Dubai is renowned for its futuristic architecture, luxurious shopping centres and high-end tourism industry.
These landmarks include Burj Khalifa – the world’s tallest building – and Palm Jumeirah – an artificial island shaped such as palm trees.
Dubai serves as an international business and trade hub.
However, air quality in Dubai suffers due to rapid urbanization, industrial growth and an increase in vehicular traffic due to the region’s arid climate, which causes dust storms that worsen air quality further.
Dubai exceeds recommended limits regarding air pollution, which poses a serious risk to residents’ health and well-being.
Main Causes Of Pollution In Dubai
Natural and human factors cause pollution problem in Dubai. High humidity and extreme heat contribute to atmospheric pollutants being trapped in the air.
However, human activities such as the increased usage of personal vehicles due to the city’s urban landscape are the main causes of pollution.
The high volume of vehicles on the roads in Dubai leads to increased emissions of harmful pollutants into the air.
Heavy-duty vehicles, such as trucks, buses, and motorcycles contribute significantly to high pollutive outputs.
Industrial areas such as desalination plants, driven by the city’s growing population, also contribute to environmental pollution.
Vehicular emissions and industries such as factories are primary pollution sources in Dubai.
The high reliance on fossil fuels for energy is also a contributing factor, but recent efforts are being made to shift towards more sustainable energy sources.
Addressing these sources of pollution is crucial for reducing the negative impact on Dubai’s public health and the environment.
Air Pollutants Found In Dubai Athmosphere
Nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide are the most significant chemical compounds found in Dubai atmosphere due to its high release from vehicles, which correlates with a larger traffic volume.
The combustion of fossil fuels also releases black carbon, a major component of soot, and volatile organic compounds such as benzene, toluene, xylene, and formaldehyde, which are all present in the air and have highly detrimental effects on human health.
These pollutants are volatile and easily inhaled since they are gases at lower temperatures. Other important pollutants include ozone and fine particulate matter such as silica dust from construction sites, which have carcinogenic properties when inhaled.
Raising awareness about these pollutants and their harmful effects on human health is crucial, especially for those more vulnerable, such as children and adults.
Reasons For Haze In Dubai
Due to its location surrounded by water bodies, the United Arab Emirates has a high atmospheric water vapour concentration.
Sea breeze circulation brings large amounts of water vapour inland during the day, where it becomes trapped and forms fog as temperatures drop at night.
While having high concentrations of water vapour in the UAE’s atmosphere has benefits, such as cooling during hot summers, it also poses risks, such as reduced road visibility and increased humidity levels.
Therefore, residents and visitors must be aware of its effects and take necessary precautions accordingly.
Which City In UAE Is Known For Having Zero Pollution?
Masdar City is home to the International Renewable Energy Agency headquarters.
The city is a prime example of sustainable urban planning, promoting clean technology and renewable energy.
It is designed to be a hub for cleantech companies, providing a platform for research, development, and innovation in renewable energy.
The city’s infrastructure incorporates green building technologies, sustainable transportation systems, and a waste management system that minimizes environmental impact.
Masdar City serves as a model for sustainable development, and its initiatives and strategies are being implemented in other cities worldwide to promote a greener future.
Can Dubai Be Considered To Have The Worst Air Quality?
Dubai is often regarded as one of the most polluted cities in the world, based on its ranking in the World AQI Ranking.
The city’s air quality is particularly concerning due to the presence of PM2.5, a type of fine particulate matter associated with various health problems and premature mortality.
As PM2.5 and other pollutants in Dubai continue to increase, individuals must take necessary measures to safeguard their health.
It includes staying indoors during high pollution, wearing masks outdoors, and avoiding strenuous outdoor activities.
Furthermore, governments and various organizations have taken initiatives such as promoting renewable energy sources and incentivising public transportation usage to reduce these levels of air pollution.
Is Fog A Common Occurrence Throughout The Year In Dubai?
Dubai experiences a fog season that typically starts in mid-December and lasts until the end of March.
The fog forms due to a combination of clear skies and calm weather conditions during winter.
The heat of the sun typically burns off the fog by 9 am, but in some cases, when the fog is particularly thick, it can linger until almost midday.
Fog can often cause travel disruptions, with airports experiencing delays and cancellations due to poor visibility.
On the other hand, fog creates a stunning sight for residents and tourists alike in places such as Dubai Marina or Jumeirah Beach, its mist creates an eye-catching contrast against the city’s skyline.
Can The Air Quality In Dubai Be Considered Poor?
The fact that Dubai has a significant pollution problem is clear from various reports and studies that show the city’s air quality to be consistently poor throughout the year.
Breathing this air can harm an individual’s health, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly, young children, and people with pre-existing medical conditions.
The causes behind Dubai’s high pollution levels are numerous and complex, ranging from vehicular emissions and industrial activities to natural phenomena such as dust storms and fog.
Additionally, the city’s meteorological conditions, including high humidity and extreme heat, contribute to trapping pollutants in the air.
How Environmentally Sustainable Is Dubai?
The United Arab Emirates faces significant environmental issues mainly caused by the overexploitation of natural resources, rapid population growth, and high energy demand.
The most pressing environmental problem in the UAE is the continuing temperature rise due to global warming, which contributes to water scarcity, drought, rising sea levels, and aridity.
The UAE is located in one of the world’s driest regions, and climate change has led to an increased demand for water, resulting in the over-exploitation of groundwater resources.
Additionally, the oil and gas industry in UAE is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, further exacerbating the problem of global warming.
The UAE government has implemented various measures to mitigate the impact of climate change.
It includes the development of renewable energy sources and water conservation initiatives, but more needs to be done to address these critical environmental issues.
