The United Arab Emirates’ glittering metropolis, Dubai, has ranked among the top five most polluted cities in the world, according to the latest Air Quality Index (AQI) by IQ Air.
The city recorded an AQI of 162, placing it fourth globally and indicating unhealthy air quality for residents.
Experts say the rising pollution levels in Dubai are linked to increased traffic emissions, construction dust, and weather conditions that trap pollutants in the air.
Globally, Delhi, India, topped the list with a hazardous AQI of 333, while Lahore, Pakistan, followed in second with 284. Kolkata, India (168), and Karachi, Pakistan (161), joined Dubai in rounding out the top five most polluted cities.
Other major cities listed in the top 10 include Dhaka (157), Manama (152), Tashkent (151), Shanghai (147), and Bishkek (143).
Prolonged exposure to such air quality can lead to serious health concerns, including respiratory and cardiovascular issues. Citizens, especially children and the elderly, are recommended to limit outdoor activity when pollution peaks.
| Rank | City, Country | AQI (US) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Delhi, India | 333 |
| 2 | Lahore, Pakistan | 284 |
| 3 | Kolkata, India | 168 |
| 4 | Dubai, United Arab Emirates | 162 |
| 5 | Karachi, Pakistan | 161 |
| 6 | Dhaka, Bangladesh | 157 |
| 7 | Manama, Bahrain | 152 |
| 8 | Tashkent, Uzbekistan | 151 |
| 9 | Shanghai, China | 147 |
| 10 | Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan | 143 |