Is the air quality good in Dubai?
On September 1, 2025, at 10:30 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 Tuesday morning (local time). 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 today 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 most polluted major city on Sept 1, 2025, 10:30 PM PT. Source: IQAir.
When will air quality improve in Dubai?
Air quality is forecasted to vary, with slight improvements later depending on wind patterns, helping to disperse dust and localized pollutants.
However, relief is usually temporary, and sustained improvement requires structural changes, such as reducing dust exposure, emissions, and enhancing urban planning.
Hourly air quality forecast for Dubai, UAE on Sept 1, 2025, 10:30 PM PT. Source: IQAir.
Air quality map of Dubai, UAE on Sept 1, 2025, 10:30 PM PT. Source: IQAir.
What is causing poor air quality in Dubai?
Dubai's air pollution is fueled by a combination of natural and human-driven factors. Frequent desert dust storms and blowing sand, aided by its location in an arid region, are primary contributors to elevated particulate levels (1).
Simultaneously, rapid urban growth has led to vehicle emissions, industrial activity, and construction dust, intensifying pollution (2).
The Middle East’s heavy reliance on fossil fuels for power generation and urban infrastructure further releases pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and black carbon (3).
Together, these drivers create persistent AQI spikes, particularly during heatwaves when pollutant dispersion is limited.
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.
