Abstract
The preventive and cautionary measures taken by the UAE and Abu Dhabi governments to reduce the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and promote social distancing have led to a reduction of mobility and a modification of economic and social activities. This paper provides statistical analysis of the air quality data monitored by the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) during the first 10 months of 2020, comparing the different stages of the preventive measures. Ground monitoring data is compared with satellite images and mobility indicators. The study shows a drastic decrease during lockdown in the concentration of the gaseous pollutants analysed (NO2, SO2, CO, and C6H6) that aligns with the results reported in other international cities and metropolitan areas. However, particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) averaged concentrations followed a markedly different trend from the gaseous pollutants, indicating a larger influence from natural events (sand and dust storms) and other anthropogenic sources. The ozone (O3) levels increased during the lockdown, showing the complexity of O3 formation. The end of lockdown led to an increase of the mobility and the air pollution; however, air pollutant concentrations remained in lower levels than during the same period of 2019. The results in this study show the large impact of human activities on the quality of air and present an opportunity for policymakers and decision-makers to design stimulus packages to overcome the economic slow-down, with strategies to accelerate the transition to resilient, low-emission economies and societies more connected to the nature that protect human health and the environment.
Highlights
On 11 March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that the COVID-19 outbreak was characterised as a pandemic and urged countries to take urgent and aggressive action (World Health Organization 2020a)
The preventive and cautionary measures that were taken by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Abu Dhabi governments to reduce the spread of the virus SARS-CoV-2 and promote social distancing led to reduced mobility and modification of economic and social activities
The aim of this study is to assess the changes in air quality during and after the implementation of the preventive measures implemented to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 epidemic in Abu Dhabi (UAE) and learn how air quality can be improved by decreasing anthropogenic emissions in this region
Summary
On 11 March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that the COVID-19 outbreak was characterised as a pandemic and urged countries to take urgent and aggressive action (World Health Organization 2020a). The preventive and cautionary measures that were taken by the UAE and Abu Dhabi governments to reduce the spread of the virus SARS-CoV-2 and promote social distancing led to reduced mobility and modification of economic and social activities. Abu Dhabi government activated the remote work systems for government employees on 12 March for vulnerable populations and on 24 March for 100% of the workforce. A maximum of 30% of the workforce was allowed to be physically present, except for the critical sectors, such as health, pharmaceuticals, energy, and water. On 26 March, the UAE National Disinfection Programme started, with daily disinfection, from 8 pm to 6 am
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
