Is the air quality good in Dubai?
On December 2, 2025, at 10:50 PM PT, Dubai, UAE is experiencing very 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 worsen respiratory and heart problems, particularly for children, older adults, and vulnerable groups. Residents are advised to limit outdoor activity, keep windows closed, use masks when outside, and rely on indoor air purifiers for protection.
Air quality is dynamic and, like the weather, can change frequently. Dubai ranked as the 4th most polluted major city in the world on Wednesday morning (local time). Regional major cities also impacted included Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.
Click here for a real-time air quality map of Dubai.
Today, Dubai is experiencing unusually poor air quality. For context, the city’s average PM2.5 concentration in 2024 was 33.5 µg/m³, corresponding to an AQI of 97, which falls in the “moderate” category and was 6.7 times higher than the WHO annual guideline of 5 µg/m³. In sharp contrast, today’s AQI has climbed to above 190, highlighting a clear spike in pollution compared to typical levels.
Dubai, UAE ranked as the 4th most polluted major city on the morning (local time) of December 3, 2025. Source: IQAir.
When will air quality improve in Dubai?
Hourly forecasts indicate that air quality should improve by the afternoon, dropping below an AQI of 120 and continuing to clear into the evening as winds strengthen and disperse dust and local pollutants.
However, this improvement is expected to be temporary. Similar spikes are common, and lasting relief will require long-term measures such as reducing dust sources, lowering emissions, and strengthening urban planning.
Hourly air quality forecast for Dubai, UAE, on the morning (local time) of December 3, 2025. Source: IQAir.
Air quality map of Dubai, UAE, on the morning (local time) of December 3, 2025. 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 colder months when temperature inversions and calm winds limit pollutant dispersion.
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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.
