In brief
Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Environmental Compliance announced a new 24‑hour monitoring network of 18 stations in Jeddah, measuring particulate matter, ozone, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and carbon monoxide. The system feeds an Air Quality Index that triggers health alerts when limits are exceeded, and is complemented by meteorological data. The initiative aims to inform authorities and residents of spatial and temporal changes in air pollution.
Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Environmental Compliance (NCEC) announced on November 5, 2026 that 18 air‑quality monitoring stations are now operating round the clock across Jeddah, providing real‑time data on key pollutants and feeding an Air Quality Index (AQI) that can trigger public health advisories when thresholds are breached.
The network, described by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), measures fine and inhalable particulate matter, ozone, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and carbon monoxide at each site. Continuous readings are compiled into a city‑wide AQI that classifies daily conditions into six levels—Good, Moderate, Unhealthy, Severe, and Hazardous—allowing authorities to issue guidance tailored to vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with asthma or heart disease.
Stations are strategically positioned to capture a broad range of environments. SPA notes monitoring points across several districts, including Al‑Matar, Obhur, Dahaban, Buraiman, Al‑Rawdah, Al‑Jami’ah, Al‑Khumrah, Jeddah Historic District, and the industrial area. Mobile laboratories complement the fixed sites, providing additional support in locations that require targeted attention.
The NCEC system also records meteorological conditions that influence pollutant transport, such as temperature, humidity, and wind speed. SPA highlights that wind can disperse or carry pollutants between sites, while sea breezes, dust, and humidity levels may affect recorded concentrations, especially in a coastal city like Jeddah.
According to the SPA release, the National Center for Meteorology supplies wind, humidity, temperature, dust, and visibility data to help explain movements and changes in the AQI. The combined data from air quality and meteorological sources enable a more comprehensive understanding of how pollutants behave across time and space.
“By turning invisible air pollutants into measurable indicators, this network helps monitor air quality and take the necessary action when readings exceed approved limits,” the SPA stated in the announcement. The agency emphasized that the real‑time nature of the data means authorities can respond promptly to sudden changes, thereby protecting public health.
With the 24‑hour monitoring operation now in place, SPA expects to improve the accuracy of health advisories and empower residents with up‑to‑date information on air quality in their neighborhoods. The initiative is part of a broader effort to increase transparency and inform policy decisions aimed at reducing pollution and safeguarding health in Jeddah’s growing urban landscape.
