By Abbas Nazil
Doha, Qatar, ranked among the top 10 most-polluted cities in the world on September 28, 2025, as severe dust storms combined with urban emissions pushed its Air Quality Index (AQI) above 175, placing it in the “unhealthy” category.
The poor air quality, dominated by PM2.5 concentrations, poses significant health risks, particularly for children, the elderly, and people with respiratory or heart conditions.
Experts advised residents to limit outdoor activities, seal windows, wear protective masks, and use air purifiers indoors to reduce exposure during the pollution spike.
IQAir’s data revealed that on Sunday morning local time, Doha was ranked as the most polluted major city globally, though conditions are expected to improve by evening as winds pick up and temperatures drop, reducing particle concentrations.
Despite this temporary spike, the average PM2.5 concentration in Doha in 2024 was 31.3 micrograms per cubic metre, which translates to an AQI of 90.
This falls into the “moderate” category but remains more than six times higher than the World Health Organization’s guideline of 5 micrograms per cubic metre.
The study highlighted that Doha’s air quality problems stem from both natural and human-driven factors.
Frequent dust storms and airborne sand linked to the desert climate contribute significantly to particulate matter.
Industrial activity, especially in energy production, oil refining, and petrochemicals, along with heavy traffic and ongoing construction, add to the pollution load.
High temperatures, often above 38°C, worsen conditions by increasing ground-level ozone formation, while stagnant air and thermal inversions trap pollutants closer to the ground.
Experts emphasized that while temporary improvements are expected, long-term challenges remain due to the combination of industrial emissions, urban development, and natural desert dust.
They urged residents to adopt precautionary measures and for policymakers to invest in sustainable solutions to mitigate recurring air quality crises in the region.
