In 2015, as claimed by the World Bank?s yearly report on international environmental indicators called the ?Little Green Data Book?, the UAE overcame both India and China (nations which are infamously known for their high pollution levels ) to the high rank on the ?most polluted? list.

The report pointed out that the air quality in the United Arab Emirates was one of the worst, with air containing 80 micrograms of pollutants per cubic metre. Shockingly, this was marginally higher than China?s at 73 micrograms and much more than double India?s at 32. Not only was the air dirtier but UAE also used up more energy, leading to further emissions. The energy use per capita (kg oil equivalent) was 7,407 in The UAE whereas China was 2,072 and India 614.

However, these frightening numbers have not deterred the UAE. Instead, it has provided incentive to go greener for the years to come.

The report also claimed that the UAE was exposing its population to higher levels of pollution than what the WHO advised. But the NOAA report stated that the country had taken up initiative to ameliorate air quality.

Since the publishing of the report, air quality has never taken a backseat in the priorities in the UAE.

The objective behind this step that air quality was intimately-linked with human health, the environment and also to the direct effect on the region?s economy.

UAE?s public transportation sector has been very successful ever since the addition of hybrid vehicles in its fleet of taxis and hence, the sector has come very far. UAE is also using electrical buses in ?Masdar?, Abu Dhabi, and testing them in Dubai. The govt. too encourages the use of eco-fuels and is taking giant steps in making UAE a green country.

The UAE has set an aim of  90 per cent adherence to the WHO Air Quality Guidelines by 2021. Significant measures have been taken to properly keep track and regulate emission levels throughout the region over the years

     Last year, the country recorded having 46 air quality monitoring stations, in addition to dust monitoring stations within crusher and quarry sites as well as in cement factories.

The Middle Eastern nation now also has special focus on the healthy development of legislative frameworks which are vital for mitigation of pollutants to facilitate the amelioration of air quality.

The government has recognizes that air quality is adversely affected by both natural and man-made factors as an outcome of development.

However, despite hike in consumption levels, approximately 90 per cent of the UAE?s fuel for energy generation is natural gas, the cleanest and most effective means for electricity production derived from a carbon-based fuel.

A primary cause of higher air pollution in the region as compared to other countries is the desert climate and lack of natural vegetation which acts as a natural air purifier. The naturally airborne dust and other SPMs (Suspended Particulate Matter) and major sand storms degrade air quality drastically, especially in times of high humidity.

CreditEmirates Women,The National