Abstract
The indoor air quality (IAQ) plays a critical role in public health, comfort, and productivity, particularly in enclosed public places such as shopping malls. Due to the extreme outdoor temperatures in the United Arab Emirates, prolonged indoor occupancy further emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy IAQ. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the current state of indoor air quality in Ajman City Mall and investigate its relationship to occupant health and comfort. A series of environmental monitoring and occupant perception surveys was conducted at five key indoor locations: the main entrance, the food court, the retail store, the cinema lobby, and the parking garage. Real-time data of
,
, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), temperature, and humidity were collected over three weeks. In parallel, 50 mall users were interviewed to obtain subjective opinions on IAQ and related symptoms, including fatigue, headaches, and eye irritation. Measurement results show that
and VOCs concentrations in the food court and parking garage frequently exceed the recommended UAE limits, which were associated with high incidences of discomfort and respiratory symptoms.
levels in the parking area were identified as a significant health risk, primarily due to vehicle emissions and inadequate ventilation. A statistical analysis included descriptive analytics, time-series visualizations, and linear regression modelling, confirming a strong correlation between elevated
levels and symptoms of occupants. These findings indicate that IAQ intervention strategies are urgently required in enclosed public spaces. Improvements proposed include improved Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) performance, upgraded filtration systems, and adoption of low-emission materials. As a result of this study, a replicable methodology for the assessment of IAQ was developed. Results emphasize the importance of aligning indoor environmental quality with national standards in order to maintain public health