arab Emirates hosted COP28. The British Chamber of Commerce Abu Dhabi was the local based BCC and as such had an active role to play in delivering the Chamber Network COP28 Programme along with other members from the BCC COP28 Working Group including; BCC Israel, Egyptian British Chamber, Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, East Lancashire Chamber, BCC Netherlands, and British Business Group Dubai. 

This project focused on supporting British capabilities, across the numerous sectors that represent our members and those of the Global Business Network (GBN) of the British Chambers of Commerce. Our goal was to act as a conduit to bring the private sector from the UK and UAE ‘together to help achieve the ambitious targets set out in the country’s Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative. A series of activities including COP28 information sessions for the GBN, between BCCAD and other British Chambers in the UK and internationally, were organised in the lead-up to COP28 to support the capabilities and strengths of SME’s. In-country support was provided for individuals or delegations traveling from the UK to the UAE including B2B matchmaking with our key contacts and local strategic partners at the government level.  

Planning of the Chamber Network COP28 Programme, commence in September 2022. At this time the British Chamber of Commerce Abu Dhabi was still in its initial year of being a BCC.  

The regular (at times weekly/daily) meetings among the working group fostered strong ties between our Chambers and ongoing collaboration has been demonstrable. BCCAD offered delegates who participated in the COP28 Programme, a discounted rate in our Business Level membership, which resulted in 11 new members. More importantly though, the collaboration between BCCAD and Glasgow, Egypt, and East Lancashire Chambers has grown since COP28. BCCAD participated in COB24 (May 2024); with our Chairman, Nick Cochrane-Dyet, MBE and Simone Jucker, General Manager.  

In turn, Glasgow Chamber will be participating in BCCAD’s upcoming event on 7th November in Abu Dhabi, “Delivering on the Commitments Made at COP28 – What is Abu Dhabi Doing on Green Finance”.  

The Chamber Network COP28 Programme, brought together 115 delegates, representing 66 companies, from 11 British Chambers. Over the 3 day programme, delegates accessed the Green Zone where they were introduced to international and UAE based companies. Many of the participating companies were on their first business trip to the UAE. The BCC COP28 Programme, was designed to support the delegates and foster collaboration among the business community in the UAE and individual participants.  

Delegates participated in BCC Flagship events including business briefings at Heriot-Watt University, visit to Dubai Police Innovation Lab, roundtables, briefings with Abu Dhabi Government Strategic Partners such as Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, Abu Dhabi Investment Office, and Abu Dhabi Residents Office. A site visit and tour of Masdar City, enabled delegates to learn more about the UAE’s sustainability journey, a platform for discourse addressing sustainable development, business, R&D partnerships, attracting heads of state, thought leaders, experts, academia and the business community. Delegates of the BCC COP28 Programme were hosted inside the Green Zone by First Abu Dhabi Bank in a majilis style discussion focused on,“How Can the Middle East Achieve Its Transition to Net Zero?”. A variety of networking events including an evening reception with the British Embassy, Frontrunners Dinner with CEO’s and local business leaders, enabled further opportunities for collaboration among delegates and Chambers.