Dubai is gearing up to host the COP28 climate talks despite world leaders, including US President Joe Biden, indicating their absence due to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in the Middle East. The two-week meeting aims to evaluate global progress in limiting emissions and combatting climate change. Emirati officials are expecting over 70,000 attendees, including heads of state. While Britain’s King Charles and Pope Francis have confirmed their participation, Biden, who attended both COP26 and COP27, will not be attending. The White House has stated that a climate team will be sent instead. The participation of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Syrian President Bashar Assad remains uncertain.