Capital city, United Arab Emirates
Air quality in Abu Dhabi
Severely polluted
The annual average PM2.5 in Abu Dhabi was 43.7 µg/m³ in 2022, about 8.7 times the WHO guideline of 5 µg/m³. Dust and haze are common in spring and summer; sandstorms can reduce air quality.
Key facts
- PM2.5: 43.7 µg/m³ yearly average (2022). Measured at Abu Dhabi.
- PM10: 140.9 µg/m³ (2022).
- Nitrogen dioxide: 25.2 µg/m³ (2022), mostly from traffic.
- Worst months: May–Aug.
- Recent average: 42.7 µg/m³ over the last five years of measurements.
PM2.5 by year
| Year | Annual average |
|---|---|
| 2022 | |
| 2021 | |
| 2019 | |
| 2018 | |
| 2017 |
Air quality across United Arab Emirates
Quick answers
Is the air in Abu Dhabi bad?
Severely polluted: 43.7 µg/m³ of PM2.5 on average, 8.7× the WHO guideline. It's usually worst in May–Aug.
When is the air worst in Abu Dhabi?
Dust and haze are common in spring and summer; sandstorms can reduce air quality.
How does Abu Dhabi compare with the rest of United Arab Emirates?
People in United Arab Emirates breathe 57 µg/m³ of PM2.5 on average (2023, World Bank/WHO), against 43.7 µg/m³ measured here.
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Sources
- WHO Ambient Air Quality Database
- WHO air quality guidelines (2021)
- Live air quality map (WAQI)
- Abu Dhabi Department of Municipalities and Transport
Annual averages are measured values reported to the WHO; check a live map for today's air. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.