Qatar
Ministry of Environment hosts symposium on air quality and sustainability
The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, represented by the Environmental Monitoring and Inspection Department, organised a symposium Sunday entitled "Improving Air Quality and Supporting Environmental Sustainability in Qatar," bringing together government officials, industry representatives, researchers, and environmental experts.
The event was attended by His Excellency the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Dr Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki al-Subaie and featured broad participation from governmental, private, research and academic institutions specialising in air quality and environmental monitoring.
Undersecretary of the Ministry Engineer Abdulaziz bin Ahmad al-Mahmoud affirmed that air quality remains a national priority due to its direct impact on public health and quality of life.
He noted that the Ministry continues to develop and modernise its environmental monitoring systems using advanced technologies and internationally recognised standards, within a comprehensive legal framework that promotes transparency and sound environmental governance.
He described the symposium as a national platform for exchanging expertise among government entities, research centres and the industrial sector, particularly amid escalating climate challenges. He emphasised the importance of co-ordinated efforts to safeguard the environment and preserve natural resources.
He added that the Ministry is advancing quality-driven initiatives aimed at enhancing the efficiency of the environmental monitoring system, updating air quality standards, and strengthening partnerships across sectors.
Al-Mahmoud also pointed out that Qatar's environmental monitoring framework operates in accordance with Environmental Protection Law No. (30) of 2002 and its implementing regulations, ensuring compliance with national and international standards.
He stressed that the Ministry's ambition extends beyond improving environmental performance indicators to fostering a safe and healthy environment in which development and sustainability are fully integrated, thereby meeting the aspirations of future generations.
For his part, Assistant Undersecretary for Environmental Affairs Yousef Ibrahim al-Hamar said the symposium serves as a strategic national forum to discuss initiatives aimed at protecting the environment and enhancing air quality — a cornerstone of sustainable development in Qatar.
He highlighted the Ministry's commitment to raising public awareness by making environmental data accessible in a transparent and simplified manner, enabling individuals to understand air quality indicators and their health implications. This, he noted, contributes to promoting responsible environmental behaviour.
Al-Hamar explained that the Air Quality Index serves as a key communication tool linking scientific data to the community, using a colour-coded system to indicate pollution levels and assist the public — particularly vulnerable groups — in making informed daily decisions.
He further underscored the Ministry's efforts to build national capacity through continuous training, knowledge transfer, and collaboration with research institutions, strengthening technical expertise in environmental monitoring and analysis. These efforts support Qatar's active participation in regional and international environmental initiatives and reporting frameworks.
The symposium addressed a range of technical topics, including air quality data monitoring and analysis, clean energy monitoring and associated challenges, low-concentration dust measurement, facility-boundary monitoring, combustion gas monitoring, and quality assurance in environmental measurements.
The programme also featured a presentation on a joint research project between the Ministry and the Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute (QEERI) at Hamad Bin Khalifa University.
The event also honoured several partners of the National Air Quality Monitoring Network in recognition of their contributions to environmental monitoring and data analysis, as well as their role in strengthening public-private sector collaboration.
The Ministry operates the National Air Quality Monitoring Network, which comprises more than 45 fixed and mobile stations across the country. Operating around the clock, the network monitors over 30 environmental variables using advanced technologies, ensuring compliance with national and international standards while promoting public awareness and a culture of environmental sustainability.