On the occasion of the Qatar Environment Day, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Monday launched the Air Quality Platform for the public on the ministry's website; under the patronage and in the presence of HE the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Dr Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki al-Subaie.
The minister was briefed on the significant capabilities of the platform and the advanced technology it operates through. The platform enables all members of the community to know the air quality level in all regions of the country through a display screen available on the ministry's website.
The screen displays air quality data in easily understandable colour-coded indicators with high accuracy for each area in the country, through 40 air quality monitoring stations according to the highest international standards.
Concern for air quality is among the priorities of Qatar and is considered part of its sustainable environmental initiatives. The platform reflects the state's interest in preserving air quality according to the highest national and international standards by providing an accessible platform for all members of the community to know the air quality level in all regions of the country accurately and reliably.
Abdulhadi Al Marri, Assistant Undersecretary for Environmental Affairs, said that the launch of the platform, coinciding with Qatar Environment Day, reflects the national efforts made by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change to preserve citizen health through constructive co-operation among various state entities to establish a comprehensive national air quality network. The data is displayed through a single screen on the ministry's website, ensuring easy access to information on air quality levels for all segments of society.
Director of the Department of Environmental Monitoring and Inspection at the Ministry Eng Hassan al-Qasimi emphasised that the ministry ensured that the Air Quality Platform adopts a clear colour mechanism in line with the global system used to display air quality data. This system uses easily understandable colour indicators to display the data through stations dedicated to monitoring air quality, accredited by specialised agencies in the field. These stations operate continuously throughout the country, highlighting the importance of not relying on inaccurate methods, programmes, and devices published for commercial purposes without considering the accuracy and reliability of the information.
Abdullah al-Khalifi, Assistant Director of the Department of Environmental Monitoring and Inspection, explained that the launch of this platform is one of the most important outcomes of the Data Monitoring and Analysis Unit, which was inaugurated during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. He pointed out that the national air quality network has reached 40 stations covering eight different municipalities of the country: Doha, Al Wakrah, Al Khor, Al Rayyan, Umm Salal, Al Thakhira, Al-Sheehaniya, and Al Shamal. He indicated that the platform operates autonomously and continuously, providing a comprehensive overview of air quality in the country and displaying monitoring results through different coloured indicators, allowing the public to easily access and understand the quality level of each area, designed according to global standards.
