The Premier and Deputy Premier will have a packed schedule when they meet up with more than 200 heads of state and government at an annual climate conference in the Middle East this week.

David Burt and Walter Roban will be giving presentations during the Conference of the Parties in the United Arab Emirates.

Mr Burt, who is also the Minister of Finance, will be attended Abu Dhabi Finance Week yesterday and today before COP28 begins tomorrow.

Mr Burt will deliver an address on island innovation at a COP28 energy and industry forum, provide key remarks at the UN Climate Change Global Innovation Hub Workshop, participate in a fireside chat and conduct interviews with regional media.

The Premier will also hold meetings with UAE Government representatives to discuss broadening economic investment opportunities with Bermuda.

Mr Burt said: “COP28 is one of the biggest global forums, which brings together key policymakers from close to 200 countries to make critical decisions that affect our future, so it’s imperative that Bermuda is represented at this event.

“The UAE and Bermuda have already fostered strong bilateral relations. Our visit will seek to evolve our existing relationships and advance new partnerships by promoting Bermuda as an excellent and competitive destination for foreign direct investment opportunities.”

Mr Roban will represent Bermuda during the key discussions and forums about the impact of climate change on Caribbean nations and will be a speaker at the SDG Disruptor Summit during “Bermuda Day”.

On December 8, he will be involved in a panel discussion with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero titled “On the Frontline: How Are the UK’s Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies getting to net zero, adapting to and dealing with the impacts of climate change”.

Mr Roban said: “Climate change is the number one pressing global crisis that transcends national borders. It requires international co-operation. And I am honoured to be attending COP28 to advance Bermuda’s crucial agenda on climate and environmental action and to share the significant strides that we are making within our own region.”

There will also be two Bermuda film premieres at the event, highlighting the island’s innovation and blue economy on the international stage.

A government spokeswoman said: “Historically, the Conference of the Parties has convened member countries to determine, identify and assess climate measures. This makes COP28 one of the largest and most important international environmental gatherings on the 2023 calendar.

“From an environmental perspective, this year’s COP visit serves as an opportunity to explore potential areas of collaboration, including renewable energy and the blue economy.

“His Majesty the King, Charles III, will attend COP28. His participation reflects his commitment to environmental preservation.

“It’s also expected that several UK government ministers will also be present at COP28. The UK’s Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office has advocated for the attendance of OTs this year as an indication of the event’s importance.”

Heads of government from Bahamas, Barbados, Grenada, Dominica, St Kitts & Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent & the Grenadines, the British Virgin Islands and Anguilla will also be at COP28.

Mr Burt is expected to return to Bermuda on December 7 in time for the next sitting of the House of Assembly.