In photos: Dubai prepares to host COP28 at Expo City

Dubai is preparing to host the COP28 climate talks this week, where world leaders aim to assess where the world stands when it comes to limiting emissions to slow global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) compared with pre-industrial times.

The annual United Nations summit from November 30 to December 12 is taking place as the world is poised to shatter another record for the hottest year in 2023.

Organisers expect over 70,000 attendees at the talks, from nearly 200 countries, including heads of state. Britain's King Charles will be among the leaders to attend the talks.

Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced a temporary rerouting of traffic on Sheikh Zayed Road towards Abu Dhabi, from the Trade Centre Roundabout to the Expo Intersection. The diversion will be in effect for three days. [Above: Dubai Metro]

The venue's "Blue Zone", only for accredited attendees, is designated for official talks and panel discussions, and also features country pavilions, or temporary offices for each national delegation. Another area dubbed the "Green Zone" features exhibition booths populated by companies, non-profit groups and climate campaigners from around the world. In this warehouse-type space, open to the registered public, one can easily find free coffee, or hear a multinational sales pitch, or take in an indigenous Amazonian cultural display.

During the first few days, national leaders jet in for what is called the "High-Level Segment" involving back-to-back speeches in the venue's main plenary hall. They often go beyond the three-minute time limit.

To bring structure to the conference for public-facing events, COP organisers assign themes to each day - touching on a huge array of climate-related issues.