By Nduwayezu Jean de Dieu
October 30, 2025
The Gulf region is at a critical juncture. Rapid urban growth, desert dust storms, and industrial emissions have made cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam some of the most polluted in the world, with annual PM2.5 levels exceeding WHO’s safe threshold of 10 µg/m³ by five to six times in certain areas. The consequences are profound: increased respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular disease, and mounting pressure on healthcare systems.
In response, environmental technology firm PlanetWEST has unveiled MIDAC (Micro-Intelligent Direct Air Capture), a system designed to tackle urban air pollution at its source. Unlike conventional air purifiers, MIDAC integrates with vehicle radiator systems, drawing in ambient air and capturing fine particulates including PM2.5, PM10, and black carbon, which are among the deadliest urban pollutants. The trapped particles are securely stored for safe disposal or recycling, ensuring minimal environmental impact.
“The air quality crisis in many global cities demands innovative and scalable solutions,” said Chris Catlin, CEO of PlanetWEST. “With MIDAC, we are offering a tangible pathway to healthier urban environments. Our focus is to make an immediate, positive impact.”
MIDAC’s localized design sets it apart. By being manufactured and assembled within the Gulf, it not only addresses air pollution but also creates green jobs and technical expertise in the region. The system’s adaptability allows it to be scaled across public transport fleets, private vehicles, and industrial zones, effectively turning entire urban corridors into cleaner, safer airspaces.
The health benefits are measurable. Cleaner air can reduce premature deaths linked to air pollution by thousands annually in these cities, while also mitigating urban heat islands and lowering healthcare costs. Furthermore, deploying MIDAC contributes to the Gulf states’ ambitious carbon neutrality goals, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030 and the UAE Net Zero 2050 initiative.
This innovation reflects a global truth: climate action and public health are inseparable. As the world prepares for COP29 in Azerbaijan and COP30 in Brazil, solutions like MIDAC provide a blueprint for how local innovation can deliver real, tangible impact. In a region where air pollution has long been a silent killer, PlanetWEST offers a breath of hope—literally and figuratively.
The Gulf may be known for oil wealth, but with technologies like MIDAC, it could also lead in urban air solutions, proving that bold, localized action can redefine the fight against climate change.
© 2025 SECOTO Magazine
