Air Quality Index (AQI) in Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦

Live Air Quality Index (AQI) and PM2.5 Levels in Saudi Arabia

Currently, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, is measured at a score of 238. According to the US EPA health standard, this air quality rating is categorized as Very Unhealthy. The current atmosphere in Riyadh is influenced by a PM2.5 (fine particulate matter) concentration of 163.0 µg/m³ and PM10 levels recorded at 1397.0 µg/m³. Monitoring of gaseous pollutants shows Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) at 55.7 µg/m³.

Beyond the primary urban hubs, atmospheric conditions and smog levels fluctuate across Saudi Arabia based on industrial output, traffic density, and local weather patterns. Real-time pollution data and respiratory health alerts are also being actively monitored in cities like Jeddah, Mecca, Medina, Dammam and Sulţānah. Tracking these air quality metrics is essential for residents nationwide to manage outdoor exposure and maintain respiratory safety during periods of increased particulate concentration.

Air Quality Snapshot: Saudi Arabia Right Now

Across 35 monitored cities in Saudi Arabia, live air quality currently ranges from a low of 60 AQI in Jizan (the cleanest air right now) to a high of 238 AQI in Riyadh (the most polluted). By US EPA health band, the nationwide distribution stands at 16 Moderate, 10 Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups, 7 Unhealthy, 2 Very Unhealthy. The average fine-particulate (PM2.5) concentration across these cities is 46.2 µg/m³ — approximately 9.2 times the World Health Organization (WHO) annual air quality guideline of 5 µg/m³.

Saudi Arabia Air Quality: Major Cities Index

Pollution Monitor & AQI Forecast: Saudi Arabia Regions

Qal‘at Bīshah
3
Ar Rass
2

Bariq
3
Ash Shafā
3

Al Līth
2

* Air Quality Index (AQI) data for Saudi Arabia is calculated using the US EPA standard. Information is processed from multiple monitoring stations detecting PM2.5, PM10, and gaseous pollutants to ensure accuracy for respiratory health planning.

What Today's Readings Mean in Saudi Arabia

The median reading across 35 monitored cities is 118 AQI. The national spread is 178 points, from 60 in Jizan to 238 in Riyadh. Average PM2.5 is 46.2 µg/m³ (9.2× the WHO annual guideline).

At least one monitored location is Very Unhealthy or Hazardous. Avoid outdoor exertion in the affected city and follow local public-health advice.

See the complete AQI and pollutant reference scales

Health & Scientific Resources

→ How to read US EPA Air Quality Index before going outside → Understanding Air Quality Index levels and what they mean → When haze forms and what it does to air quality

Air Quality in Saudi Arabia — FAQ

Common questions about AQI levels, pollutants, and data sources for Saudi Arabia.

What is the current air quality in Saudi Arabia?

Live AQI readings for 35 city(ies) across Saudi Arabia are listed above on the US EPA 0-500 scale.

Where does Saudi Arabia's AQI data come from?

Real-time readings come from ground-based monitoring stations operated by national environmental agencies in Saudi Arabia, delivered via WeatherAPI.com and aggregated using the EPA AQI formula.

What is a healthy AQI value in Saudi Arabia?

On the EPA scale used worldwide, 0-50 is Good, 51-100 is Moderate, 101-150 is Unhealthy for sensitive groups, 151-200 is Unhealthy, 201-300 is Very Unhealthy, and 301-500 is Hazardous. The WHO 24-hour PM2.5 guideline is 15 μg/m³.

Why do AQI readings vary between cities in Saudi Arabia?

Air quality is highly local — major pollution sources (traffic, industry, dust, wildfires) cluster around cities, while wind direction and topography move them around. Comparing nearby readings on this page is the best way to see how conditions change across Saudi Arabia.