UAE announces head of UN COP28 climate talks

The United Arab Emirates on Thursday named a veteran technocrat with experience in both renewable energies and the oil business as the president of the upcoming United Nations climate negotiations this year in Dubai.

Authorities named Sultan al-Jaber, a trusted confidant of UAE leader Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who now serves as CEO of the state-run Abu Dhabi National Oil Co.

That firm pumps some 4 million barrels of crude a day and hopes to expand to 5 million daily. The nominee's position as “COP president” is confirmed by delegates at the start of the talks, usually without objections.