A new study has revealed that noise pollution in the extravagant Gulf city of Dubai is a major concern for Generation Z, with many of them considering it a major factor affecting their wellbeing.
It is worth noting that the study was conducted by Buro Happold's Urban C:Labs in collaboration with Heriot-Watt University in Dubai and will be presented at the Inter-Noise 2024 conference in Nantes, France, as reported by Khaleej's time.
The study was led by Pooja Ganatra, a senior sustainability consultant, noise specialist and lecturer at Heriot-Watt University in Dubai, together with Gregory Maltsev and Kathy Wong, consultants based in Dubai and Hong Kong.
Since the study demographic is widely aware of mental health dilemmas as well as the environmental aspects that influence them, the research has been considered particularly relevant.
For the research, students at the university participated in noise mapping exercises and surveys to assess their sleep quality and mental health. In addition, they also provided important details about how urban noise pollution affects their daily lives.
“The results revealed that nearly 70% of Dubai’s Gen Z population identified noise pollution as a major factor influencing their well-being, with 37% rating it as one of their top concerns. Our study highlighted common symptoms among participants, such as stress, fatigue and difficulty concentrating, indicating a strong link between noise exposure and mental health issues,” said Ganatra.
He also highlighted that research has highlighted the correlation between noise and air pollution in urban environments, particularly in the fast-growing Dubai area.
“The data showed that the majority of students considered noise pollution to be the environmental factor with the greatest impact, while a combined 88% recognised that both noise pollution and air pollution were critical issues affecting their well-being. This dual threat highlights the need for integrated urban planning strategies that address both noise and air quality to mitigate their combined effects on public health,” he added.
Generation Z, which is often ignored in urban studies, is now on the front lines of experiencing the consequences of rapid urbanization, researchers say.
“With the region’s relentless growth, noise has become an unavoidable aspect of daily life. This research sheds light on how noise exposure may contribute to the mental health issues faced by young people today,” Ganatra said.
