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The United Arab Emirates reported as the 7th country with the worst air pollution worldwide
25 March 2024
| Last updated on 26 March 2024
Here's what you need to know.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been listed as the 7th country in the world with the worst air pollution, according to the World Air Quality Report.
In this new study published by air purifier company IQAir, the three countries with the most staggering level of air quality are Bangladesh, Pakistan, and India. The report found high concentrations of particle matter that's alarmingly more than 10x the recommended maximum.
These tiny particles pose a hazardous risk to people's health as the air pollutants are linked to conditions including heart disease and lung cancer.
A few Middle Eastern countries, including the UAE, Iraq, and Egypt are also on the top 10 most air polluted countries worldwide.
10 countries in the world with the worst air pollution
According to IQAir's report, these are the 10 countries around the globe with the poorest air quality.
- Bangladesh
- Pakistan
- India
- Tajikistan
- Burkina Faso
- Iraq
- United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- Egypt
- Nepal
- Democratic Republic of Congo
Source: IQAir
Following Congo are the countries of Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Indonesia, and Rwanda, in respective order.
"Air-quality data saves lives," said Frank Hammes, Global Chief Executive at IQAir.
"Where air quality is reported, action is taken and air quality improves," he added.
Pictured: A woman wearing a facemask to due to the air pollution in Delhi, India.
Why does the UAE have high levels of air pollution?
In the UAE, the annual exposure to air pollutants is more than 8x what the World Health Organization (WHO) claims is safe for human health, based on their global air quality guidelines.
Around 1,800 people die every year in the UAE from outdoor air pollution, estimated WHO. But why does the UAE fare so poorly when it comes to air quality?
As per the UAE government, the low air quality is mainly attributed to sandstorms and its natural dust.
According to the Human Rights Watch (HRW), the emirates' air pollution is a combination of factors that includes sandstorm dust. The low air quality is also caused by other factors, such as emissions from greenhouse gas and the use of fossil fuels.
