Is the air quality good in Riyadh?
As of August 17, 2025, 09:00 PM PT, Riyadh faces particularly poor air quality. The AQI is classified as "unhealthy", with PM2.5 concentrations dominating the pollution. This level can exacerbate respiratory issues, heart conditions, and other health problems, particularly for children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing ailments.
Health recommendations include avoiding outdoor activities, sealing windows against polluted air, wearing masks when outside, and using air purifiers to reduce indoor exposure.
As air quality is dynamic and like the weather can frequently change.
Click here for a real-time air quality map of Riyadh.
While the air quality conditions on August 17 are unusually poor, it is important to keep in mind that the average PM2.5 concentration in 2024 for Riyadh was 23.7 µg/m3. This corresponds to an AQI of 75, which falls into the “moderate” category and was 4.7 times the WHO annual guideline.
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia ranked as the most polluted major city on August 17, 09:00 PM PT. Source: IQAir.
Why is there an air quality alert in Riyadh?
The air quality alert in Riyadh stems from unusually high PM2.5 levels, which penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, heightening risks of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.
Extreme heat, low humidity, and wind worsen pollutant dispersion, making the environment hazardous for prolonged exposure.
Hourly air quality forecast for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, August 17, 09:00 PM PT. Source: IQAir
Air quality map of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on August 17, 09:00 PM PT. Source: IQAir.
What is causing poor air quality in Riyadh?
Poor air quality in Riyadh is currently driven by desert dust from frequent storms, vehicular and industrial emissions from rapid urbanization and fossil fuel reliance, and sandstorms that elevate particulate matter.
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.
