The UAE's climate change envoy said the country will deliver an "ambitious agenda to drive change" if chosen as host of the Cop28 global environment summit in 2023.
Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Special Envoy for Climate Change, said the world faces great challenges in the battle to secure a greener future but it was also a "time of great opportunity".
Speaking during the Cop26 UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow, Scotland, he pledged the UAE would be at the forefront of efforts to protect the planet.
"The world faces a great challenge and also a time of great opportunity," Dr Al Jaber said.
"If affirmed as host of Cop28 in 2023, the UAE would support the international community with a practical, ambitious agenda that highlights opportunity and drives change."
The climate champion held talks with important figures across the world helping to place the environment at the top of the agenda.
"A pleasure to meet with Prince Abdulaziz Bin Salman, Saudi Arabia's Minister of Energy, at Cop26," said Dr Al Jaber.
"We have strong, strategic ties with the kingdom and we will strengthen our bond as we work to reach our net-zero goals and ensure sustainable economic growth."
The envoy also met India's Environment Minister, Bhupender Yadav, at the event.
"Our nations share close ties that I look forward to strengthening through our sustainable, environmental goals," said Dr Al Jaber.
The Emirati minister also enjoyed discussions with the US Deputy Secretary of Energy, Dave Turk, centred on the strategic partnership between the nations "in pursuit of positive climate action".
Earlier on Wednesday, UAE leaders vowed that the Emirates was primed to stage Cop28 in two years and play a vital role in supporting the environment for generations to come.
“The UAE has submitted a request to host the Cop28 conference in 2023, the largest global conference of heads of state and government on climate and environmental issues,” Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, posted on Twitter.
“Many countries have supported our request, and we are looking forward to announcing the selection of the host country within the next two days.”
His sentiments were echoed by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, who underlined the UAE's desire to combat climate change.
“The host country for Cop28 in 2023 will soon be chosen,” said Sheikh Mohamed on Twitter.
“As a nation committed to international co-operation and positive action, the UAE is ready and willing to host this crucial global gathering aimed at accelerating efforts to address our planet’s shared climate challenges.”
Cop26: Full coverage of the UN climate talks in Glasgow
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Delegates view the UK pavilion at Cop26 in Glasgow. Day 11 of the 2021 climate summit will focus on the global transition to zero-emission transport. Getty Images -
Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and UAE Special Envoy for Climate Change, addresses delegates at the summit. AP Photo -
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson arrives to attend the summit. EPA -
Little Amal, a giant puppet depicting a Syrian refugee girl who has walked across Europe, crosses Tradeston Bridge over the River Clyde in Glasgow. AFP -
A visitor is silhouetted against a screen depicting shipping at the Cop26 summit. Reuters -
Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the US House of Representatives, exchanges her views at the summit. Getty Images -
People take part in a pro-cycling rally outside the SEC (Scottish Event Campus), venue of Cop26, in Glasgow. AP Photo -
Youth Climate Activists protest outside the plenary rooms at Cop26 as high-level negotiations continue in Glasgow. Getty Images -
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, US Representative for New York's 14th congressional district, attends a press conference held by Nancy Pelosi. Getty Images -
Campaigners from Friends of the Earth Scotland, Get Glasgow Moving and the International Transport Workers Federation gather in George Square, Glasgow, demanding better public transport as an essential part of addressing climate change during the Cop26 summit in the city. PA -
A hydrogen-powered, zero-emission ambulance is displayed in Glasgow. Getty Images -
Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon speaks to the media during the Cop26 summit. PA
