Is the air quality good in Kuwait?
On December 8, 2025, at 9:00 PM PT, Kuwait City, Kuwait, is experiencing very poor air quality due to dust and emissions. The AQI is over 190, classified as "unhealthy" with PM2.5 concentrations dominating.
The poor air quality poses health risks for all residents, especially children, the elderly, and vulnerable groups, with potential breathing difficulties and heart strain. Officials advise limiting outdoor activity, keeping homes sealed, wearing masks when outside, and using air purifiers to reduce exposure.
Air quality is dynamic and, like the weather, can change frequently. Kuwait City ranked as the 4th most polluted major city in the world on Tuesday morning (local time), with nearby cities like Al Jahra also impacted.
Click here for a real-time air quality map of Kuwait City.
While the air quality conditions today are unusually poor, with PM2.5 at 25 times the WHO annual guideline, it is important to keep in mind that the average PM2.5 concentration in 2024 for Kuwait City was 30.2 µg/m³. This corresponds to an AQI of 88, which falls into the “moderate” category and was 6.4 times the WHO annual guideline.
Kuwait City, Kuwait, ranked as the 4th most polluted major city on the morning (local time) of December 9, 2025. Source: IQAir.
When will the air quality improve in Kuwait?
Air quality is expected to gradually improve this evening, falling below an AQI of 100, as winds strengthen and disperse pollutants, though minor fluctuations may occur.
Hourly air quality forecast for Kuwait City, Kuwait, on December 9, 2025. Source: IQAir.
Air quality map of Kuwait City, Kuwait, on December 9, 2025. Source: IQAir.
What is causing poor air quality in Kuwait?
Kuwait’s severe air pollution is being fueled by a combination of industrial emissions, dust storms, and stagnant weather conditions. The nation’s extensive oil and petrochemical industries emit large volumes of fine particles and gases, while frequent dust storms in the arid Gulf climate further raise PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations (1).
Weak winds and limited atmospheric dispersion are trapping pollutants near the ground, leading to hazardous air quality across urban centers.
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.
