Is the air quality good in Riyadh?
On September 6, 2025, at 10:00 AM PT, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, is experiencing very poor air quality. The AQI is over 150, classified as "unhealthy," with PM2.5 concentrations dominating.
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. Riyadh ranked the most polluted city in the world on Sunday morning (local time), with nearby cities like Jeddah also affected.
Click here for a real-time air quality map of Riyadh.
While the air quality conditions on September 7 are unusually poor, it is worth noting that Riyadh’s 2024 average PM2.5 concentration was 23.7 µg/m³, corresponding to an AQI of 75 (“moderate”), 4.7 times the WHO annual guideline of 5 µg/m³.
Today’s spike shows a significant deterioration compared to the city’s annual average, driven by weather and regional pollution factors.
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia ranked as the most polluted major city on 7 Sept, 2025. Source: IQAir.
When will the air quality improve in Riyadh?
Air quality is expected to fluctuate, forecast shows a potential drop into the Moderate range (AQI ~ 100) later today as wind speeds pick up and help disperse pollutants.
However, improvement may be temporary unless major sources of pollution subside.
Hourly air quality forecast for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on 7 Sept, 2025. Source: IQAir.
Air quality map of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on 7 Sept, 2025. Source: IQAir.
What is causing poor air quality in Riyadh?
Riyadh’s poor air quality is the result of both natural and human-driven factors.
Frequent desert dust and sandstorms regularly blanket the city, sharply elevating particulate levels. Vehicular emissions, particularly from older vehicles and low-quality fuel, further contribute to high PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations.
Industrial operations and energy-sector activities, such as power plants and manufacturing facilities, release additional pollutants, while ongoing urban construction and cement production worsen the situation. Limited environmental regulation has also allowed emissions to accumulate unchecked (1).
These challenges are exacerbated by Riyadh’s extreme weather conditions, including intense heat, low humidity, and stagnant air, which prevent pollutant dispersion and trap airborne contaminants near the surface.
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.
