WSP Anticipate Podcast

As we shift our design focus to address pressing climate challenges, consider this startling fact: healthcare alone accounts for 5% of global carbon emissions. The urgency to reduce healthcare's environmental impact and align with net-zero emission targets has never been greater.In this episode of our Anticipate Podcast, Alejandro Falcón, Technical Director and Healthcare Lead at WSP Middle East, is joined by Mike Barns, Programme Director – Architecture, at WSP in New Zealand. Together, they explore the transformation required to future-proof existing healthcare assets and propose a holistic approach to reducing the carbon footprint of healthcare design and construction.Unable to listen to the full episode? Fast-forward to the key discussion points via the players above or read the key takeaways:Discussion Points00:00 - Introduction to Net Zero in Healthcare04:20 - Challenges of Carbon Emissions in Healthcare11:31 - Strategies for Achieving Net Zero18:06 - Retrofitting Existing Healthcare Facilities24:48 - The Role of Digital Transformation30:31 - Innovative Solutions for Sustainable HealthcareWant to hear more insights from leading industry experts? Subscribe to our podcast via Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and SoundCloud to stay up to date.

In this episode of the WSP Anticipate Podcast, David Leversha, Decarbonisation Lead for WSP, discusses driving value for clients through sustainability with Catriona Brady from the World Green Building Council and Daniel Socha from WSP's Global Sustainability and ESG Services. They explore the growing prominence of sustainability, the influence of ESG on financial markets, and what clients value in sustainability advice. They also discuss the need for policy and regulation and the role of collaboration and holistic thinking in driving sustainability forward.Unable to listen to the full episode? Fast-forward to the key discussion points via the players above or read the key takeaways:Discussion Points00:00 - Introduction and Topic Overview04:24 - The Growing Prominence of Sustainability06:24 - The Holistic Approach to Sustainability11:24 - The Influence of ESG on Financial Markets14:40 - What Clients Value in Sustainability Advice19:26 - The Role of Policy and Regulation25:42 - Valuing the Broader Benefits of Sustainability30:06 - Collaboration and Holistic Thinking in Driving SustainabilityKey TakeawaysSustainability has gained prominence globally, particularly in the real estate, buildings, and infrastructure sectors.The holistic approach to sustainability is becoming more prevalent, encompassing topics such as decarbonisation, circular economy, social equity, and resilience.ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) is a lens through which financial markets evaluate sustainability and risk.Clients value partners and consultants who can help them navigate the complexities of ESG and sustainability, provide clear guidance, and demonstrate the value of sustainability in financial, environmental, and social terms.Policy and regulation play a crucial role in driving sustainability, and the private sector needs to lead the way to encourage government action.Valuing the broader benefits of sustainability, such as health and well-being, natural capital, and risk mitigation, is essential in making the business case for sustainability.Collaboration and holistic thinking are key trends in driving sustainability, as they enable a comprehensive and interconnected approach to addressing environmental, social, and governance challenges.Want to hear more insights from leading industry experts? Subscribe to our podcast via Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and SoundCloud to stay up to date.

The UN-Habitat program estimates that by 2030, 3 billion, about 40% of the world's population, will need access to adequate housing. This translates to 96000 accessible housing units every day. Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) holds the promise of helping builders and developers meet the rising demand for housing. However, it represents a profound transformation for the building industry. In this new episode of the WSP Anticipate Podcast, Nizar Jegham, Advisory Director – Digital at WSP Middle East, is joined by Dale Sinclair Director – Head of Digital Innovation at WSP in the UK, and Hussam Ali, Director of Modern Methods of Construction at ROSHN Real Estate, one of the major developers in Saudi Arabia. The episode explores the potential of MMC and analyses the trends and drivers of its adoption globally. It also highlights the lessons learned from countries pioneering this transition.  Unable to listen to the full episode? Fast-forward to the key discussion points via the players above or read the key takeaways:Discussion Points01:50 - Introduction to MMC, DFMA and off-site and on-site manufacturing06:00 - Drivers, enablers, and challenges of MMC adoption08:40 - Lessons learned from the countries pioneering the MMC transition13:01 - MMC adoption in the Middle East and the dynamics of adoption in the GCC20:15 - The role of the government in supporting MMC adoption24:20 - Criticism addressed to MMC27:40 - Anticipating the future of MMC in the GCC regionWant to hear more insights from leading industry experts? Subscribe to our podcast via Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and SoundCloud to stay up to date.

Imagine a skyline dotted with high-rises, each a testament to architectural ambition and economic growth. What happens when these towering structures, built around the same time, begin to show their age? In this episode of the WSP Anticipate Podcast, Susanna Noureddine, Head of Facades interviews Andy Dean, Senior Technical Director - Asset Transformation at WSP in the Middle East to explore how facades age, and the potential risks of neglect. More importantly, the discussion highlights the strategic planning and preparation needed to address the current situation of buildings in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. Unable to listen to the full episode? Fast-forward to the key discussion points via the players above or read the key takeaways: Discussion Points00:00 Introduction and Overview06:13 The Aging Process of Facades09:55 The Problems of Neglecting Facade Maintenance25:04 The Urgency to Start Planning and Assessing32:13 The Role of Designers and System Suppliers38:24 The Need to Start Addressing the Challenges NowWant to hear more insights from leading industry experts? Subscribe to our podcast via Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and SoundCloud to stay up to date.

In a world where climate disasters are not just warnings but daily realities, the urgency for effective climate action is more pronounced than ever, and the need for carbon literacy is becoming increasingly important.In this episode of the WSP Anticipate Podcast, The episode discusses the barriers and enablers of Carbon Literacy and it offers guidance to organisations on how to incorporate carbon literacy into their strategies.Unable to listen to the full episode? Fast-forward to the key discussion points via the players above or read the key takeaways:Discussion Points01:10 - Introduction to the speaker's career and background03:10 - Carbon Literacy as an essential tool in addressing today's environmental challenges05:30 - Integration of Carbon Literacy in organisations core strategies09:03 - How to get every employee to not only understand but actively participate in sustainability initiatives13:35 - The common carbon literacy obstacles and the strategic solutions that can help companies navigate these hurdles successfully21:19 - Examples of effective implementation of Carbon Literacy training29:25 - How companies can ensure that they not only meet but exceed their sustainability goals33:40 - Future trends and shifts in the landscape of carbon management and literacy40:20 - How organisations can start their journey toward becoming fully carbon literateWant to hear more insights from leading industry experts? Subscribe to our podcast via Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and SoundCloud to stay up to date.

In this episode of the WSP Anticipate Podcast, Karisha Trotman-Welch, Principal Engineer - Enhancement & Lean Manager is joined by Dean Speer, Head of Technology and Digital at WSP in the Middle East to discuss the challenges and opportunities that arise from weaving technology into the fabric of traditional construction practices. They also envision and navigate the industry's transformation journey towards digital construction, highlighting how Lean methodologies could be a key enabler to developing the right mindset for this radical yet exciting journey.Want to hear more insights from leading industry experts? Subscribe to our podcast via Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and SoundCloud to stay up to date.

As the Arabian Peninsula experiences shifts in weather patterns and faces more intense and frequent rainfall events, the demand for effective flood mitigation strategies has never been more critical. In this episode of the WSP Anticipate Podcast, Daymion Jenkins, Advisory Director - Environment & Sustainability is joined by Nariba Gittens, Associate Director – Water and Dr Farhad Jafari, Project Director at WSP in the Middle East to explore the role of design in flood management. They also discuss the challenges facing flood mitigation programs and explore the strategies, solutions and technologies that are reshaping the landscape of flood resilience across the GCC region.Unable to listen to the full episode? Fast-forward to the key discussion points via the players above or read the key takeaways: Discussion Points00:00 Introductions and a discussion on climate changes in the GCC03:24 The impact of urban planning and design on flood manifestation06:07 Building Future-Ready infrastructure in new masterplans and developments10:46 Incorporating climate change predictions in drainage modelling and design13:35 Variability in climate change application in the GCC22:40 Technology and innovation in flood management26:54 How to maximise water management efficiency38:15 Using rainwater for groundwater recharge and aquifer ProtectionKey Takeaways· Climate change is leading to more intense and frequent rainfall events in the Arabian Peninsula, necessitating effective flood mitigation strategies.· Future-ready infrastructure that can adapt to changing weather patterns is crucial for flood resilience.· The incorporation of climate change predictions in drainage modelling is important, but there is variability in its application across the region.· Regulation, policy, and guidance play a key role in promoting flood resilience.· Technology and innovation, such as remote sensing and smart systems, can enhance flood management.· Water management and efficiency, including the beneficial use of water resources, are essential in a water-scarce region.· Groundwater recharge and aquifer protection are critical for maintaining water resources.·  Education and training are important for promoting sustainable water practices and ensuring the longevity of infrastructure.Want to hear more insights from leading industry experts? Subscribe to our podcast via Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and SoundCloud to stay up to date.

Artificial Intelligence, or AI, is more than just a rapidly evolving futuristic technology. It is already an integral part of our daily lives, from the recommendations on your favourite streaming service to the algorithms that power critical business decisions. But what is AI exactly, and how does it work? How can we use it to create smarter, safer, and more sustainable solutions for our industry and the built environment? In this episode, James Mcallister, Smart Design Lead at WSP in the Middle East, is joined by Massimo Dragan, Unit Leader Digital Innovation, at WSP Italia to discuss artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on the built environment. They explore the differences between AI and machine learning, the benefits of integrating AI into business operations, and the challenges of ensuring responsible and ethical use of AI. They also highlight how WSP has already leveraged AI tools in their processes and discuss the potential impact of AI on job displacement. The conversation concludes with a discussion on emerging trends and the future of AI in the built environment.Want to hear more insights from leading industry experts? Subscribe to our podcast via Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and SoundCloud to stay up to date.

Atlantis The Royal Resort and Residences is the new Dubai landmark on The Palm and one of WSP's most exciting recent projects in the region. But what makes Atlantis The Royal so special, and what does it take to create a project of such scale?  In this episode of the Anticipate Podcast, Liam O'Connell, Associate Director of Building Services, is joined by Andy Veall, Senior Technical Director at WSP in the Middle East, and John Shamon, Chief Technical Officer at Atlantis The Royal, to share their comprehensive insights into the making of this ultra-luxury experiential resort.  This discussion explores the unique structural challenges, innovative design elements, and the exceptional teamwork that went into creating this architectural wonder, now ranked among the world's best 50 hotels. Our guests also discuss their personal experiences and pivotal moments during the project, offering an insider's view of what it takes to bring such a grand vision to life.Want to hear more insights from leading industry experts? Subscribe to our podcast via Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and SoundCloud to stay up to date.

In today's modern world, people spend most of their time indoors where air quality is found to be two to five times worse than outdoor air. But this is only one aspect of our indoor life and there are many more additional aspects that require our immediate attention.In this episode of the Anticipate Podcast, Dalia Abdalla, Service Lead of Sustainable Development and Healthy Living at WSP Middle East, is joined by Tekha Selim, Vice President, Global Market Development & Head of MENA Region, at Delos to explore these aspects and explain how buildings significantly influence our health and productivity. From the integration of eco-friendly materials to the implementation of wellness-focused design principles, Dalia and Tekha explore the intricate relationship between the spaces we inhabit and our overall well-being and discuss the power of design in transforming our work, living, and communal spaces.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has set ambitious targets to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, making it the first Middle Eastern and North African nation to do so. In this episode of the Anticipate Podcast, Eman Husain, Senior Consultant ESG Advisory and Muhammad Qureshi, Manager - Energy Advisory, are joined by Dr. Hassan Javed, Energy Service Leader at WSP Middle East to explore the strategic dimensions driving the UAE towards a sustainable future in the energy sector.The talk breaks down the UAE's current position and future direction, unravelling the complexities of the UAE's energy landscape and demystifying the transformative initiatives driving the nation's commitment to a sustainable and resilient future.

How can we protect and restore nature while also creating value for businesses and society? This is the question that many leaders and organisations are grappling with, especially after the ambitious Global Biodiversity Framework was adopted at COP 15 in 2022. The framework aims to safeguard at least 30% of the world's land and ocean ecosystems by 2030, among other goals.To explore this topic, we have invited four of our WSP experts to share their insights and experiences. These are Daymion Jenkins, Advisory Director at WSP in the Middle East; Ludo Pittie, Landscape Director at WSP UK; Jenny Merriman, Technical Director at WSP UK; and Alex Cockerill, National Executive at WSP Australia.In this podcast, our experts discuss the concept of natural capital, demystify how its approaches are being applied in different contexts and sectors, and what opportunities and challenges exist from incorporating nature conservation and restoration into business operations and strategy.Unable to listen to the full episode? Fast-forward to the key discussion points via the players above:00:40 - Discussion on the assessment of natural capital, its importance, and different approaches02:17 - The importance of incorporating natural capital value into decision-making processes05:34 - Exploration of mechanisms for accounting biodiversity values and the complexities involved09:34 - The benefits of natural capital assessment17:43 - The environmental benefits of natural capital and the importance of the Conference of the Parties23:26 - Financing opportunities for natural capital projects35:11 - How to address biodiversity loss and accelerate relevant initiatives38:37 - Emerging opportunities for financing and investment in nature

Prioritising mental health in the workplace isn't just compassionate; it's a fundamental investment that can foster productivity, resilience, innovation, and a culture where everyone can thrive both personally and professionally.The public surveys conducted in the MENA region in 2021 indicate a significant prevalence of stress among respondents, with approximately 40% reporting ongoing periods of stress in their lives. Within the GCC, recent surveys reveal that a substantial portion—no less than 30%—of employees are grappling with burnout symptoms. These symptoms encompass severe fatigue and a diminished capacity to regulate their emotions effectively.In this episode of the Anticipate Podcast, Stephen Longworth, Digital Lead at WSP in the Middle East is joined by Stephen Haynes, Director of Wellbeing at the British Safety Council and Simon Cutts, Director of Health, Safety, and Environment at WSP in the Middle East. Together, they shed light on the organisational best practices for nurturing a mentally healthy work environment and the steps that both individuals and organisations can take to elevate mental health in the workplace.

In this episode of the Anticipate Podcast, Tariq Shehabaddin meets with a diverse panel of experts, Saudi engineers, and graduates to uncover the inspiring journeys of Saudi professionals within WSP's dynamic Accelerated Graduate Programme (which has recently evolved and been rebranded into ‘Al Masar'). The episode also explores how national talents are driving change and fostering innovation in the Kingdom and the role of the private sector in propelling their careers forward. 

In this enlightening podcast episode, we delve into the depths of WSP's groundbreaking Future Ready programme. Hosted by Sophia Key, Head of Future Ready for WSP in the Middle East, and featuring the insights of David Symons, Climate Change and Sustainability Director at WSP in the UK, this episode demystifies the evolution, implementation, and impact of Future Ready® across the organisation.From its humble origins to its current global reach, David shares how the program was inspired by the need to anticipate future megatrends and their implications on WSP's long-lasting designs, ranging from towering buildings to intricate transport systems. The episode explores how WSP's forward-thinking approach not only benefits clients around the world but also attracts top talent, all while addressing complex challenges like climate change, societal shifts, and resource availability. Tune in to uncover the fascinating journey of WSP's Future Ready® program and discover how it's shaping the future of resilient design.

With COP28 around the corner, the question that looms large is whether the world's leaders will rise to the occasion and take bold, decisive actions to address the pressing challenges of climate change.In this episode of the Anticipate Podcast, Dana Darwish, ESG Advisory Consultant, and Maitha Alremeithi, Graduate Consultant - Sustainable Development and Healthy Living at WSP in the Middle East, are joined by a distinguished guest, Raidan AlSaqqaf, Economist and Technical Lead for COP28 preparations at the United Nations Resident Coordinator's office for the UAE. The episode pulls back the curtain on the inner workings of COP28 and the intricate web of climate agreements and disagreements. It also uncovers some of the untold stories propelling the fight against climate change and explores the potential for transformative change.The UN Resident Coordinator's Office shoulders the responsibility of coordinating UN engagements with their counterparts in the UAE, the designated host country for COP28. It also supports the UAE in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Over the past five years, the mobility sector has witnessed an unparalleled surge in the adoption of Artificial Intelligence. However, alongside this remarkable progress, we must recognise that significant technological advancements bring not only opportunities but also challenges. In this episode of the Anticipate Podcast, Terry Smith, Intelligent Mobility Lead at WSP Middle East, is joined by Dr Raj Kamalanathsharma, Intelligent Mobility Advisor, to unravel the intricate web of AI-powered innovations and discuss the challenges and opportunities they present. The talk also delves into envisioning a future where mobility seamlessly integrates with advanced intelligent systems.

From ports and harbours to marinas and offshore wind farms, marine structures facilities play a crucial role in protecting our coastlines. But as we confront the challenges of climate change and rising sea levels, it's more important than ever to ensure that these structures are sustainable, resilient, and environmentally friendly.In this episode of the Anticipate Podcast, Vishal Krishnan, Maritime Structures Service Lead –and Benjamin Hall, Maritime Planning Service Lead, at WSP Middle East, dive into the world of green marine facilities and explore the latest innovations in eco-friendly designs. The episode is hosted by Amr Abdelnaeim, Senior Marketing & Communications Manager at WSP in the Middle East.

With the adoption of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), many countries have begun to invest in health and safety transformation programs. In Saudi Arabia, Vision 2030 highlights the importance of health and safety as key factors in achieving sustainable development. The common factor between the UN SDGs and Saudi Vision 2030 is thus their emphasis on adopting a holistic approach to health and safety, addressing H&S issues at individual and organisational levels.In this episode of the Anticipate podcast, Georges Faraj, Senior Health & Safety Management Consultant, is joined by Tahir Qadir, Health & Safety Service Lead, to explore the latest trends in H&S transformation and the main drivers behind H&S transformation programmes with a special focus on Saudi Arabia.

While urbanisation continues its momentum in our region, our cities are under pressure to maintain a high level of livability and productivity. A smart city is where traditional networks and services are made more efficient with the use of digital solutions for the benefit of its inhabitants and the city as a whole. Smart cities go beyond the use of just digital technologies, as they aim to create a better experience, stronger resilience, and enhanced sustainability. In this episode of the Anticipate Podcast, Nizar Jegham, Digital Director, at WSP Middle East, is joined by Richard Dib, Chief Digital Officer at the Royal Commission of Al Ula. The talk uncovers the differences and similarities between two smart cities in the region in terms of their strategies, codes and guidelines.  

Saudi Arabia has been pushing the boundaries of innovation with its futuristic developments and cities while still keeping a firm focus on its culture, identity, and natural environment. From the Kingdom's Capital, Riyadh, to its new mega-city Neom in the Tabuk province and the newly announced Mukaab, Saudi Arabia is on a mission to create a diverse range of hubs that can attract investment and talent. Saudi engineers are driving these exciting new projects and are also contributing to keeping the Saudi nature and identity intact. In this episode of the Anticipate Podcast, Tariq Shehabaddin is joined by Bjarne Michael Iverson, Operations Director for Project Management Services at WSP in Saudi Arabia, along with several Saudi engineers to explore how they play a significant role in preserving the culture, identity, and nature of Saudi.

In recent years, the Saudi government has undertaken a number of reforms aimed at modernizing the Saudi economy and improving the country's social welfare. These reforms have included increasing access to education and healthcare, promoting women's rights, and diversifying the economy away from oil.Saudi engineers are at the forefront of this massive economic and social transformation. From developing new infrastructure to designing innovative and future-ready assets, they are helping to shape the future of the Kingdom.In this episode of the WSP Anticipate Podcast, Tariq Shehabaddin, is joined by Walid Mahmoud, Country Director – KSA at WSP in the Middle East, to envision the future of Saudi and reflect on the role of Saudi engineers in the current transformation. The talk also unveils an array of fresh perspectives across various disciplines as Tariq Shehabaddin speaks to Ishraq Raml, Assistant Engineer, Omar Al Somali, Consultant - ESG Advisory, Mostafa Mandourah, Senior Engineer - Infrastructure Supervision, and Ammar Al Harbi, Graduate Engineer – Digital, about the value they add to their respective disciplines and their anticipation of the developments to happen in the engineering industry as a result of the current Saudi transformation.

The 2015 Paris Agreement committed nearly 200 nations to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. However, the pledges countries made in Glasgow's COP26 put the world on track for a temperature increase of 2.4 degrees Celsius by the end of the century!Was COP27 successful in reviving the 1.5 degrees goal and in turning climate pledges into action? In this episode of the Anticipate podcast, our Marketing & Communications Manager for Advisory Services, Bushra Nassar, is joined by May Faraj, Senior Advisory Director and Mahmoud Hashish, Associate Director - Environment & Sustainability at WSP Middle East to answer this question and highlight the main outcomes of COP27. The talk also explores the implications that these outcomes have on our region and industries, as well as mapping out the journey to COP28.

Efficient transport, mobility, and infrastructure are key factors in the successful hosting of major international events. This is mainly because of the significant role that these elements play in creating positive and memorable experiences for guests.But the challenge is being able to strike a balance between providing these essential elements for major events while still providing a smooth guest experience with infrastructure that will continue to create benefits for the destination well into the future.In this episode of the Anticipate Podcast, Crystal Mcclelland, Content Developer, discusses with several experts from WSP in the Middle East how they help host cities develop and deliver sustainable and future-ready systems and events infrastructure.

In November 2022, as world leaders and industry experts gather at the 27th annual session of the UN Climate Change Conference, known as COP27, WSP experts will be on-site to work alongside delegates as they seek to accelerate climate action.This follows from COP26 and the Paris Agreement of 2015, which aligned signatories to curb temperature rise to 1.5°C, although that increase will result in more than 4 billion people being impacted by frequent climate shocks. So, what progress has been made in the seven years since that historic agreement was reached? And what do we need to see at COP27 if we are to make real strides toward averting catastrophic climate change?In this episode of the Anticipate podcast, Sophia Kee, our Head of Future Ready is joined by David Symons, Climate Change and Sustainability Director at WSP in the UK to discuss the significance of COP27 as a key event in the fight against climate change and anticipate its implications for our planet, region, industry. They will also take a look at the anticipated key outcomes that could be in store from the summit.

In today's fast-paced, high-stress work environment, it's more important than ever for organisations and individuals to priotise mental health. However, for many of us, this is easier said than done. We often put the needs of our jobs ahead of our own well-being, leading to burnout, anxiety, and depression. Organisations find it difficult to address mental health issues because of the stigma around them.The public surveys implemented in 2020 in the MENA region suggest that nearly 30 percent of the region's population suffer from at least one form of mental health ailments. In response to that some countries including, for example, Saudi Arabia have increased their funding for mental healthcare. However, businesses also have a role to play.In this episode of the WSP Anticipate Podcast, Blair Boyd, our Senior HSE Manager, is joined by Dr. Karen McDonnell, Occupational Safety and Health Policy Adviser at the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents. The episode explores the factors that affect employee mental health and highlights how organisations can bring peace and well-being into their workplaces.

While environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) is still in its relative infancy, it has been growing rapidly in recent years. As more healthcare organizations adopt an ESG-minded stance, it is important to consider the motivations behind this shift, the limitations to its growth, and how to accelerate the rate of its adoption.In this episode of the WSP Anticipate Podcast, Sophia Kee, our Head of Future Ready – Property & Buildings, is joined by Remy Levastre, our Advisory Director – Healthcare, and Dr Fatih Mehmet Gul, Vice President of Fakeeh Care Group and the CEO of Fakeeh University Hospital. The episode uncovers some of the hidden benefits of ESG in the healthcare industry. It also explores the main challenges facing ESG in this important sector and how to overcome them.

Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are playing an increasingly important role in the development of social infrastructure in the Middle East. As governments seek to address the region's growing infrastructure needs, PPPs offer a flexible and innovative way to finance, design, build, operate, and maintain vital infrastructure assets. From hospitals and schools to water and sewerage systems, PPPs are being used to deliver social infrastructure projects across the region.In this episode of the Anticipate Podcast, Andrew Thomas, Advisory Director, at WSP in the Middle East is joined by Nasser Mahmoud, Founder & CEO of Concept Realisation to discuss the challenges facing PPPs in the region and uncover the massive opportunities they offer in delivering efficient social infrastructure.

Global warming, climate change, ecosystem damage, and pollution are all linked to our current take-make-waste production model. In line with the ethos of the 2020 United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP26, many organisations and governments started to integrate circular economy and sustainability targets into their agendas. However, a lot has to be done to move from pledges and planning to actual implementation.In this episode of the Anticipate Podcast, May Faraj, Senior Advisory Director - Environment & Sustainability at WSP in the Middle East is joined by Dr Sherien Elagroudy, Founding Director of Egypt Solid Waste Management Center of Excellence to uncover the current realities of our linear production model. The episode also explores the enormous economic opportunities that we can achieve with the transition to economic circularity.

The world is undergoing widespread transformation in response to the climate emergency, with decision makers in almost every sector reimagining how to innovate, mitigate, and adapt to a changing world.In the retail sector, industry leaders such as Majid Al Futtaim are working to address challenges specific to retail in energy transition, adaptation, and resilience, alongside an overarching ambition towards achieving a net-zero breakthrough in the industry.In this WSP Anticipate episode, our host Katherine Bruce, Sustainability & Climate Change Service Lead at WSP Middle East, is joined by Ibrahim Al-Zu'bi, Chief Sustainability Officer at Majid Al Futtaim to question if the built environment is ripe for decarbonisation, explore realistic energy transition in the retail sector, and discuss how the COP27 and COP28 climate summits will accelerate progress towards a 1.5-degree world.

The concept of digital twins is not new, but the ability to create accurate digital replicas has been limited by the availability of data and computing power. With the advent of the Internet of Things, big data, and cloud computing, it is now possible to create digital twins that are virtually identical to their physical counterparts. In this episode of the Anticipate podcast, Sherif Bialy, our Director of Infrastructure Supervision caught up with Dana Kawas. Dana is the Chief Executive Officer of Thynkli, a Canadian company that specializes in building digital operations using digital twins in infrastructure, mobility and energy. This episode explores some of the endless possibilities that digital twins might bring to the aviation and infrastructure industries and anticipates the possible impacts of digitalisation on the workforce. 

Water is the basis of life on Earth. However, this precious resource is drying out as climate change impacts the availability of vital freshwater resources.As temperatures rise and weather patterns become more extreme, the amount of water available for consumption is decreasing. This is particularly true in areas that are already water-stressed, such as the Middle East.In this episode, Omar Saif, Manager – Sustainability & Climate Change at WSP Middle East, is joined by Alexander Euler, Managing Director at Hydraloop Middle East, and Helen Bali, Head of Water Networks at WSP Middle East to address the underlying factors contributing to water scarcity and explore how countries in the Middle East can achieve greater water security.

The need for better industry approaches to physical, mental, and behavioural health in the contemporary context has irked a response across many sectors to nurture better working environments for people. In this episode, Matthew Jackson, Head of HSE at WSP in the Middle East is joined by Jimmy Quinn, President Institution of Occupational Safety & Health (IOSH) to discuss the future of health and wellbeing as the world recovers from the current pandemic and anticipates future challenges on the horizon.

Until recently sustainable investing inevitably meant sacrificing returns. But the evidence is mounting that proves this is no longer the case…Hosted by WSP's Katherine Bruce, this episode explores Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) risks and engages industry insights from First Abu Dhabi Bank's Head of Corporate Sustainability, Belinda Scott, and MLW Consultancy's Michele Wong.

The ability to create and maintain high performance teams is critical for any organisation or project in today's complex and competitive business environment. The question “What makes a great team great?” has been a hot topic in business and academia for many years. In this episode of the WSP Anticipate podcast, Paul Ebbs, Lean Specialist with WSP Middle East is joined by Dave Umstot, Lean Coach, Author, Adjunct Professor at San Diego State University and President of Umstot Project and Facilities Solutions to discuss the critical factors required to set teams up for success.

Digital innovations are set to revolutionise the world's industries, society, and make citizens' lives more seamless, efficient, safer, and economical. Adding to this, real-world applications of emergent technologies such as artificial intelligence are beginning to illustrate just how effective the convergence of physical and digital worlds can be.In this Anticipate Podcast episode, Dr. Mohamed Nazier, Managing Director – Transport & Infrastructure at WSP in the Middle East is joined by Gabi Zijderveld, Chief Marketing Officer at Affectiva, a Smart Eye company – to discuss how future technologies could improve safety and efficiency for user experiences in a world underpinned by digital.

Given the speed and immediacy of the digital world in which we operate, the way we design and engineer urban spaces is changing at a rapid pace. While digital tools are facilitating a new era of capabilities and efficiencies how can we can ensure that we do not lose the skill of freehand sketching and the benefits it can bring to any project? Andy Veall, Technical Director for WSP Middle East asks Raj Patel, Architecture Design Director, Principal for Gensler for his thoughts in this episode of the WSP Anticipate podcast.

As population density increases within the world's urban centres, a macro transport problem is arising due to shortages of space and a lack of sustainable, equitable, and feasible transit solutions. However, with global e-scooter usage booming, micro-mobility modes are providing people with more choices and options to move than ever before.Hosted by John Gillespie, Transport & Mobility Engineer and leader of WSP Middle East's Future Ready Initiative, this episode features industry insights from Jaideep Dhanoa, Co-founder and CEO of FENIX – a leading micro-mobility operator in the Middle East. FENIX has recently rolled out an innovative e-scooter service across Abu Dhabi, Fujairah, and Ras Al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Doha, Qatar.

From Berlin to Bogota, and everywhere in between, cycling has flourished in the wake of recent global events and the renaissance for alternative modes of transport is showing no sign of hitting the brakes.In Dubai, and many other Middle Eastern cities, recent shifts in thinking are also changing up a gear to promote cycling as a mode of eco-friendly transit.In this episode, we discuss emerging micro mobility trends, regional perspectives and attitudes towards cycling, as well as the role that public and private sectors can play in creating infrastructure that is safe, comfortable and convenient for people to travel by bicycle and other micro mobility modes.Our Associate Director, Kenneth Cobb is joined by Michael Seth Wexler,  Managing Director of the Montreal Office at the Copenhagenize Design Company, the creators of the Copenhagenize Index – the world's most comprehensive and holistic ranking of bicycle-friendly cities.

The shift towards a net zero world is gathering pace as we accelerate efforts to counter the adverse impacts of human-influenced climate change.As momentum grows towards driving net zero commitments, it's clear that a move to designing, building, investing, and thinking greener is crucial if we're to avoid a climate catastrophe and to mitigate irreversible changes before they happen.In this episode, we discuss the recent momentum surrounding net zero commitments and we explore what a low carbon economy can provide for region's such as the Middle East.This episode is hosted by Daniel Gribbin, Corporate Sustainability Lead at WSP Middle East, who is joined by David Symons, the head of WSP's global innovation and sustainability programme, Future Ready, as well as Elliot Cappell, WSP Canada's National Director for Climate Change and the Practice Lead for ESG.

The topic of wellness is nothing new, however the way in which we approach it is continuously evolving.As we celebrate the tenth annual Global Wellness Day, this WSP Anticipate podcast episode aims to question and critique the role organisations need to play in empowering people to thrive both physically and mentally.This special Global Wellness Day episode is hosted by Caroline Parsons, HR Director and Director – Shared Services at WSP in the Middle East. Caroline is joined by Victoria Sharpe, who is the wellness manager for AMAALA and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's Global Wellness Day Ambassador. Together, Caroline and Victoria share insights on how it's essential for leaders across all industries to approach any progression towards wellness initiatives with a much more critical and conscious focus.Caroline and Victoria cover the importance for organisations to adopt top-down approaches to wellness and weave ‘cultures of wellbeing' into everything they do. They also discuss breaking mental health stigma and highlight consequences of burnout and stress in the post-pandemic future.

The engineering and construction industry has witnessed a slower rate of innovation compared to other industries such as aerospace and automotive. In this episode of the WSP Anticipate Podcast, David Kimmerly, Operations Director at WSP Middle East, and Don Ward, CEO of the International Council for Research and Innovation in Building and Construction discuss how trust can help de-risk  innovations and create a better environment for their diffusion and growth.

Concrete has been the building block of the world's civilisation. But the production process of cement, the main ingredient of concrete, leads to considerable carbon dioxide emissions which makes a strong case for finding and using more sustainable alternatives. In this episode of the WSP Anticipate Podcast, Laith Haboubi, Associate Director at WSP, is joined by Dr. James Aldred, Adjunct professor at Australia's New South Wales University, to explore several aspects with regards to the different alternatives of concrete components.

With COP26 – one of the most important climate change conferences take place in years – coming to a close, questions remain about whether countries can maintain their pledges and beef up commitments towards mitigating climate change.Despite bringing parties together to accelerate action towards the goals of the Paris Agreement and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, a lot of climate diplomacy needs to be done over the next 12 months – especially in the build up to COP27 in Egypt and COP28 in the United Arab Emirates.In this episode, WSP Middle East's ESG Advisory Service Lead, Daniel Gribbin is joined by David Symons, the head of WSP's global innovation and sustainability programme ‘Future Ready', to outline the key breakthroughs and takeaways of COP26, as well as question if the target of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius is still alive.

As fundamental transformations in the education sector emerge, digital breakthroughs and blue-sky thinking are helping us reimagine learning ecosystems in an evolving world.This is evident in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where world-class education projects aren't just changing the way knowledge is taught; they're changing the paradigm altogether and giving new meaning to the interplay between students and their learning environments.In this episode, we discuss how digital-first thinking, holistic innovation, and flexible placemaking are laying the foundation for learning environments that will empower students to take charge of the spaces in which they learn.Hosted by Alia Abdulmalik, a Project Manager for WSP Middle East's Project Management Services business, this episode features Brendan Law, who is the Director General of Misk Schools based in Riyadh, as well as Nizar Jegham, a Digital Advisory Director for WSP Middle East's Advisory Services business.

Following numerous schools and universities around the world pivoting to online classes in the wake of the global pandemic, there's now equally as much attention being placed on the return to in-person lessons.With this latest shift in the continuously evolving education landscape, the education sector must now look to adapt their current spaces to new requirements and factor in new challenges – particularly the way students hear, see, and experience learning in a post-pandemic setting.In this episode, we shine a spotlight on education trends and discuss the way forward for the sector's ‘soundscape'. Hosted by WSP Middle East's Acoustics Consultant, Pooja Ganatra, this episode features leading insights from Gavin Hyatt, Head of Operations at Taaleem Group, and Cassey Stypowany, Lead Consultant, Building Acoustics at WSP USA.

The growing interest in smart cities has been coupled with questions on how to use technology in an efficient, ethical and inclusive way to achieve the public and government's best interests and to ensure that the needs of local communities are met. In this episode of the Anticipate podcast, Iftikhar Zubair, Head of Building Technology at WSP in the Middle East is joined by Yousef Khalili, General Manager of ZainTech in UAE (Previously know as NXN) to uncover the factors that are critical for smart city success with particular emphasis on key human aspects including customer centricity and inter-departmental interface.

The energy transition is well underway, with renewables gradually becoming more cost-effective and prevalent. The role of green hydrogen in this transition is still being explored, but there are many potential benefits that could make it a key part of the future energy mix. In this episode of the Anticipate Podcast, Richard Lappin, Power Generation Technical Director at WSP in the Middle East is joined by Mike Theobald, Energy Transition Director at WSP UK to discuss the implications of the current energy transition and how green hydrogen can be part of a more sustainable energy mix.

Delivering large-scale programmes is no easy feat. It requires careful planning, a well-coordinated team, and an understanding of the various factors that can influence success. In this episode of the Anticipate Podcast, Akram Ashour, Head of Supervision at WSP in the Middle East, is joined by Eng. Mooza Al-Sowaidi, Head of Doha City Section at Qatar's Public Works Authority, to examine some of the driving factors for success in large-scale programme delivery.

As technology advances, so does the way we approach infrastructure design and management. One of the most promising new technologies in this domain is digital twin; a technology that provides an unprecedented level of detail in predictive modelling. In this episode of the Anticipate podcast, Dr Mohamed Nazier, Managing Director of Transport & Infrastructure at WSP in the Middle East, is joined by Dr Ali Maher, Director and Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Rutgers University, to take a closer look at what digital twin technology means for the engineering and construction industry. They also uncover the best ways to realise the full potential of such a revolutionary model in advancing the design and construction of infrastructure projects.

Despite female engineers having a presence in the industry for well over 100 years, encouraging female participation into STEM-related careers and achieving gender equality in the workplace continues to be an ongoing challenge.To mark International Women in Engineering Day (INWED) 2021 – an international awareness campaign to raise the profile of women in engineering and focus attention on the amazing career opportunities available to aspiring engineers in this exciting industry – WSP and AMAALA have collaborated on an exclusive podcast episode titled ‘Engineering role models for a more diverse future'.Hosted by Shona Wood, Gender Balance Steering Group Representative and Head of Integrated Project Delivery and Architecture at WSP in the Middle East, this episode features AMAALA's Development Specialist, Razan Alraddadi alongside WSP Middle East's Graduate Consultant, Ruaa Mahmoud.