Kuwait City ranked among the world’s 10 most polluted cities on Friday after air quality plummeted to “very unhealthy” levels, driven by high concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) from dust and industrial emissions.
At 11:30 a.m. local time, the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) surged above 200, nearly 30 times higher than the World Health Organization’s annual safety guideline. Authorities warned residents to avoid outdoor activities, use masks, and rely on indoor air purifiers. Vulnerable groups — including children, the elderly, and people with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions — were urged to take extra precautions.
The latest AQI spike represents nearly five times Kuwait City’s 2024 average PM2.5 concentration of 30.2 µg/m³, which corresponded to a “moderate” AQI level of 88. Neighboring Al Jahra also reported hazardous conditions. Experts expect gradual improvement beginning late Saturday as winds disperse pollutants, though levels may fluctuate due to heat, dust storms, and stagnant air.
Pollution sources include emissions from the oil sector, heavy traffic, industrial activity, and dust from construction. Climate conditions — intense sunlight, extreme heat, and weak winds — further worsen air quality. Northerly winds also carried pollutants from Iraq, adding to Kuwait’s burden.
Similar challenges affect other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) cities such as Riyadh and Doha, where dust storms and industrial activity regularly push AQI into “unhealthy” ranges. Governments across the region are expanding monitoring systems, enforcing stricter emission standards, and investing in green infrastructure.
Kuwait has begun exploring solutions such as expanding urban green spaces and adopting cleaner energy technologies. Experts stress, however, that long-term improvements will require comprehensive action on industrial emissions, traffic pollution, and dust management. With climate change expected to intensify dust storms and heatwaves, the GCC’s battle with poor air quality remains a pressing public health and environmental challenge.
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