NCEC: Maysan Governorate Ranks First in Saudi Arabia for Cleanest Air in Q3

Maysan Governorate in Makkah Region ranked first in the Kingdom for the cleanest air in the third quarter of 2026, while Hail Region had the largest presence among the top 10 with four of its governorates, according to air quality assessment results released by the National Center for Environmental Compliance (NCEC).

 NCEC Spokesperson Saad Al-Mutrafi said the ranking is based on air quality measurement results, in accordance with the standards adopted by the center and the reference benchmarks of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the General Secretariat of the Gulf Cooperation Council. This enables air quality levels in monitored areas to be assessed according to unified scientific and technical criteria.

 He noted that Hail Region secured four places on the list, while Makkah and Qassim regions each took two, and Al-Jouf and Madinah regions one each. He emphasized that monitoring results provide important indicators for understanding air quality levels and variations among governorates, supporting efforts to improve the environment and enhance quality of life.

 The center stressed that air quality measurement results are among the key tools supporting environmental oversight and decision-making. They help identify contaminant levels, monitor changes, and provide the information needed to direct efforts to reduce sources of pollution, protect public health, and improve quality of life across the Kingdom.