Let's Turn The Tide ๐ŸŒŠ๐ŸŽ™๏ธ

Veolia Near & Middle East

A podcast raising awareness of environmental and climate challenges in the Middle East, featuring expert guests from Veolia and its partners, and showcasing practical solutions that are beingโ€”or can beโ€”implemented in the region. Produced by Veolia Near Middle East, a leader in ecological transformation and resource management in the region and beyond.

  1. 3d ago

    #28-Rethinking Landfills: From Environmental Threat to Modern Resource with Alexandre Rio

    In this episode of Let's Turn the Tide by Veolia in the Near Middle East, Nadine Zidani sits down with Alexandre Rio, Waste Management Expert at Veolia in the Near and Middle East, for an in-depth look at one of the most misunderstood infrastructures in the world: the landfill. From the science of leachate and biogas to regulation, Alex breaks down what modern landfill management actually looks like - and why getting it right matters far more than simply moving away from landfills altogether. Veolia currently operates 8 out of 12 landfills in Oman, and is actively capturing biogas and converting it to electricity across 3 sites in the region. In this episode, you'll learn about: What a sanitary engineered landfill is and how it differs from a traditional dump siteThe three non-negotiables for Veolia to operate a landfill: proper design, execution, and operationHow leachate forms, why it's dangerous, and how it can be treated and reusedHow captured landfill gas is converted into electricity, heat, biomethane, and even a COโ‚‚ commodityRegulation on landfillsLandfill end of life and reconversion3 key pillars to reduce landfill dependency ๐ŸŽง Listen to Let's Turn the Tide on all major podcast platforms. ๐Ÿ“Œ Subscribe for more conversations on sustainability and environmental solutions in the region.

    #28-Rethinking Landfills: From Environmental Threat to Modern Resource with Alexandre Rio

  2. Jun 25

    #27-Recycling in the UAE: The Surprising Truth Behind Our Habits with Christine Hecht

    In this episode of Let's Turn the Tide podcast by Veolia in the Near Middle East, we sit down with Christine Hecht, PhD researcher at Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi. Together with host Nadine Zidani, Christine unpacks her Veolia-supported, nationwide research into how UAE residents actually perceive and practice recycling - and why the common claim that "no one recycles here" doesn't hold up. Her study breaks UAE residents into three groups - current recyclers, lapsed recyclers, and those who've never recycled - and reveals just how close all three are to becoming committed recyclers. In this episode, you'll learn about: What UAE residents really think about recyclingThe main factors that influence recycling habits in the UAESimple sorting tips to improve your recycling habitsHow recycling supports resource security and the UAE's circular economy - not just environmental goals ๐ŸŽง Listen to Let's Turn the Tide on all major podcast platforms. ๐Ÿ“Œ Subscribe for more conversations on sustainability in the region.

    #27-Recycling in the UAE: The Surprising Truth Behind Our Habits with Christine Hecht

  3. May 21

    #26-The Power of Efficiency in a Fast-Growing Region with Renaud Capris

    In this episode of Let's Turn the Tide by Veolia in the Near Middle East, we are in Dubai with Renaud Capri, CEO of Enova, a regional leader in energy and facilities management. Together with our host Nadine Zidani, they explore how energy efficiency, one of the fastest yet most underestimated levers for climate action, is being put to work across the Middle East to deliver the same performance with far less energy. At the center of the conversation is the Super ESCO model and Enova's partnerships with entities like Tarshid in Saudi Arabia, which are turning national net-zero ambitions into measurable results on the ground in airports, universities, hospitals, malls, and more. In this episode, you'll learn about: The hidden energy waste happening behind the scenes in everyday buildingsHow GCC countries are cascading net-zero commitments down to every governmental and private organizationThe Super ESCO model and how it finances large-scale energy efficiency projectsWhat's really driving private companies to invest in energy efficiency todayHow AI and Enova's Hubgrade digital platform are unlocking energy savings with minimal investmentThe Veolia ร— Majid Al Futtaim joint venture model and how it became a regional growth engine3 key steps every organization should follow to implement energy efficiency successfullyWhy the region's biggest energy savings potential is still ahead of us๐ŸŽง Listen to Let's Turn the Tide by Veolia in the Near Middle East on all major podcast platforms.

    #26-The Power of Efficiency in a Fast-Growing Region with Renaud Capris

  4. Apr 8

    #25-Namat School: Empowering Communities in Oman with Suaad Al Harthi and Huda Al Harthy

    In this episode of Letโ€™s Turn the Tide by Veolia in the Near Middle East, we are in Muscat, Oman with Suaad Al Harthi, Executive Director of the Environment Society of Oman, and Huda Al Harthy, Marketing and Communications Manager at Veolia in Oman.Together with our host Nadine Zidani, they discuss how environmental education can help shape long-term sustainability in Oman and the role of partnerships in turning awareness into action. At the center of the conversation is the Namat School Program, a nationwide initiative engaging public schools across Oman to encourage sustainable practices among students, teachers, and communities. In this episode, youโ€™ll learn about: Omanโ€™s environmental priorities and key sustainability challengesHow the Namat School Program empowers students to lead environmental initiativesWhy awareness and behavior change are essential for sustainabilityHow partnerships between NGOs, government, and the private sector drive long-term impactReal examples of student-led projects and their impactHow youth can become ambassadors for sustainability within their communities

    #25-Namat School: Empowering Communities in Oman with Suaad Al Harthi and Huda Al Harthy

  5. Feb 25

    #24-Sustainability Rooted in Identity with HH Princess Mashael AlShalan

    In this episode of Letโ€™s Turn the Tide by Veolia in the Near Middle East, we are in Riyadh with HH Princess Mashael AlShalan โ€” a leading voice in sustainability in the Kingdom and Co-Founder and Managing Director of Aeon Collective, a cross-disciplinary Waqf (non-profit endowment) advancing sustainable practices for inclusive, equitable, and resilient development.Princess Mashael brings over 15 years of professional experience spanning sustainable development, climate action, environmental conservation, and economic development. She also serves as Chairwoman of Women Energy, the first Saudi non-governmental organization dedicated to increasing womenโ€™s participation in the energy sector. In this episode, youโ€™ll learn about: Why sustainability narratives must reflect local identity and lived experienceHow to build truly inclusive dialogue for climate actionHow national pride can become a positive force for sustainabilityThe Tree Library concept and how hyper-local action can connect to a global networkThe challenges of protecting biodiversity and the Red Seaโ€™s marine ecosystemsHow women are reshaping the energy sector โ€” and what โ€œleveling the playing fieldโ€ really means

    #24-Sustainability Rooted in Identity with HH Princess Mashael AlShalan

  6. 10/01/2025

    #23-AI & the Future of Desalination with Dr. Giulia De Masi & Adrien De Saint Germain

    In this fourth and final episode of our special AI series โ€” a collaboration between Veolia Near Middle East and Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi โ€” Nadine Zidani is joined by Dr. Giulia De Masi, Associate Professor and Principal Researcher at Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, and Adrien de Saint-Germain, CEO of Veolia Water Technologies Desalination. Together, they explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the future of seawater desalination โ€” making it smarter, more energy-efficient, and more sustainable. From predictive analytics that optimize plant operations to AI models protecting marine biodiversity, the discussion highlights how technology is driving innovation while safeguarding the environment.  In this episode, youโ€™ll learn about: -How AI reduces energy consumption in desalination plants-The role of predictive maintenance and digital twins in improving efficiency-How sensors, data, and AI models protect marine ecosystems near desalination sites-Why combining renewable energy with desalination is critical for the future-What the next decade of AI-powered water solutions could look like

    #23-AI & the Future of Desalination with Dr. Giulia De Masi & Adrien De Saint Germain

  7. 08/26/2025

    #22-How can AI help us sort our waste? With Dr. Clio Chaveneau & Rafik Sid

    In this third episode of our special AI series โ€” a collaboration between Veolia Near Middle East and Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi โ€” Nadine Zidani is joined by Dr. Clio Chaveneau, Associate Professor of Sociology at Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, and Rafiq Sid, Program Manager at Veolia Near Middle East. Together, they unpack how artificial intelligence is reshaping the way we sort, manage, and recycle waste โ€” from AI-powered cameras on trucks to robotic arms that can identify up to 60 types of materials. But the conversation doesnโ€™t stop at innovation. They also explore the social, legal, and environmental risks AI introduces, from data privacy to e-waste and energy use. In this episode, youโ€™ll learn about: How AI is being used to optimize recycling operations.The role of data and computer vision in improving sorting accuracy.Why collaboration across governments, businesses, and citizens is essential.The ethical and ecological concerns raised by smart waste technologies.What responsible innovation in waste management really looks like. ๐ŸŽง You can also listen to "Letโ€™s Turn the Tide podcast" on Podeo, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. ููŠ ุงู„ุญู„ู‚ุฉ ุงู„ุซุงู„ุซุฉ ู…ู† ุณู„ุณู„ุชู†ุง ุงู„ุฎุงุตุฉ ุญูˆู„ ุงู„ุฐูƒุงุก ุงู„ุงุตุทู†ุงุนูŠ โ€” ูˆุงู„ุชูŠ ุชุฃุชูŠ ุจุงู„ุชุนุงูˆู† ุจูŠู† ุดุฑูƒุฉ Veolia Near Middle East ูˆุฌุงู…ุนุฉ ุงู„ุณูˆุฑุจูˆู† โ€“ ุฃุจูˆุธุจูŠ โ€” ุชุณุชุถูŠู ู†ุงุฏูŠู† ุฒุฏุงู†ูŠ ูƒู„ุงู‹ ู…ู† ุงู„ุฏูƒุชูˆุฑุฉ ูƒู„ูŠูˆ ุดุงููˆู†ูˆุŒ ุฃุณุชุงุฐุฉ ู…ุณุงุนุฏุฉ ููŠ ุนู„ู… ุงู„ุงุฌุชู…ุงุน ุจุฌุงู…ุนุฉ ุงู„ุณูˆุฑุจูˆู† โ€“ ุฃุจูˆุธุจูŠุŒ ูˆุฑููŠู‚ ุณูŠุฏุŒ ู…ุฏูŠุฑ ุงู„ุจุฑุงู…ุฌ ููŠ Veolia Near Middle East. ู…ุนู‹ุงุŒ ูŠู†ุงู‚ุดูˆู† ูƒูŠู ูŠูุนูŠุฏ ุงู„ุฐูƒุงุก ุงู„ุงุตุทู†ุงุนูŠ ุชุดูƒูŠู„ ุทุฑู‚ ูุฑุฒ ุงู„ู†ูุงูŠุงุช ูˆุฅุฏุงุฑุชู‡ุง ูˆุฅุนุงุฏุฉ ุชุฏูˆูŠุฑู‡ุง โ€” ุจุฏุกู‹ุง ู…ู† ุงู„ูƒุงู…ูŠุฑุงุช ุงู„ุฐูƒูŠุฉ ุงู„ู…ุซุจู‘ุชุฉ ุนู„ู‰ ุงู„ุดุงุญู†ุงุช ูˆุตูˆู„ุงู‹ ุฅู„ู‰ ุงู„ุฃุฐุฑุน ุงู„ุฑูˆุจูˆุชูŠุฉ ุงู„ู‚ุงุฏุฑุฉ ุนู„ู‰ ุงู„ุชุนุฑู‘ู ุนู„ู‰ ู…ุง ูŠุตู„ ุฅู„ู‰ 60 ู†ูˆุนู‹ุง ู…ู† ุงู„ู…ูˆุงุฏ. ู„ูƒู† ุงู„ุญูˆุงุฑ ู„ุง ูŠู‚ุชุตุฑ ุนู„ู‰ ุงู„ุงุจุชูƒุงุฑุ› ุจู„ ูŠุชู†ุงูˆู„ ุฃูŠุถู‹ุง ุงู„ู…ุฎุงุทุฑ ุงู„ุงุฌุชู…ุงุนูŠุฉ ูˆุงู„ู‚ุงู†ูˆู†ูŠุฉ ูˆุงู„ุจูŠุฆูŠุฉ ุงู„ุชูŠ ูŠุทุฑุญู‡ุง ุงู„ุฐูƒุงุก ุงู„ุงุตุทู†ุงุนูŠุŒ ุจุฏุกู‹ุง ู…ู† ุฎุตูˆุตูŠุฉ ุงู„ุจูŠุงู†ุงุช ูˆูˆุตูˆู„ุงู‹ ุฅู„ู‰ ุงู„ู†ูุงูŠุงุช ุงู„ุฅู„ูƒุชุฑูˆู†ูŠุฉ ูˆุงุณุชู‡ู„ุงูƒ ุงู„ุทุงู‚ุฉ. ููŠ ู‡ุฐู‡ ุงู„ุญู„ู‚ุฉุŒ ุณุชุชุนุฑููˆู† ุนู„ู‰: ูƒูŠู ูŠูุณุชุฎุฏู… ุงู„ุฐูƒุงุก ุงู„ุงุตุทู†ุงุนูŠ ู„ุชุญุณูŠู† ุนู…ู„ูŠุงุช ุฅุนุงุฏุฉ ุงู„ุชุฏูˆูŠุฑ.ุฏูˆุฑ ุงู„ุจูŠุงู†ุงุช ูˆุชู‚ู†ูŠุงุช ุงู„ุฑุคูŠุฉ ุงู„ุญุงุณูˆุจูŠุฉ ููŠ ุฑูุน ุฏู‚ุฉ ุงู„ูุฑุฒ.ู„ู…ุงุฐุง ูŠูุนุฏู‘ ุงู„ุชุนุงูˆู† ุจูŠู† ุงู„ุญูƒูˆู…ุงุช ูˆุงู„ุดุฑูƒุงุช ูˆุงู„ู…ูˆุงุทู†ูŠู† ุฃู…ุฑู‹ุง ุฃุณุงุณูŠู‹ุง.ุงู„ู…ุฎุงูˆู ุงู„ุฃุฎู„ุงู‚ูŠุฉ ูˆุงู„ุจูŠุฆูŠุฉ ุงู„ู…ุฑุชุจุทุฉ ุจุชู‚ู†ูŠุงุช ุงู„ู†ูุงูŠุงุช ุงู„ุฐูƒูŠุฉ.ูˆู…ุง ุงู„ุฐูŠ ุชุนู†ูŠู‡ ุงู„ุงุจุชูƒุงุฑุงุช ุงู„ู…ุณุคูˆู„ุฉ ูุนู„ู‹ุง ููŠ ู…ุฌุงู„ ุฅุฏุงุฑุฉ ุงู„ู†ูุงูŠุงุช.

    #22-How can AI help us sort our waste? With Dr. Clio Chaveneau & Rafik Sid

  8. 06/17/2025

    #21-Can AI Be Green? with Dr. Samuel Feng

    In this second episode of our special AI-focused series โ€” brought to you in partnership with Veolia Near Middle East and Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi โ€” Nadine Zidani sits down with Dr. Samuel Feng, Assistant Professor of Mathematics at Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi and researcher at the Sorbonne Center for Artificial Intelligence. This conversation dives into the growing conversation around Green AI โ€” the movement to make artificial intelligence more energy-efficient, transparent, and aligned with climate goals. Together, they explore the hidden environmental costs of AI, the race to build bigger models, and the groundbreaking work of projects like DeepSeek. In this episode, you will gain insights on: Why AI training, not usage, is the real energy burden.How data centers and model scaling threaten climate targets.What DeepSeek tells us about efficient AI design.How incentives need to shift to prioritize sustainability in tech.Whether a truly โ€œgreen AIโ€ future is even realistic.

    #21-Can AI Be Green? with Dr. Samuel Feng
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About

A podcast raising awareness of environmental and climate challenges in the Middle East, featuring expert guests from Veolia and its partners, and showcasing practical solutions that are beingโ€”or can beโ€”implemented in the region. Produced by Veolia Near Middle East, a leader in ecological transformation and resource management in the region and beyond.

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