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.

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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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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.

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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.

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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 approaches

02:17 - The importance of incorporating natural capital value into decision-making processes

05:34 - Exploration of mechanisms for accounting biodiversity values and the complexities involved

09:34 - The benefits of natural capital assessment

17:43 - The environmental benefits of natural capital and the importance of the Conference of the Parties

23:26 - Financing opportunities for natural capital projects

35:11 - How to address biodiversity loss and accelerate relevant initiatives

38:37 - Emerging opportunities for financing and investment in nature

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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.

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