Protesters Challenge Restrictions at Dubai's COP28 Climate Summit

Tens of thousands of people from around the world have gathered in Dubai for the annual United Nations summit on climate change, known as COP28. However, activists and climate rights advocates have faced challenges in staging protests and demonstrations due to the authoritarian nature of the host country, the United Arab Emirates. While the UAE complied with U.N. rules to allow preapproved protests within a designated area, protests outside of this zone are nearly impossible, and native Emiratis and foreign residents fear repercussions for participating. The restrictions have raised concerns about the lack of political freedoms and human rights in the country.