The increasing debate on sustainable development has raised attention by many global sectors such as policymakers and developers for advanced sustainable cities and the corresponding sustainability impacts on urban transformation. UAE Government has initiated a task to focus on improving air quality, preserving water resources, increasing clean energy, implementing green growth plans, and further enhancing its citizens' quality of life. Ajman is the smallest Emirate and through the The Ajman Municipality and Planning Department has carried out in corporation with the other Governmental authorities started to initiate plans, policies, and initiatives for this purpose. The increase in population, society wellbeing, lifestyle and industrial revolution in the Emirate of Ajman − UAE, resulted in increased challengesinitiated for the Ajman Municipality and Planning Department (AMPD). These challenges align with national and international strategies and goals targeting the urgent environmental, social and economic issues. Therefore, Ajman Municipality has set up a prime aim to embed sustainability through every life aspect and consider sustainability an integral part of its vision and mission. Municipality sustainability performance was enhanced to incorporate sustainability into all activities to ensure wellbeing and happiness and transform the Emirate of Ajman into a sustainable city and its inhabitants blessed with a beautiful, comfortable life. This paper provides an overview of all the challenges and achievements of the Ajman Municipality and Planning Department (AMPD), highlighting the success factors to support initiatives that serve to advance the United Nations' sustainable development agenda. Lessons from the achievements are considered as guidelines for a framework model that can be used for future planning and development.

Air pollution is one of the core issues at the local and global levels and maybe “one of the most important contributors” to deaths. According to the United Nations, air pollution is one of the extreme environmental threats to health globally. Air pollution problems increased worldwide due to the massive emission volumes generated every day from the increased lifestyle associated technology. The air pollutants are not only dangerous to the health and wellbeing of plants, animals, and people, but they are also harmful to the environment as a significant contributor to recent climate change. The reduction in the volume of pollutants produced is a crucial and challenging step in managing our adverse effects on the environment and climate. The primary outdoor pollution sources include vehicles, Industry, power generation, building heating/cooling systems, and agriculture/waste incineration. The regulation, policies, clean production, investments supporting cleaner transport, energy-efficient housing, power generation, Industry, and better municipal waste management can effectively reduce critical sources of ambient air pollution. When many countries of the world are fighting the Coronavirus, as a challenge to limit its spread, because of its negative repercussions on the economy, health, and political stability as well, several reports have emerged confirming that the spread of the virus has positive effects on the climate change crisis through its impact on the demand for energy and greenhouse gas emissions in endemic countries. Ajman is an emirate that has experienced considerable change in the level of air-associated pollution. Therefore, this article aims to assess air quality impacts in the Ajman Emirates during the lockdown when social distancing was implemented, and human activities were significantly eliminated. Moreover, it seeks to identify the percentages of the improved outdoor pollutants concentrations and the general air quality index. This paper shows evidence from live measurements that the Emirate has recorded over four months since the lockdown was imposed at this Emirate and compared with similar months of the previous year. Moreover, it indicates that having climate improvement exists for specific periods could well support the fight against the COVID-19. The article clearly shows results with a significant reduction of more than 40% of each air-associated pollution element during the pandemic compared with similar periods in 2018 and 2019.

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 CO 2 , PM 2.5 , 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 CO 2 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. PM 2.5 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 CO 2 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.