COP28 UAE will offer the first 1.5° C-aligned menu at a COP conference, as part of its objective of making the conference carbon-neutral.

More than 90 food and beverage outlets will showcase a diverse range of cuisines, including a unique 100 percent vegan food truck park and Alkebulan, the world’s first African dining hall.

It is anticipated that 250,000 meals will be served every day of the 12-day event.

To ensure menus are climate-conscious and sustainable, COP28 mandates caterers to minimize waste, use sustainable packaging, provide training, and recycle where possible.

COP28 is working with Expo City Dubai, Dubai World Trade Centre and Erth to ensure F&B vendors are supported as much as possible in achieving the challenging Sustainable Catering Strategy.

The COP28 Catering Team has been working with Nutritics to support F&B vendors by providing access to its platform to enable vendors to calculate the carbon and water intensity of menu items.

Caterers have been asked to ensure that at least 50 percent of food served falls within sustainable limits for carbon and water intensity, as well as aligning with UAE guidelines on macronutrients.

By providing carbon-conscious choices and supporting information, delegates will be able make informed eating choices at COP28.

COP28, alongside the Chef’s Manifesto, and under the patronage of Her Excellency Mariam Almheiri, hosted a workshop in October to explain the science and rationale behind the Sustainable Catering Strategy.

Visitors will have an abundance of choices in the Blue and Green Zones, and reservations are now open for select restaurants, via Eat App.

Blue Zone reservations can be booked from 30 November to 12 December and require the necessary accreditation for Blue Zone access. Those with a Green Zone Pass can make a reservation for a restaurant in the Green Zone from December 3 to 12.