Ambient Air Pollution Health Impacts in High‐Income Countries, Part II: A Case Study in the United Arab Emirates

Ambient air pollution poses major global public health risks, particularly in rapidly developing regions, including the Arabian Gulf. This study estimates the disease burden attributable to anthropogenic air pollution (particulate matter [PM] and ozone) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, for 2019-2022 and compares findings to previous estimates for 2008. Burdens were calculated using updated air quality, population, and health incidence data for 2019-2022 along with concentration-response functions from recent epidemiologic evidence. Results show that Abu Dhabi's investments in air quality management have paid off in preventing air quality from deteriorating as much as would be expected given the doubling of the population between 2008 and 2022. However, epidemiologic evidence gathered during this period indicates that PM exposure has stronger negative effects on mortality risks than previously thought. As a result, estimated deaths attributable to anthropogenic ambient air pollution increased between 2008 and 2022, from 231 (90% uncertainty interval [UI]: 59-427) to 1249 (90% UI: 507-2169). Total hospital visits attributable to PM and ozone exposure also increased. These increases reflect combined effects of population growth, higher pollutant exposures, improved medical record-keeping, and updated evidence on health risks. Urban centers, with higher pollutant concentrations and population densities, experience the highest risks, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to address air pollution hotspots. This work provides policymakers with up-to-date insights on the health impacts of ambient air pollution and underscores the importance of continued investments in air quality management in Abu Dhabi.