Air Quality Index (AQI) in United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪

Live Air Quality Index (AQI) and PM2.5 Levels in United Arab Emirates

Currently, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Abu Dhabi, the capital of United Arab Emirates, is measured at a score of 136. According to the US EPA health standard, this air quality rating is categorized as Sensitive. The current atmosphere in Abu Dhabi is influenced by a PM2.5 (fine particulate matter) concentration of 49.6 µg/m³ and PM10 levels recorded at 79.2 µg/m³. Monitoring of gaseous pollutants shows Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) at 39.9 µg/m³.

Beyond the primary urban hubs, atmospheric conditions and smog levels fluctuate across United Arab Emirates 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 Dubai, Sharjah, Al Ain City, Ajman City and Ras Al Khaimah City. 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: United Arab Emirates Right Now

Across 11 monitored cities in United Arab Emirates, live air quality currently ranges from a low of 117 AQI in Ras Al Khaimah City (the cleanest air right now) to a high of 162 AQI in Dubai (the most polluted). By US EPA health band, the nationwide distribution stands at 8 Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups, 3 Unhealthy. The average fine-particulate (PM2.5) concentration across these cities is 51.4 µg/m³ — approximately 10.3 times the World Health Organization (WHO) annual air quality guideline of 5 µg/m³.

United Arab Emirates Air Quality: Major Cities Index

* Air Quality Index (AQI) data for United Arab Emirates 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 United Arab Emirates

The median reading across 11 monitored cities is 129 AQI. The national spread is 45 points, from 117 in Ras Al Khaimah City to 162 in Dubai. Average PM2.5 is 51.4 µg/m³ (10.3× the WHO annual guideline).

At least one monitored location is Unhealthy. Reduce prolonged outdoor exertion and check the city reading before planning exercise or travel.

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 United Arab Emirates — FAQ

Common questions about AQI levels, pollutants, and data sources for United Arab Emirates.

What is the current air quality in United Arab Emirates?

Live AQI readings for 11 city(ies) across United Arab Emirates are listed above on the US EPA 0-500 scale.

Where does United Arab Emirates's AQI data come from?

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

What is a healthy AQI value in United Arab Emirates?

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 United Arab Emirates?

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 United Arab Emirates.