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 Points

00:00 Introductions and a discussion on climate changes in the GCC

03:24 The impact of urban planning and design on flood manifestation

06:07 Building Future-Ready infrastructure in new masterplans and developments

10:46 Incorporating climate change predictions in drainage modelling and design

13:35 Variability in climate change application in the GCC

22:40 Technology and innovation in flood management

26:54 How to maximise water management efficiency

38:15 Using rainwater for groundwater recharge and aquifer Protection

Key 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.

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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.

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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.

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