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Al Mubarraz, situated in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province (Ash Sharqīyah), occupies a strategic position within the vast Arabian Peninsula's arid landscape. Located approximately 25 kilometers northwest of the major urban hub of Al-Hofuf, this city lies at coordinates 25.4416°N, 49.6642°E, placing it firmly within the expansive Al-Ahsa Oasis region—one of the world's largest natural oases. The terrain here is predominantly flat desert plain, with an elevation averaging around 150 meters above sea level, creating minimal natural barriers to atmospheric mixing. This geographical setting profoundly influences air quality through several mechanisms. Al Mubarraz sits within Saudi Arabia's primary oil-producing region, surrounded by extensive agricultural zones of date palm groves that characterize the Al-Ahsa Oasis, alongside growing urban development. The city's location away from major coastlines means it lacks the moderating influence of the Arabian Gulf, which lies approximately 100 kilometers to the northeast, resulting in more extreme temperature variations that can trap pollutants. The urban-rural gradient shows a compact urban core transitioning abruptly into agricultural lands and then desert, creating microclimates where dust from surrounding arid areas frequently infiltrates the city. Proximity to the Ghawar Field—the world's largest conventional oil field—and associated industrial activities introduces anthropogenic emissions, while the flat topography allows pollutants to accumulate rather than disperse, particularly during stable atmospheric conditions common in this desert climate.

In Al Mubarraz, air quality follows distinct seasonal patterns shaped by the region's desert climate, with pollution levels fluctuating according to meteorological conditions throughout the year. During winter (December-February), cooler temperatures often create temperature inversions that trap pollutants near the surface, particularly during calm nights and early mornings, leading to elevated pollution episodes. This period may see increased particulate matter from domestic heating and reduced atmospheric mixing. Spring (March-May) brings rising temperatures and occasional shamal winds from the northwest, which can disperse pollutants but also lift substantial dust from the surrounding desert, creating hazardous conditions during dust storms. Summer (June-August) features extreme heat, with temperatures frequently exceeding 45°C, causing photochemical reactions that can generate secondary pollutants, though thermal convection sometimes improves vertical mixing. The intense sunlight accelerates ozone formation, particularly in afternoon hours. Autumn (September-November) offers transitional relief as temperatures moderate and wind patterns shift, often providing better dispersion conditions. Sensitive groups—including those with respiratory conditions, children, and the elderly—should exercise particular caution during winter inversion periods and spring dust events, limiting outdoor activities during peak pollution hours. The months of November through February generally present more favorable conditions for outdoor exertion, while March through May require vigilance for dust storms. Year-round, early mornings typically show better air quality than afternoons when photochemical activity peaks.