Clean air is not only an environmental goal – it is a foundation for health, learning, and quality of life.
Clean air is increasingly recognised as a basic human right. It supports our health, wellbeing, and daily performance. The air we breathe affects how we learn, work, and live. It influences physical health, concentration, and overall quality of life. Creating healthy environments is a shared responsibility. Communities, schools, businesses, and policymakers all play a role.
In 2022, the United Nations General Assembly officially recognised the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment as a universal human right. This milestone strengthened the global understanding that environmental quality is directly linked to human health and dignity. Today, countries around the world are working to improve air quality and environmental health outcomes.
In the UAE, recent initiatives show a stronger commitment to prevention, research, and healthier indoor environments. In 2025, several important programmes highlighted how data, policy, and education can work together to support healthier communities.
📎 Source: United Nations General Assembly Resolution A/76/L.75
The human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment
https://www.un.org/en/ga/76/resolutions.shtml
Advancing Clean Air Through Knowledge, Policy, and Action
Awareness around environmental health continues to grow across the UAE.
Organisations are working together to better understand air quality and reduce risks.
There is a clear shift toward:
- prevention instead of reaction
- data-driven decision-making
- healthier indoor environments
- stronger environmental standards
Below are three milestones that are helping shape a healthier future.
1. HawAQM: Understanding Indoor Air Quality
Did you know? People spend almost 90% of their time indoors. Indoor air quality is just as important as outdoor air quality. Yet it often receives less attention.
Indoor air can be affected by:
- ventilation systems
- building materials
- cleaning products
- maintenance practices
- daily activities
In 2025, the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre launched the HawAQM Indoor Air Quality Observatory.
The platform uses real-time monitoring, sensors, and data analysis to better understand air quality in:
- homes
- schools
- offices
- public buildings
By turning air quality into measurable data, HawAQM helps:
- detect risks early
- improve ventilation strategies
- support healthier building design
- prevent long-term health issues
This initiative shows how environmental action can directly support public health.
📎 Source: Abu Dhabi Media Office – HawAQM Indoor Air Quality Observatory
📎 Additional coverage: Gulf News – Indoor Air Monitoring System
2. Schools That Support Health and Learning
Healthy air supports better learning.
Students spend many hours each day inside classrooms. Air quality can influence concentration, comfort, and academic performance.
Through ADEK’s Buildings and Facilities Policy, schools in Abu Dhabi are strengthening standards related to:
- indoor air quality
- ventilation systems
- maintenance practices
- environmental safety
Regular inspections help ensure that students and teachers learn in safe and healthy environments.
Schools are becoming practical examples of sustainability in action. By improving environmental quality, they support both education and wellbeing.
📎 Source: ADEK Buildings and Facilities Policy
3. Measuring Progress Toward Cleaner Air
What gets measured can be improved. Reliable data is essential for improving air quality. The UAE’s Measurement, Reporting and Verification (MRV) system supports better tracking of air emissions across sectors.
The MRV framework helps:
- measure emissions consistently
- improve transparency
- support better policymaking
- track progress toward Net Zero 2050
By using data to guide action, the UAE continues to strengthen its leadership in sustainability innovation.
📎 Source: WAM – UAE launches national MRV system
📎 Additional reference: Gulf News – MRV programme progress
Breathing Toward the Future
These milestones show how policy, science, and community awareness can work together.
Clean air is not only about reducing pollution. It is also about:
- designing healthier buildings
- supporting schools and communities
- increasing awareness of environmental health
- improving everyday wellbeing
Through Take a Breath, Goumbook continues to translate scientific knowledge into practical learning. The programme helps schools, families, and organisations better understand indoor air quality and its impact on daily life. This is the future we believe in – where knowledge leads to action, and every breath supports a healthier UAE.
