When Dubai hosted the 28th UN Climate Change Conference (COP28) in October 2023, the world’s eyes turned to the UAE. With global leaders, policymakers, NGOs, and innovators coming together under one roof to accelerate climate action, the challenge was enormous: how to create a city-scale venue that reflected the UAE’s climate ambitions — sustainable, safe, accessible, and fully operational — in record time.

The UAE’s unwavering commitment to sustainability demanded an infrastructure that mirrored its vision. The event was expected to host tens of thousands of participants daily, with facilities capable of handling global delegations, technical teams, and media. Yet, time was limited: just 42 days to turn an empty site into a landmark of sustainable construction.

ALBADDAD rose to the challenge by deploying 28,000 m² of modular smart structures. Each element was engineered with sustainability and circularity in mind:

– Energy-efficient HVAC systems, reducing emissions while ensuring comfort.

– Reusable modular structures, built with recyclable wall panels and flooring.

– Universal accessibility layouts, aligned with ISO 21542 standards.

– Integrated fire safety and emergency systems, meeting UN and UAE codes.

Our team worked around the clock, combining speed with engineering excellence. The result was a facility that blended sustainability, safety, and scale, while remaining flexible for future use.

COP28 Dubai became a global benchmark. The venue was not only completed within record timelines but also exceeded expectations — proving that mega climate events can be delivered with innovation, circularity, and efficiency. It stood as a model of how temporary modular structures can be both world-class and environmentally responsible.

This achievement reinforces ALBADDAD’s leadership in delivering rapid-deployment modular cities for events of global significance. The same methodology is now being aligned with future projects like WUF13 in Baku, where our structures will be repurposed, dismantled responsibly, and reused — extending their lifecycle and contributing to sustainable urban development.

COP28 was more than an event — it was a milestone in sustainable infrastructure, showing the world what is possible when innovation meets urgency.