UAE building integrated, data-driven air quality system, says minister

Dubai: Dr Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, affirmed that the UAE is joining the international community in marking the seventh International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies and calling for stronger cooperation and practical solutions that improve air quality while advancing climate action and economic resilience. "This year's International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies will focus on the fact that clean air is not only an environmental objective, but an investment in the community, a stronger economy and shared prosperity. Air pollution and climate change are caused by the same sources, and integrated action gives us an opportunity to deliver benefits across climate and sustainable development," she said. Dr Al Dahak said enhancing air quality is a strategic national priority for the UAE. Guided by the leadership's vision, the National Air Quality Agenda 2031 provides a framework for aligning federal and local government entities and the private sector around three pillars: monitoring, mitigation and management. She noted that the agenda addresses outdoor and indoor air quality, ambient odour and ambient noise, supported by federal environmental legislation and regulatory requirements aimed at strengthening the prevention, control and management of emissions. The minister said reliable, accessible and well-integrated data are essential for translating policy into measurable action. "The UAE's National Air Quality Platform provides a real-time overview of air quality conditions across the country," she said. She added that the Ministry has operationalised a centralised digital dashboard for collecting and managing air quality monitoring data from local environmental authorities. The dashboard replaces fragmented submissions with a standardised national digital workflow that supports data quality assurance, analysis and national reporting. According to Dr Al Dahak, this strengthens data integration and cooperation between the federal and emirate levels and enables air quality information to be translated more efficiently into evidence-based policy and targeted action to enhance quality of life. She also said the Ministry has completed the development of an integrated national emissions Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) system that incorporates priority air pollutants alongside greenhouse gas emissions. The system establishes a digital pathway for collecting, reporting, verifying and analysing facility-level emissions information while supporting the development and improvement of national emissions inventories. "By bringing air pollutants and greenhouse gases within an integrated emissions-management framework, the MRV system strengthens the evidence base for identifying emission sources, tracking performance and directing mitigation measures where they can deliver the greatest benefits for air quality and climate action," she said. Dr Al Dahak added that work is also progressing on national air quality forecasting and early warning capabilities. She said the UAE is combining monitoring observations, meteorological information and analytical tools to strengthen its ability to anticipate potential pollution episodes and support earlier and more targeted responses. The minister said these initiatives represent a shift from isolated monitoring to a connected national cycle of measuring, understanding, managing and anticipating air-quality risks. "Clean air is fundamental to quality of life and a resilient, competitive economy. The UAE will continue to work with federal and local authorities, the private sector, academia and international partners to accelerate practical solutions and help ensure cleaner air and blue skies for present and future generations," she said. The International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies is observed annually on 7th September to raise public awareness and promote action to improve air quality.