The UAE has dangerously high air pollution levels, creating major health risks for its
citizens and residents. According to the latest World Bank data, the mean annual exposure
to PM2.5 in the UAE is more than eight times higher than what the World Health
Organization (WHO) considers safe for human health. Based on WHO estimates,
approximately 1,872 people die every year from outdoor air pollution in the UAE. This report is based on Human Rights Watch review and analysis of government air
pollution data and satellite imagery from 2018 to 2023, government reports, as well as
interviews with 12 migrant workers, including low-wage workers engaged in outdoor work.
Migrant workers form over 88 percent of the UAE population. Human Rights Watch also
spoke with exiled Emiratis, academic experts, and international and domestic
environmental groups and reviewed relevant government policies and media reports.
Authors
- Published in
- United States of America
