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Jeddah, the principal gateway to Mecca in Saudi Arabia's Makkah Region, occupies a narrow coastal plain along the Red Sea's eastern shore, with its urban fabric stretching approximately 80 kilometres north-south. This strategic positioning as Saudi Arabia's second-largest city and major commercial hub creates a distinctive geographic context that profoundly influences air quality. The city sits at a low elevation, generally under 10 metres above sea level, sandwiched between the Red Sea to the west and the arid Hijaz Mountains to the east, which rise abruptly to over 500 metres. This topography creates a natural corridor that can trap pollutants, particularly when sea breezes push emissions inland against the mountain barrier. Jeddah's extensive coastline hosts one of the Red Sea's busiest ports, with shipping emissions contributing significantly to particulate matter, while the city's rapid expansion generates continuous construction and road dust. The urban-rural gradient shows dense development along the coast transitioning to sporadic settlements and desert hinterlands eastward, with minimal agricultural zones except for limited date palm cultivation in wadis. Desert dust from the vast Arabian Desert to the north and east frequently sweeps into the city, especially during seasonal sandstorms. The Red Sea's moderating influence creates higher humidity than inland deserts, which can combine with pollutants to form haze, while the lack of significant green buffers exacerbates pollution retention in this densely populated metropolis of over 4 million residents.

Jeddah's air quality follows a pronounced seasonal pattern dictated by its hot desert climate and specific meteorological conditions. During spring (March-May), pollution peaks dramatically as frequent shamal winds from the north and northwest transport desert dust across the region, combining with already high vehicle emissions from normal traffic. This period sees the highest particulate matter concentrations, making outdoor activities particularly hazardous, especially for those with respiratory conditions. Summer (June-August) maintains elevated pollution levels due to extreme heat reaching 40-45°C, which accelerates photochemical reactions creating ground-level ozone, while humidity from the Red Sea traps pollutants near the surface. The virtual absence of rainfall during these months means no natural cleansing of the atmosphere. Autumn (September-November) brings gradual improvement as temperatures moderate and occasional Red Sea breezes help disperse pollutants, though construction activity often increases post-summer heat. Winter (December-February) offers the cleanest air, with cooler temperatures, occasional rainfall that washes away particulates, and more consistent northerly winds that provide better ventilation. Sensitive groups including asthmatics, children, and the elderly should avoid prolonged outdoor exposure during spring dust storms and summer heatwaves, instead favouring early morning hours in winter months when pollution dispersion is optimal. The annual Hajj pilgrimage, which varies between summer and winter in the Islamic calendar, creates temporary traffic surges that can spike pollution regardless of season.