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Sakākā, the capital of Al Jawf Province in northwestern Saudi Arabia, occupies a strategic position in the heart of the Arabian Peninsula's northern desert region. Situated at approximately 566 meters above sea level on the vast Al Jawf plateau, the city lies within a basin surrounded by rocky escarpments and arid plains, creating a natural topographic bowl that can trap pollutants. Its coordinates at 29.9697°N, 40.2000°E place it about 1,000 kilometers north of Riyadh and near the borders with Jordan and Iraq, positioning it as a regional hub for trade and agriculture rather than heavy industry. The urban character blends traditional mud-brick architecture with modern developments, spreading across a relatively flat terrain with minimal vegetation. Proximity to bodies of water is negligible—the nearest significant water source is the seasonal Wadi Sirhan to the northeast, which remains dry for most of the year. Surrounding the city are extensive date palm orchards and agricultural zones irrigated from fossil aquifers, contributing to dust and occasional pesticide drift. The urban–rural gradient is sharp, with the city abruptly giving way to desert landscapes, leading to frequent dust incursions from the surrounding Nafud desert. This geographic setting, combined with low humidity and sparse rainfall, exacerbates particulate matter pollution, as dust storms and local emissions from vehicles, construction, and agricultural burning become concentrated in the basin-like terrain, particularly during calm weather conditions.

In Sakākā, air quality follows a distinct seasonal pattern shaped by the region's arid desert climate, with pollution levels fluctuating based on meteorological factors rather than industrial cycles. During winter (December to February), cooler temperatures and frequent temperature inversions trap pollutants near the ground, leading to elevated particulate matter levels; this season also sees occasional fog that can mix with dust, reducing visibility and air quality. Sensitive groups, such as those with respiratory conditions, should limit outdoor activities on calm, foggy mornings. Spring (March to May) brings rising temperatures and increased wind activity, which disperses pollutants but also triggers dust storms from the surrounding desert, causing sharp spikes in coarse particulate matter; outdoor activities are best avoided during windy days when dust plumes are visible. Summer (June to August) is characterized by extreme heat, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C, leading to thermal convection that lifts pollutants higher into the atmosphere, generally improving near-surface air quality, though ozone formation may increase during peak sunlight hours. Autumn (September to November) sees a return to milder conditions, with reduced wind and occasional stagnant air, allowing local emissions from urban and agricultural sources to accumulate; this period can be favourable for outdoor activities in the early mornings before pollution builds up. Throughout the year, sensitive individuals should monitor local weather reports for dust advisories and plan activities during cooler parts of the day to minimize exposure.