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Manama, the capital city of Bahrain, occupies a strategic position on the northeastern tip of Bahrain Island in the Persian Gulf, with its coordinates at 26.2233°N, 50.5875°E placing it within the arid West Asian region. The city's geography is characterised by a flat, low-lying coastal plain, with an average elevation of just 2 metres above sea level, making it vulnerable to sea-level rise and limiting natural air dispersion. Situated on a narrow peninsula, Manama is surrounded by the shallow waters of the Gulf to the north and east, while to the south and west, it merges into the broader urban expanse of Bahrain's Northern Governorate, creating a dense metropolitan area with minimal rural buffer zones. This coastal location historically supported pearl diving and trade, but today it facilitates port activities and industrial development along the shoreline, contributing to urban pollution. The city's proximity to major oil and gas fields in the Gulf region, combined with its role as a financial and commercial hub, results in significant emissions from transportation, construction, and energy-intensive industries. The flat terrain and lack of topographic features like mountains or hills mean there are no natural barriers to trap or disperse pollutants, leading to stagnant air conditions exacerbated by high humidity from the surrounding sea. Urban sprawl has replaced most agricultural land, with limited green spaces, intensifying the heat island effect and concentrating particulate matter from vehicles and industrial sources. Manama's position in a dust-prone desert region also subjects it to seasonal sandstorms, which can severely degrade air quality by introducing coarse particles from the Arabian Peninsula's arid interiors.

In Manama, air quality fluctuates seasonally due to a combination of meteorological factors and human activities, with the arid desert climate shaping pollution patterns throughout the year. During winter, from December to February, cooler temperatures and occasional rainfall can temporarily improve air quality by washing away pollutants, but calm winds and temperature inversions often trap emissions near the ground, leading to haze and increased particulate matter, making this a period of moderate pollution. Spring, from March to May, sees rising temperatures and frequent shamal winds from the northwest, which can disperse local pollutants but also bring dust storms from the deserts of Saudi Arabia and Iraq, causing sharp spikes in coarse particulate levels; sensitive groups like those with respiratory conditions should monitor forecasts and limit outdoor exposure during such events. Summer, from June to September, is characterised by extreme heat, high humidity, and minimal precipitation, which intensify the formation of ground-level ozone from vehicle and industrial emissions under strong sunlight, while stagnant air conditions reduce dispersion, making this the peak pollution season—residents are advised to avoid strenuous outdoor activities during midday hours. Autumn, from October to November, offers a gradual improvement as temperatures cool and winds pick up, aiding in pollutant dispersal, though occasional dust events may still occur; this season is generally more favourable for outdoor pursuits. Throughout the year, the lack of a monsoon system means rainfall is sparse, and fog is rare, but high humidity can exacerbate the health impacts of pollutants, particularly for children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing health issues, who should use air purifiers indoors and follow local air quality advisories.