Let's Turn The Tide 🌊🎙️

Veolia Near & Middle East

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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 being—or can be—implemented in the region. Produced by Veolia Near Middle East, a leader in ecological transformation and resource management in the region and beyond.

4D AGO

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 × 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 us 🎧 Listen to Let's Turn the Tide by Veolia in the Near & Middle East on all major podcast platforms.

35 min
APR 8

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

In this episode of Let’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, you’ll learn about: Oman’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

21 min
FEB 25

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

In this episode of Let’s Turn the Tide by Veolia in the Near Middle East, we are in Riyadh with HH Princess Mashael AlShalan — 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 women’s participation in the energy sector. In this episode, you’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 Sea’s marine ecosystemsHow women are reshaping the energy sector — and what “leveling the playing field” really means

53 min
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 — a collaboration between Veolia Near Middle East and Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi — 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 — 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, you’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

22 min
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 — a collaboration between Veolia Near Middle East and Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi — 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 — from AI-powered cameras on trucks to robotic arms that can identify up to 60 types of materials. But the conversation doesn’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, you’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. 🎧 You can also listen to "Let’s Turn the Tide podcast" on Podeo, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. في الحلقة الثالثة من سلسلتنا الخاصة حول الذكاء الاصطناعي — والتي تأتي بالتعاون بين شركة Veolia Near Middle East وجامعة السوربون – أبوظبي — تستضيف نادين زداني كلاً من الدكتورة كليو شافونو، أستاذة مساعدة في علم الاجتماع بجامعة السوربون – أبوظبي، ورفيق سيد، مدير البرامج في Veolia Near Middle East. معًا، يناقشون كيف يُعيد الذكاء الاصطناعي تشكيل طرق فرز النفايات وإدارتها وإعادة تدويرها — بدءًا من الكاميرات الذكية المثبّتة على الشاحنات وصولاً إلى الأذرع الروبوتية القادرة على التعرّف على ما يصل إلى 60 نوعًا من المواد. لكن الحوار لا يقتصر على الابتكار؛ بل يتناول أيضًا المخاطر الاجتماعية والقانونية والبيئية التي يطرحها الذكاء الاصطناعي، بدءًا من خصوصية البيانات ووصولاً إلى النفايات الإلكترونية واستهلاك الطاقة. في هذه الحلقة، ستتعرفون على: كيف يُستخدم الذكاء الاصطناعي لتحسين عمليات إعادة التدوير.دور البيانات وتقنيات الرؤية الحاسوبية في رفع دقة الفرز.لماذا يُعدّ التعاون بين الحكومات والشركات والمواطنين أمرًا أساسيًا.المخاوف الأخلاقية والبيئية المرتبطة بتقنيات النفايات الذكية.وما الذي تعنيه الابتكارات المسؤولة فعلًا في مجال إدارة النفايات.

26 min
06/17/2025

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

In this second episode of our special AI-focused series — brought to you in partnership with Veolia Near Middle East and Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi — 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 — 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 “green AI” future is even realistic.

27 min
06/03/2025

#20-AI, Algorithms & Everyday impact

In this first episode of our special AI-focused series of Let’s Turn the Tide — brought to you in partnership with Veolia Near Middle East and Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi — host Nadine Zidani sits down with Prof. Nathalie Martial-Braz, Chancellor of Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi. This conversation opens up a fresh perspective on how artificial intelligence works — and what it means for the future of human decision-making, especially in the Middle East. Together, they explore how to stay critical, informed, and empowered in an AI-driven world. In this episode, you will gain insights on: How to distinguish between AI myths and realities in public discourse.Why understanding legal and ethical frameworks around AI is urgently needed.The responsibility of education systems in shaping critical thinking around emerging technologies.How different regions, including the Middle East, are responding to the global AI conversation.Why a human-centric approach to AI is essential for sustainable innovation.Want to see the faces behind the voices? You can watch this episode on YouTube. About the Host: Nadine Zidani is a sustainability expert, impact entrepreneur, and founder of MENA Impact, the first platform for sustainability resources in the MENA region. Based in the UAE, she is committed to advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and driving systemic change through her work and public speaking. Follow Nadine Zidani: Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTokMENA Impact WebsiteAbout Veolia: Veolia's ambition is to become the benchmark company for ecological transformation. Present on five continents with nearly 218,000 employees, the Group designs and deploys useful and concrete solutions for water, waste and energy management that help to radically change the game. Through its three complementary activities, Veolia contributes to developing access to resources, preserving available resources and renewing them.Follow Veolia Near Middle East: InstagramLinkedInTwitter (X)

25 min
03/08/2025

#19-Skill Has No Gender-with Sébastien Dorne

In this special episode of Let’s Turn the Tide, host Nadine Zidani is joined by Sébastien Dorne, HR Director for Veolia in Africa and the Middle East, to explore the critical issues of gender equality and women's empowerment in the workplace, particularly in the context of the Middle East. Drawing from over 20 years of experience in HR, Sébastien shares his personal journey and professional insights on how gender roles are evolving and the transformative practices needed to break down barriers. In this episode, you will gain insights on: How unconscious bias affects hiring and promotion decisions and its impact on the workplace.The importance of education in empowering future female generations and to challenge gender norms and perception.The rapid evolution of diversity and inclusion in the Middle East and how it compares to Europe when it comes to women empowerment in the workplace.How Veolia is leading change for gender equality and women empowerment in the workplace through their own HAYA community in the MENA region and their workplace policies in ensuring fair treatment and equal opportunities.Sébastien’s powerful advice to both women and men when it comes to equal rights in the workplace.Want to see the faces behind the voices? You can watch this episode on YouTube. About the Host: Nadine Zidani is a sustainability expert, impact entrepreneur, and founder of MENA Impact, the first platform for sustainability resources in the MENA region. Based in the UAE, she is committed to advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and driving systemic change through her work and public speaking. Follow Nadine Zidani: Instagram⁠⁠, LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MENA Impact Website⁠⁠About Veolia: Veolia's ambition is to become the benchmark company for ecological transformation. Present on five continents with nearly 218,000 employees, the Group designs and deploys useful and concrete solutions for water, waste and energy management that help to radically change the game. Through its three complementary activities, Veolia contributes to developing access to resources, preserving available resources and renewing them. Follow Veolia Near Middle East: InstagramLinkedInTwitter(X)

20 min

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 being—or can be—implemented in the region. Produced by Veolia Near Middle East, a leader in ecological transformation and resource management in the region and beyond.

Creator

Veolia Near & Middle East
Years Active

2024 - 2026
Episodes

25
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© 2024 Let's Turn The Tide 🌊🎙️
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Let's Turn The Tide 🌊🎙️