Oil and water? Sultan Al Jaber, the host fanning flames of the fossil fuel debate

Cop28 is taking place in Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates - one of the world's largest exporters of oil and gas.

- Fiona Harvey

The man in charge of the summit, Sultan Al Jaber, the minister of advanced technologies in the UAE government, is also chief of its national oil company, Adnoc.

This dual role is a clear conflict of interest, according to campaigners, who have asked for him to resign from Adnoc. Al Jaber's response has been adamant: he believes his oil industry background will enable him to engage with financiers and company leaders.

Adnoc is also planning a massive increase in its production capacity, even though the International Energy Agency has warned against new oil and gas exploration and

development if the world remain within the 1.5C lir Previously, Al Jaber ha the company's oil was low than those of its rivals, ou to investments in moder equipment and practices Al Jaber is hoping to le decarbonisation alliance" which would bring togeth of oil and gas producers, private sector and, crucia of the world's nationally companies, which are res for about 70% of fossil fu production around the w their operations are often This alliance of oil and producing companies co major steps on cutting th emissions, for instance b their technology and pra But this would not be enc emissions associated with oil and gas are tiny comp= the emissions from burni meaning companies mus address moving away fro gas to renewables, or win operations altogether.

Some Cop veterans arg Al Jaber can bring Middle oil producers to the table fruitful engagement. The Nicholas Stern said: "I kn Sultan Al Jaber personallthis very seriously. I am w about his personal comm to building a much cleane A diplomat from one dev country told the Guardian him to deliver the oil sect Even Greenpeace voic support. "Cop28 in the U.