Is the air quality good in Doha?
On September 27, 2025, at 11:10 PM PT, Doha, Qatar is experiencing very poor air quality due to intense dust storms and urban emissions. The AQI is over 175, classified as "unhealthy" with PM2.5 concentrations dominating the pollution.
These conditions can cause severe 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.
Click here for a real-time air quality map of Doha.
Air quality is dynamic and, like the weather, can change frequently. Doha ranked as the most polluted major city in the world on Sunday morning (local time). While the air quality conditions today are unusually poor, it is important to keep in mind that the average PM2.5 concentration in 2024 for Doha was 31.3 µg/m³. This corresponds to an AQI of 90, which falls into the “moderate” category and was 6.26 times the WHO annual guideline of 5 µg/m³.
Doha, Qatar ranked as the most polluted major city on Sept 28, 2025. Source: IQAir.
When will air quality improve in Doha?
The hourly forecast shows that air quality will significantly improve by evening (local time), dropping into the “moderate” range below 100 as winds strengthen and temperatures decrease.
Hourly air quality forecast for Doha, Qatar on Sept 28, 2025. Source: IQAir.
The daily forecast shows that air quality mostly remains in the “moderate” range, but on certain days, like today, it has spiked to unhealthy levels, making outdoor conditions unfavorable for activities.
Daily air quality forecast for Doha, Qatar for the last 30 days. Source: IQAir.
Air quality map of Doha, Qatar on Sept 28, 2025. Source: IQAir.
What is causing poor air quality in Doha?
Doha’s air quality is affected by a mix of natural and human-driven factors. The city’s desert climate makes it highly prone to frequent dust storms and airborne sand, which significantly contribute to particulate pollution.
Industrial activity is another major factor, with the energy sector, including liquefied natural gas production, oil refining, and petrochemical industries, releasing substantial greenhouse gases and pollutants. High vehicle density and continuous construction further add PM2.5, PM10, and volatile organic compounds to the air (1).
Extreme temperatures, often exceeding 38°C (100°F), exacerbate pollution by increasing ground-level ozone formation.
Additionally, air stagnation caused by low wind speeds and thermal inversions traps pollutants near the surface, intensifying poor air quality episodes.
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.
