As host of UN COP28 climate talks, the autocratic UAE is now allowing in critics it once kept out

Activists at the COP28 climate talks in Dubai are taking advantage of the rare opportunity to protest in the United Arab Emirates. The UAE, an autocratic nation, typically bans demonstrations and tightly restricts speech. However, the UN and the UAE agreed to allow free expression for the climate talks. Activists are seeking approvals from organizers to hold demonstrations, and several protests have already taken place. The demonstrations have covered various issues, including the Israel-Hamas war and environmental concerns.