Tourist hotspot named 'most polluted in the world' with 'unsafe' air quality
- Our Hidden Earth
- Mar 6
- 2 min read
New research has found that one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations is also one of the most polluted.
Cairo, the capital of Egypt, welcomes 14.9 million visitors each year, yet it ranks as the most polluted among ten major tourist hotspots. A study by DIPNDIVE measured pollution levels in top travel destinations worldwide.
The study analysed these cities based on their average annual visitors and key pollution factors, including the Air Quality Index (AQI), PM2.5 concentrations (tiny air particles that can harm health), water quality, and noise levels.
All these factors were combined into a final pollution score, ranking cities based on their environmental conditions.
Cairo’s AQI was recorded at 160, indicating unhealthy air. For comparison, a normal and safe AQI is around 36. The city’s PM2.5 concentration hit 68.4 µg/m³—far above the World Health Organization’s recommended safe limit of 5 µg/m³.
Despite these high pollution levels, Cairo remains a hugely popular travel destination, mainly due to the Great Pyramids of Giza—one of the wonders of the world.
But Cairo isn’t just about the pyramids. This fascinating city has plenty more to explore.
The Egyptian Museum is the oldest archaeological museum in the Middle East, home to over 17,000 artefacts, including ancient mummies and beautifully decorated sarcophagi. It’s a fantastic place to spend a day, though it can get very crowded, so arriving early is a good idea.
The famous River Nile winds through the city, and one of the best ways to take in the sights is by booking a boat cruise. These trips can last several hours and offer a stunning view of Cairo from the water.
Even with its pollution, Cairo is an incredible city full of history, culture, and unforgettable experiences.
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