The UAE has achieved a substantial improvement in air quality, with levels of a major pollutant dropping by more than a fifth in just one year, according to the 2024 World Air Quality Report from Swiss company IQAir.
This significant progress has propelled the UAE up the global rankings, with the country now positioned 17th worldwide for air quality—a remarkable 10-place improvement from its ranking in 2023.
“The United Arab Emirates and Kuwait saw the most notable reductions in PM2.5 concentrations, with the UAE experiencing a 22 per cent drop and Kuwait a 24 per cent reduction compared to 2023,” the report said.
The UAE’s concentration of PM2.5—tiny particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs—has fallen impressively from 43 µg/m³ to 33.7 µg/m³ in just twelve months.
This represents one of the most substantial year-on-year improvements documented in the report.
The significant reduction in pollution levels reflects the UAE’s ongoing dedication to enhancing environmental standards and implementing effective air quality management strategies.
This positive trend suggests the country is making meaningful strides toward creating a healthier environment for residents and visitors alike.