ACCESSIBILITY & INCLUSION
UAE Vision of
Inclusion at
COP28
The UAE strives to make COP28 the most accessible and inclusive COP to date by proactively and authentically engaging with numerous constituencies and diverse groups, including women, people with disabilities, indigenous people, and youth, to amplify their voices and grant them a seat at the table.
At COP28UAE, we believe in embodying the principle of “Nothing About Us Without Us”. We recognize that people with disabilities are disproportionately affected by climate change. We therefore embarked on a journey that began with actively listening and seeking guidance from people with disabilities and their organizations in the UAE and around the globe.
Our accessibility approach incorporates built environments, digital accessibility, and nurturing empathy and understanding among our team.
Our staff and volunteers have received disability awareness training that was fully developed and delivered by people with lived experience and their connections. We have adopted a co-designing consultative process that was led and informed by people with disabilities from creating accessibility guidelines to constructing user experiences that take into account the role that gender, age, ability, and ethnicity play in shaping our human experience.
At COP28UAE, we understand that inclusion and accessibility are a continuum and a journey rather than a destination. We look forward to leaving a legacy of inclusion for future COPs to build on. A legacy that leaves no one behind, and we welcome you to join us.
At COP28UAE, we believe in embodying the principle of “Nothing About Us Without Us”. We recognize that people with disabilities are disproportionately affected by climate change. We therefore embarked on a journey that began with actively listening and seeking guidance from people with disabilities and their organizations in the UAE and around the globe.
Our accessibility approach incorporates built environments, digital accessibility, and nurturing empathy and understanding among our team.
Our staff and volunteers have received disability awareness training that was fully developed and delivered by people with lived experience and their connections. We have adopted a co-designing consultative process that was led and informed by people with disabilities from creating accessibility guidelines to constructing user experiences that take into account the role that gender, age, ability, and ethnicity play in shaping our human experience.
At COP28UAE, we understand that inclusion and accessibility are a continuum and a journey rather than a destination. We look forward to leaving a legacy of inclusion for future COPs to build on. A legacy that leaves no one behind, and we welcome you to join us.
A Culture of Determination
In the United Arab Emirates, we use the terms ‘People of Determination’ and ‘People with Disabilities’ interchangeably. Within the UAE, we believe that the term People of Determination reflects the significant role that self-determination and resilience play in the lives of people with disabilities and their families while also exemplifying the UAE’s commitment and determination to a more inclusive and coherent society. The term serves as a paradigm shift to a value-based society that does not only celebrate the diversity of the human experience, but also invests in people of all abilities seizing their full potential. As you arrive in the UAE and at COP28, you will come across the term ‘People of Determination’ frequently.
Accessibility Statement
At COP28UAE, we aim to deliver the most inclusive and accessible COP for all. We are committed to providing digitally accessible experiences that cater to the diverse needs of our audience. Our efforts begin with ensuring that our website meets the international standards of Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.1) under the criteria level AA.
The COP28 website supports screen reader users, all images are provided with appropriate alternative text and videos are supported with captioning or transcripts. Users can customize text size, spacing, alignment, layout, color contrast, select dyslexia-friendly fonts and much more.
To start using the accessibility toolbar, click on the accessibility icon on the upper right side corner of the website next to the search icon, or simply use the following shortcut (Ctrl + U). Users can select from the eight profiles provided or customize the experience based on their needs.
Your feedback is essential as we continue to enhance our digital accessibility experience, bridge the digital divide, and create equitable and inclusive opportunities for all. Please email us at accessibility@cop28.com for any enquiries and suggestions.
The COP28 website supports screen reader users, all images are provided with appropriate alternative text and videos are supported with captioning or transcripts. Users can customize text size, spacing, alignment, layout, color contrast, select dyslexia-friendly fonts and much more.
To start using the accessibility toolbar, click on the accessibility icon on the upper right side corner of the website next to the search icon, or simply use the following shortcut (Ctrl + U). Users can select from the eight profiles provided or customize the experience based on their needs.
Your feedback is essential as we continue to enhance our digital accessibility experience, bridge the digital divide, and create equitable and inclusive opportunities for all. Please email us at accessibility@cop28.com for any enquiries and suggestions.
ACCESSIBILITY
FEATURES AND
FACILITIES
ACCESSIBILITY
FEATURES AND
FACILITIES
Accessible Accommodation
Hotels that have wheelchair accessible rooms available to book are featured on the COP28 accommodation portal. To view the availability of these rooms, click the wheelchair user icon on the amenities list.
Please note that the accommodations team can provide details of the wheelchair accessible room features that you may need and can help you choose the best option. If all wheelchair accessible rooms on the accommodations portal are booked, please email accessibility@cop28.com for help in finding alternative options.
Dubai Metro
Dubai Metro is one of the most advanced and modern rail systems. It offers a wide range of luxurious services: train structure, facilities and equipment.
Accessible Taxis
Wheelchair accessible taxis are available to use. We recommend booking at least 30 minutes in advance.
Accessible taxis in Dubai can be booked via the DTC App. Select ‘POD Taxi’ or call 80088088.
Accessible taxis in Abu Dhabi can be booked via the Abu Dhabi Taxi App. Select ‘Special Needs Taxi’ or call 600535353.
You can also rent an accessible taxi with a driver through certain accessible car rental companies. Please check with your service provider.
Accessible taxis in Dubai can be booked via the DTC App. Select ‘POD Taxi’ or call 80088088.
Accessible taxis in Abu Dhabi can be booked via the Abu Dhabi Taxi App. Select ‘Special Needs Taxi’ or call 600535353.
You can also rent an accessible taxi with a driver through certain accessible car rental companies. Please check with your service provider.
Accessible Shuttle Buses
All shuttle buses at COP28 are wheelchair accessible and equipped with manual ramps.
Arriving by Car
Although we encourage all visitors and delegates to use public transportation services where possible, we understand that this might not be an option for everyone. If you are arriving by car, accessible parking areas are provided in all COP28 car parks.
Accessible Security Checkpoints
All Green Zone visitors and Blue Zone delegates are required to go through security screening. COP28 has a dedicated accessible security screening area for people with disabilities.
If you are a Blue Zone accredited delegate who is unable to pass through metal detectors for medical reasons and would need to be physically searched, please apply for a UN exemption badge by emailing accessibility@cop28.com to facilitate a seamless delegate experience.
All security staff have received disability awareness training and are trained on conducting physical searches that are mindful of people with disabilities.
If you are a Blue Zone accredited delegate who is unable to pass through metal detectors for medical reasons and would need to be physically searched, please apply for a UN exemption badge by emailing accessibility@cop28.com to facilitate a seamless delegate experience.
All security staff have received disability awareness training and are trained on conducting physical searches that are mindful of people with disabilities.
Accessibility Desks
Accessibility service hubs are information desks dedicated to providing accessibility services and answers to accessibility related queries.
Blue Zone accessibility service hubs are available in building numbers 12 (open 10:00 - 18:00), 40 (open 09:00 - 17:00), & 91(open 10:00 - 18:00).
Green Zone accessibility desks are available in visitor centers 2, 3 and 5. Visitor centers are open 08:00 a.m - 10:00 p.m.
Accessible Buggy Hubs
The COP28 site is vast which can be challenging for those with reduced mobility. There are multiple buggy hubs that operate as pickup and drop off points across the site. Wheelchair accessible buggies are available, and buggy hubs prioritize people with reduced mobility and wheelchair users.
Sunflower Lanyards
COP28 will be utilizing the sunflower lanyards as an accessibility tool to recognize people with non-visible disabilities such as autism and hearing loss. Please note that the lanyard covers a wide range of disabilities and is optional to wear should you choose not to disclose your disability.
Blue Zone delegates can collect their sunflower lanyard at accessibility service desk in visitor center 9.
Green Zone visitors can collect their sunflower lanyard at visitor centers 2, 3 and 5, and also at the information desks in the arrival and welcome plazas.
Blue Zone delegates can collect their sunflower lanyard at accessibility service desk in visitor center 9.
Green Zone visitors can collect their sunflower lanyard at visitor centers 2, 3 and 5, and also at the information desks in the arrival and welcome plazas.
Manual Wheelchairs
Blue Zone delegates can request manual wheelchairs free of charge in the arrival plaza and visitor centers 1, 6 and 9.
Green Zone visitors can hire manual wheelchairs free of charge at visitor centers 2, 3 and 5.
You will be asked to provide personal identification when requesting a manual wheelchair.
Motorized Wheelchair Charging Stations
COP28 will not be providing motorized wheelchairs. However, motorized wheelchair charging stations are available across the site for personal use. Please note that you will need to bring your own charger in order to use the outlet. The charging stations are for 3 pin UK/Type G plugs.
Blue Zone delegates can find the wheelchair charging stations at visitor centers 1, 6 and 7.
Green Zone visitors can find wheelchair charging stations at visitor centers 2, 3 and 5.
Blue Zone delegates can find the wheelchair charging stations at visitor centers 1, 6 and 7.
Green Zone visitors can find wheelchair charging stations at visitor centers 2, 3 and 5.
Accessible and Family Toilet Facilities
The COP28 site has four accessible toilets in every visitor center. These are equipped with additional space, grab bars and emergency alarm cords.
The site also has family toilet facilities that have enough space for wheelchair users to maneuver as well as changing tables and lowered sinks that are accessible for parents and children with disabilities.
Accessible toilets are also available at the venues and hubs across the site.
The site also has family toilet facilities that have enough space for wheelchair users to maneuver as well as changing tables and lowered sinks that are accessible for parents and children with disabilities.
Accessible toilets are also available at the venues and hubs across the site.
Changing Places Toilets
Changing Places Toilets are designed for people with multiple or complex disabilities who require additional space for two or more caregivers and specialized equipment, such as adult changing tables and ceiling hoists, that a standard accessible toilet does not provide.
For Blue Zone delegates, Changing Places Toilets are available at visitor centers 1 and 6.
For Green Zone delegates, a Changing Places Toilet is available at visitor center 3.
For Blue Zone delegates, Changing Places Toilets are available at visitor centers 1 and 6.
For Green Zone delegates, a Changing Places Toilet is available at visitor center 3.
Quiet Rooms (Sensory Rooms)
Quiet rooms or sensory rooms are spaces where neurodivergent visitors and delegates can go to when experiencing sensory overload or feeling anxious or overwhelmed. These areas should not be mistaken for quiet working spaces or relaxation areas.
These spaces include sensory pods, a variety of different seating areas, adjustable lighting, and interactive screens.
Quiet or sensory rooms will be available as a walk-in service open 10:00 a.m – 06:00 p.m.
For Blue Zone delegates, quiet/sensory rooms are available at visitor centers 1 and 6.
For Green Zone visitors, a quiet/sensory room is available at visitor center 3.
Hearing Loops
Hearing loops for hearing aid users are available in every visitor center across the Blue and Green Zones.
For Blue Zone delegates, hearing loops are also available on the ground floors of Dubai Exhibition Centre North and South. All hearing loops will be signed with the hearing loop symbol.
In addition, plenaries, meeting rooms, side event rooms, the Global Climate Action Zone will be equipped with hearing loops.
For Blue Zone delegates, hearing loops are also available on the ground floors of Dubai Exhibition Centre North and South. All hearing loops will be signed with the hearing loop symbol.
In addition, plenaries, meeting rooms, side event rooms, the Global Climate Action Zone will be equipped with hearing loops.
Feeding and Nursing Rooms
The COP28 site has various feeding rooms that can be used by nursing mothers and people who use feeding tubes.
For Blue Zone delegates, feeding and nursing rooms are available at visitor centers 1, 6 and 7.
For Green Zone visitors, feeding and nursing rooms are available at visitor centers 2, 3 and 5.
Green Zone Ticketing Information
Green Zone Day Passes are free of charge and visitors can either register online to receive a PDF with a QR code scannable on entry, or visitors are able to register on site at the box offices located in the arrivals plazas.
Assistance Dogs
The COP28 Green Zone site is pet friendly and assistance dogs will be welcomed. Assistance dogs must be on a leash and attached to their harness at all times. Dogs must be wearing a collar that identifies their name and the contact information of their owner. Please make sure that your assistance dog has updated vaccination reports and identification documents.
Please note that COP28 staff and volunteers are not responsible for taking care of your assistance dog.
Please email accessibility@cop28.com should you plan on bringing a service dog with you into the Blue Zone as additional approvals are required.
Please note that COP28 staff and volunteers are not responsible for taking care of your assistance dog.
Please email accessibility@cop28.com should you plan on bringing a service dog with you into the Blue Zone as additional approvals are required.
FAQS: ACCESSIBILITY
What accessibility features are available at COP28?
Accessible features and facilities throughout the COP28 Blue and Green Zones include:
- Accessible toilets and changing facilities
- Accessible buggies
- Hearing loops
- Free manual wheelchair hire
- Motorized wheelchair charging stations
- Quiet and sensory rooms
- Nursing and feeding rooms
- Assistance dog relief areas
- Sunflower lanyards for people with non-visible disabilities
- Evacuation chairs
Will the COP28 site be physically accessible?
The COP28 site is wheelchair accessible and compliant with the UAE Universal Code for the built environment. Braille signposts are available in specific areas around the site to aid navigation.
Will the COP28 app and website be digitally accessible?
The COP28 website meets the international standards of Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.1) under the criteria level AA.
What steps were taken by the COP28 team to ensure that COP28 is accessible and inclusive?
Our staff and volunteers have received disability awareness training that was fully developed and delivered by people with lived experience and their connections. We have adopted a co-designing consultative process that was led and informed by people with disabilities from creating accessibility guidelines to constructing user experiences that take into account the role that gender, age, ability, and ethnicity play in shaping our human experience. Read more about our efforts in disability inclusion and accessibility in the UAE’s Vision of Inclusion page.
What does the term “People of Determination” mean?
In the UAE, we use the term People of Determination and People with Disabilities interchangeably. Within the UAE, we believe that the term reflects the significant role that self-determination and resilience play in the lives of people with disabilities and their families while also exemplifying the UAE’s commitment and determination to a more inclusive and coherent society. The term serves as a paradigm shift to a value-based society that not only celebrates the diversity of the human experience, but also invests in people of all abilities seizing their full potential.
I am a person with a non-visible disability. How can I benefit from COP28’s various accessibility features?
COP28 will be utilizing the Sunflower lanyard as an accessibility tool to recognize people with non-visible disabilities such as autism or hearing loss. Please note that the lanyard covers a wide range of disabilities and is optional to wear, should you choose not to disclose your disability.
I am a speaker/participant with accessibility needs. Who should I contact about this?
If you are a speaker or a participant with specific accessibility requirements, please make sure to convey them to the event organizer or email us at accessiblity@cop28.com
What are the inclusive emergency procedures taken into consideration by the COP28 team?
The COP28 team received training on how to evacuate people with disabilities and use evacuation equipment such as evacuation chairs. If you are attending an event, please notify the event organizers that you need support in the unlikely event of an emergency.
I am attending COP28 with an assistance dog. What should I expect?
The COP28 site is pet-friendly and assistance dogs will be welcomed at COP28. There are assistance dog relief areas throughout the site.
Is there a dedicated security checkpoint for people with disabilities at COP28?
Yes, there is a dedicated security checkpoint for people with disabilities at COP28 in both Green and Blue Zones.
What kind of catering options are available at the COP28 site?
There are many catering options across the site, serving various dietary requirements, including gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, and vegan.
I understand that there is a sustainability policy of no single-use plastic on site. I have disabilities and rely on single-use plastic to live, what should I do?
At COP28 UAE, we understand that the carbon footprint of people with disabilities is often much higher than others and that many people with disabilities cannot reduce their waste and rely on single-use plastic to live. In our efforts to combat eco-ableism, we have provided biodegradable cups and solid plant single-use straws that are made from plant-based bioplastic. If you are a person with a disability and in need of such items, please feel free to ask for them and do not feel discouraged to use them if and when needed.
I am a media professional with a disability. Who should I contact regarding my accessibility requirements?
If you are a media professional with a disability, please convey that to the media team or please email us at accessiblity@cop28.com
My question was not answered and I need more information. How can I contact the COP28 accessibility team?
If you have any further enquiries, please email us at accessiblity@cop28.com
Accessibility
Your feedback is essential as we continue to enhance our digital accessibility experience, bridge the digital divide, and create equitable and inclusive opportunities for all. Please email us for any enquiries and suggestions.
We will shortly publish more information regarding the features and facilities available at COP28. In the meantime, do not hesitate to contact us with any queries.