UAE Climbs 10 Places in Global Clean Air Rankings

According to the 2024 World Air Quality Report from Swiss Company IQ Air, the UAE has made a significant improvement in its air quality, with levels of a major pollutant dropping by more than one fifth in a year.

In light of this improvement, the UAE now ranks 17th globally in terms of the countries with the worst air pollution, marking an improvement of 10 places since a 2023 report.

A major air pollutant, PM2.5, poses serious risks to air quality and public health, particularly in West Asia. The 2023 report highlighted that both the UAE and Kuwait saw the most noticeable reductions in PM2.5 concentrations, with the UAE witnessing a 22% decrease.

This progress is largely attributed to initiatives by Emirati authorities, including enhanced air quality monitoring, efforts to reduce traffic congestion, and increased promotion of public transportation. However, despite these measures and this tangible improvement, the UAE still has a long way to go in improving its air quality, as PM2.5 levels still remain above levels recommended by the World Health Organisation.