Asir tops the list of cleanest air in Saudi Arabia for the first quarter of 2026
In a new environmental achievement reflecting ongoing efforts to improve quality of life, the National Center for Environmental Compliance revealed that three governorates in the Asir region topped the list of 'cleanest air' during the first quarter of 2026. This announcement comes as a culmination of national efforts aimed at protecting the environment, reducing carbon emissions, and raising the level of quality of life in the Kingdom's cities.
Asir provinces are at the forefront of the environmental scene
Dr. Mohammed Al-Daghreeri, Director General of Environmental Data Modeling and Analysis at the center, explained that the governorates of Tanomah, Sarat Abidah, and Al-Harjah in the Asir region recorded the highest air quality indicators. This comes after the Hail region had the cleanest air last year. This positive competition among the Kingdom's regions reflects the growing environmental awareness and the increasing commitment to implementing strict health and environmental standards.
Air quality measurement mechanism and approved standards
The evaluation process is based on rigorous scientific principles. The National Center for Environmental Compliance adheres to the standards of the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretariat. Dr. Al-Daghreeri noted that the selection of the winning area is based on continuous readings and accurate reports from 240 air quality monitoring stations strategically located throughout the Kingdom's cities and governorates. These stations transmit their data automatically and in real time to the central monitoring room.
The technical criteria considered include the average number of monitoring stations in cities, based on the size of industrial and commercial activities and urban density. The evaluation process also focuses on the regularity of 24/7 monitoring, the quality and accuracy of recorded data, and the low rate of technical malfunctions that could affect the reliability of measurement results.
Historical context and its connection to Saudi Vision 2030
The center began publishing air quality indicators at the end of 2024, with Abha having the cleanest air at that time. The following year, Hail topped the list, coinciding remarkably with its selection as a 'healthy city' by the World Health Organization. These indicators align directly with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 and the Green Saudi Arabia initiative, which aims to plant billions of trees, increase vegetation cover, and reduce carbon emissions, thus contributing to a healthy and sustainable environment for future generations.
Importance and expected impact locally and internationally
Locally, this achievement reinforces the Asir region's position as a leading tourist destination and aligns with the Asir Development Strategy, "Peaks and Heights," as tourists consistently seek destinations with healthy environments and clean air. Regionally, the Kingdom sets a benchmark for other Middle Eastern countries in utilizing modern technology for environmental monitoring and protection. Internationally, this environmental commitment underscores the Kingdom's seriousness in fulfilling its global climate pledges and supporting international efforts to combat climate change.
Future aspirations for environmental commitment
Dr. Al-Daghreeri concluded his remarks by emphasizing that the National Center for Environmental Compliance is not content with its achievements, but is working diligently to improve air quality indicators. This is being done through promising projects aimed at establishing technical links with several governmental and private entities to provide more comprehensive and accurate data for measuring air quality in every Saudi city, thus ensuring the sustainability of environmental resources and achieving the highest standards of quality of life for citizens and residents.
