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Salalah, the capital of Oman's Dhofar Governorate, occupies a unique coastal position on the Arabian Sea in West Asia, nestled between the stark desert interior and the maritime frontier. The city sprawls across a narrow coastal plain backed by the dramatic Dhofar Mountains, which rise abruptly to elevations exceeding 1,000 meters, creating a distinct urban–rural gradient where the city center merges into agricultural foothills and frankincense-producing hinterlands. Salalah's geography profoundly shapes its air quality: its location on the Arabian Sea exposes it to marine vessel and port emissions from the Port of Salalah, one of the region's largest container hubs, while the surrounding arid landscape generates significant road and construction dust, exacerbated by urban expansion. The city lies at the interface of desert and ocean, with the Dhofar Mountains acting as a partial barrier that can trap pollutants in the coastal zone under certain meteorological conditions. Proximity to agricultural zones, particularly in the surrounding plains where frankincense processing occurs, introduces seasonal smoke, while the urban core contends with vehicle exhaust from growing traffic. The coastal setting moderates extreme temperatures but also facilitates the transport of maritime emissions inland, creating a complex pollution mix influenced by both terrestrial and marine sources.

Salalah's air quality follows a distinct seasonal rhythm driven by its unique monsoon-influenced desert climate. During the khareef (monsoon) season from June to September, pollution peaks due to a combination of factors: increased tourist traffic and vehicle emissions, heightened port activity, and smoke from frankincense processing, all compounded by high humidity and temperature inversions that trap pollutants near the ground. These months see frequent dust storms and reduced wind dispersion, making outdoor activity challenging, especially for sensitive groups like asthmatics or the elderly. From October to December, post-monsoon conditions bring clearer skies and stronger sea breezes that disperse pollutants, offering the best air quality for outdoor pursuits. Winter months (January to March) experience moderate pollution with occasional dust storms from the desert interior, while temperatures remain mild. Spring (April to May) sees a gradual buildup toward the summer peak, with rising heat and pre-monsoon dust. Sensitive individuals should avoid prolonged outdoor exposure during peak months, monitor local air quality advisories, and plan activities for the post-monsoon window when marine winds cleanse the air most effectively.