Is the air quality good in Dubai?
On August 15, 2025, at 11:00 PM PT, Dubai, UAE is experiencing poor air quality due to regional dust and emissions. The AQI is classified as "unhealthy," with PM2.5 concentrations dominating the pollution.
These conditions can cause respiratory issues, worsen heart problems, and impair lung function, especially for children, the elderly, and those with health vulnerabilities.
To stay safe during this temporary spike, limit outdoor time, seal windows, wear masks if venturing out, and use air purifiers indoors for cleaner breathing air.
Air quality is dynamic and, like the weather, can change frequently. Dubai ranked as the most polluted major city in the world on Friday morning. Regional major cities also impacted included Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.
Click here for a real-time air quality map of Dubai.
While the air quality conditions on August 15 are unusually poor, it is important to keep in mind that the average PM2.5 concentration in 2024 for Dubai was 33.5 µg/m³. This corresponds to an AQI of 97, which falls into the “moderate” category and was 6.7 times the WHO annual guideline of 5 µg/m³.
Dubai, UAE ranked as the the most polluted major city on Aug 15, 2025, 11:00 PM PT. Source: IQAir.
Why is there an air quality alert in Dubai?
The air quality alert in Dubai has been issued because of elevated PM2.5 levels from dust and urban sources that can enter the lungs and bloodstream, raising risks of heart attacks, strokes, and long-term illnesses.
High temperatures around 46°C (115°F) and dry conditions limit pollutant spread, but air quality fluctuates daily, this unusual event exists within broader trends, reminding us to monitor and protect health proactively.
Air quality is forecasted to vary, with potential improvement later depending on wind patterns.
Hourly air quality forecast for Dubai, UAE on Aug 15, 2025, 11:00 PM PT. Source: IQAir.
Air quality map of Dubai, UAE on Aug 15, 2025, 11:00 PM PT. Source: IQAir.
What is causing poor air quality in Dubai?
Poor air quality in Dubai is currently driven by desert dust from frequent storms and blowing sand, vehicular emissions from heavy traffic, industrial activities, construction sites, and fossil fuel use.
Urban expansion and desert proximity intensify dust storms and ground-level ozone.
How can I protect myself from poor air quality?
- Get a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts.
- Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode.
- Contribute to your community’s outdoor air quality data.
- Stay indoors when air quality is poor; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask.
- Run a high-performance air purifier to filter particles, gases, and other pollutants.
