Job Discussion Forums

redeyes · Joined: 21 Jun 2007 Posts: 254

What is the air pollution like in the KSA, particularly in Dharhan?

Thanks all,

RE

Cleopatra · Posted: Thu Apr 09, 2009 10:20 am Post subject:

Don't know about Dhahran, but air quality here in Riyadh isn't too bad for a city this size. After all, there is almost no heavy industry and while there's certainly a lot of traffic, most cars are new and hence relatively un-polluting. The dry desert air can be a problem though, especially for asthma sufferers.

also in saudi · Joined: 26 Feb 2006 Posts: 137

Lots of dust in the air in Riyadh.

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

As Cleo says the main things to avoid are sandstorms (there was spectacular one in Riyadh a month ago with a wall of dust higher than the Faisaliyah tower).

There are petrochemical industries in Jubail and Yanbu. The trick is not to live downwind. But even then there is permanent monitoring of emissions.

Problems are likely to be from the lack of humidity (probably less of a problem in Dhahran) and from permanent colds, which can leave you sneezing eight to twelve months a year.

cmp45 · Joined: 17 Aug 2004 Posts: 1475 Location: KSA

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

Sheikh N Bake · Joined: 26 Apr 2007 Posts: 1307 Location: Dis ting of ours

It seems noteworthy to me that the ubiquitous small and medium-sized delivery trucks in the Gulf Middle East are extremely noisy and emit the most egregious type of diesel exhaust, without any emission control, apparently. They are typically Mitsubishi models and are certainly not seen or heard in Japan. The Japanese make these inferior pollution wagons strictly for developing countries that have weak anti-pollution standards.

SD BOY · Joined: 29 Mar 2009 Posts: 60

Dear Sheikh,

Ever the cynic....and, as usual, right on the ball.

The air in Jubail was rumored to be among the most poisoned on earth. However, as with anything in Islamic Paradise, there is no way of verifying this. Pittsburgh and Essen may have their pollution problems, but you can be reasonably assured no Satanic mill is releasing cyanide fumes into the atmosphere.
No such luck in KSA.
And it's not just in the Kingdom...read a similar thread on the UAE page.
When I first went to Abu Dhabi in 1980's, the city was surrounded by white sand beaches and clear, warm water. I wouldn't go swimming there today on a bet...except, possibly at the Intercontinental Club on the east shore.

"Where's the curriculum!!!"

Cleopatra · Posted: Fri Apr 10, 2009 6:59 am Post subject:

SD BOY · Joined: 29 Mar 2009 Posts: 60

I used to work in Industrial City..on the outskirts of Riyadh.
That alone probably shortened my life-span by 5 years.

The air quality in Riyadh is decidedly bad, if not toxic.

HCEG1 · Joined: 20 Oct 2008 Posts: 36

007 · Posted: Thu Apr 16, 2009 4:19 pm Post subject:

Kipling · Posted: Fri Apr 17, 2009 12:25 pm Post subject:

Agh Mr Bond, many fall short of what they think they are destined to be.
Between the idea and the reality falls the shadow. Sad

eclectic · Joined: 09 Nov 2006 Posts: 1122

how is the air quality in Jiddah???

trapezius · Posted: Sat Apr 25, 2009 2:29 pm Post subject:

Air quality per se is fine, but there are other factors you should look at.

Humidity is very high here, ranging between 80% and 100% most of the year. It is really stifling and takes the energy out of you. I prefer dry heat.

And then there are the days when there is lots of dust and sand in the air, about 10 to 20 times a year.