22-23 SEPTEMBER 2026 FESTIVAL ARENA, AL BADIA BLVD, DUBAI FESTIVAL CITY, DUBAI
#Circular100
Contents 4
Mohammed Al Reyees
6
Daker El-Rabaya
8
Safwat Hemidat
10 Mohamed Shamso 12 Irfan SalimCIATION 14 Akhil VijayIATION 16 Mir Umer Jarwar BalochN 18 Abdulrazaq Alreshaidan 20 Stephanie Asgill 22 Omar Fadhl 24 Dina Mongy 26 Daniella Sutherland 2
recyclingexpome.com
Welcome Welcome to the second special preview edition of The Circular 100 Middle East. In our first edition, we introduced a remarkable group of individuals helping to advance circularity across the region. In these pages, we are proud to celebrate even more of the people bringing fresh thinking, practical experience and genuine ambition to this important work. The strength of The Circular 100 Middle East lies in the diversity of its community. Its members represent government, industry, infrastructure, sustainability, resource management, technology and innovation, each contributing a different perspective on how we can accelerate the transition from circular ambition to meaningful action. Their interviews demonstrate that progress is already taking place across the region. They also show the value of bringing the right people together: creating opportunities to exchange knowledge, challenge established thinking and develop the partnerships needed to deliver measurable change. We are incredibly excited to welcome this growing community to Recycling Expo Middle East at Dubai Festival Arena on 22-23 September. The event will bring leaders, practitioners and solution providers together in person to continue these conversations, share ideas and explore the technologies and partnerships supporting circular progress. If you would like to join us, be sure to register free tickets for you and your team. We look forward to welcoming you to Dubai this September. Thank you for being part of it.
Laura Lawrance
Strategic marketing & partnerships manager The Recycling Expo Middle East
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#Circular100
Mohammed Al Rayees
DIRECTOR OF WASTE STRATEGY & PROJECTS DEPARTMENT DUBAI MUNICIPALITY
awareness, communication, and
2
behavioural change initiatives
Dubai’s strategic transformation towards
that encourage participation in
becoming a global leader in sustainable
source segregation.
waste management and circular
waste management therefore requires not only infrastructure, but also
Another key challenge is
What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?
I am most proud of contributing to
economy practices.
aligning the value chain. Achieving
A key highlight has been supporting
waste reduction and landfill diversion
the 90:90 Waste Management Initiative,
targets requires coordinated action
which demonstrated how ambitious
from governments, businesses,
targets can translate into measurable
manufacturers, retailers, and
outcomes through collaboration
What are the biggest challenges
communities. Stronger markets for
between government entities, private
facing your industry currently?
secondary materials are also needed
sector partners, and communities,
One of the biggest challenges
to ensure recycling remains
achieving significant landfill diversion
economically viable.
while driving behavioral change and
1
facing the waste management sector is
resource recovery.
accelerating the transition from a linear
While cities continue to invest in
“take-make-dispose” model to a circular
waste-to-energy and resource recovery
economy where materials remain in
infrastructure, the success of these
to the implementation of Dubai’s
productive use for as long
systems depends on the quality of
Integrated Waste Management Strategy
as possible.
segregated materials and community
2041 and the city’s transition away
engagement.
from landfill dependency. This includes
Across the region, rapid urbanization, rising consumption, and increasing
Ultimately, the challenge is
I am also proud to have contributed
supporting major infrastructure and
packaging waste are placing growing
shifting the perception of waste from
strategic programs, as well as the Landfill
pressure on waste management
a burden to a valuable resource. In
Closure Program 2027, one of Dubai’s
systems. The challenge is no longer
Dubai, this is being addressed through
most transformative environmental
simply managing waste, but preventing
circular economy initiatives, source
initiatives, accelerating the shift towards
waste generation, maximizing resource
segregation programmes, waste-
resource recovery, circular economy
recovery, and retaining value within
to-energy infrastructure, private-
practices, and sustainable land use.
the economy.
sector partnerships, and community
In parallel, I have led efforts in
For a global city like Dubai,
engagement to accelerate the transition
exploring innovative solutions that
this challenge is amplified by
towards a more sustainable and circular
expand the role of waste as a resource,
its diverse population. Effective
future.
including Sustainable Aviation Fuel
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recyclingexpome.com
supporting both circular economy and
accelerated adoption of AI-powered
decarbonization objectives. This work
sorting systems, IoT-enabled tracking,
has also contributed to international
digital monitoring platforms, and smart
4
discussions on emerging sustainability
collection logistics, improving efficiency,
Circular 100 Middle East is both
solutions through global forums and
resource recovery and decision-making.
an honor and a reflection of the
industry publications.
Regulatory frameworks such as Extended
collective efforts of teams, partners,
Producer Responsibility (EPR) will become
and leadership driving sustainability
particularly meaningful is that it goes
prominent, driving sustainable design
in Dubai. This recognition highlights
beyond a single project or facility. It
and reducing waste generation.
the UAE’s commitment to ambitious
(SAF) production from waste streams,
What makes this accomplishment
represents a city-wide transformation
Across the GCC, we will see
What does it mean to you to be recognized as part of The Circular 100 Middle East?
Being recognized as part of the
Landfills will be phased out across
environmental goals and provides
that is reshaping how resources are
the region and replaced by systems
a valuable platform to showcase
managed, recovered and reused in
combining material recovery, waste-
achievements in landfill diversion,
Dubai, positioning the city as a leader
to-energy, recycling infrastructure and
infrastructure development, and
in sustainable waste management and
circular supply chains. Waste streams
circular economy implementation,
circular economy development.
will increasingly become feedstocks for
while fostering collaboration,
The impact of these efforts
industries including Sustainable Aviation
knowledge exchange, and innovation
was recognized internationally by
Fuel (SAF), low-carbon fuels, advanced
across the GCC.
global platforms such as the World
recycling and green construction
Governments Summit and the World
materials.
publications on emerging solutions such
with waste streams from one industry
as SAF, and professional recognition
becoming valuable inputs for another.
5
within the waste management sector
In Dubai, we are exploring models that
where policy, technology and
3
enable closer integration between
practical implementation converge.
What future predictions do you
industrial zones, infrastructure providers,
It brings together key stakeholders,
have for your Industry?
and resource recovery systems,
including policymakers, regulators,
The future of the industry will be
supporting resource efficiency and
investors, and solution providers,
localized circular supply chains.
enabling collaboration, innovation,
Meteorological Organization, industry
defined by the shift from traditional waste management to resource and
Industrial symbiosis will also grow,
Dubai is well positioned to lead this
What are the benefits of attending The Recycling Expo? The Recycling Expo Middle
East serves as a critical platform
and knowledge exchange. The Expo
energy management, where waste
transformation, supported by strong
provides valuable insights into emerging
is viewed as a valuable resource and
policy frameworks, strategic infrastructure
technologies, evolving regulations,
input to the economy. Success will not
investments, and alignment with the UAE
and practical approaches to complex
be measured by how much waste is
Net Zero 2050 agenda.
waste streams, while supporting Dubai’s
collected or disposed of, but by how
The winners in this transition will
strategic objectives, advancing the
much value is recovered and retained
be those who embrace circularity,
circular economy, and strengthening
within circular systems.
innovation, and resource efficiency.
regional partnerships across the GCC.
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#Circular100
Daker El-Rabaya CEO - WASTE PROCESSING AND TREATMENT, ENVIRONMENT BEEAH
repurposing. Only after these
material recovery, tyre recycling,
options have been exhausted
construction and demolition waste
should products be directed to
recycling, wastewater treatment and
recycling or energy recovery.
biomass processing. Together, these
A truly circular economy
facilities have helped Sharjah achieve
therefore demands investment in research and development to create
more than 93% landfill diversion. That foundation is now being
materials that support circular
expanded through new circular
product lifecycles, alongside digital
infrastructure, including the integrated
information systems that improve
waste management complex in Al
What are the biggest challenges
repair, reuse, remanufacturing,
Dhaid and next-generation projects
facing your industry currently?
recycling, and the growth of
such as the UAE’s first EV battery
One of the most pressing
secondary markets.
recycling facility with LOHUM, helping
in waste recovery and recycling,
2
strengthen local recycling value
meaning that as consumption rates
demonstrate that large-scale
rise, investment in waste infrastructure
circularity is achievable when the
must also increase. Since the circular
1
challenges today is no longer
What professional
chains and advance integrated
accomplishment are you
circular systems.
most proud of?
right infrastructure, technology and
3
economy is still an economy, the goal
expertise come together. Throughout
management and recycling sector.
should not be to stop people consuming
my career at BEEAH, I have worked
In many ways, waste management
products, but to allow consumption
towards a simple belief: waste should
companies will increasingly resemble
while preventing waste and pollution.
not be treated as an endpoint, but
resource and energy companies,
as a resource that can be recovered,
focused not only on collecting waste
products that remain functional for as
transformed and reintroduced into
but also on recovering value from
long as possible. Products should be
the economy.
discarded materials.
understanding why circularity matters; it is understanding its real architecture. There is a fixation on investment
The solution lies in designing durable
What I am most proud of is helping
What future predictions do you have for your Industry? The next decade will
fundamentally reshape the waste
built to be reused, repaired, maintained,
Over the years, I have overseen
upgraded, and designed with modular
the advancement of more than ten
to move from collection and disposal
components that can be easily
specialised facilities within BEEAH’s
towards integrated resource recovery,
dismantled for repair, replacement or
Waste Management Complex, spanning
material circularity and industrial
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Across the GCC, I expect the industry
recyclingexpome.com
symbiosis, supported by large-scale
is making towards a more circular
infrastructure. Emerging waste streams
economy. For me, it is less about
such as EV batteries, renewable energy
individual recognition and more about
components and advanced plastics will
acknowledging the collective effort
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create growing demand for specialised
required to turn sustainability ambitions
the future of recycling, resource
recycling infrastructure.
into practical outcomes.
recovery and circular economy
What are the benefits of attending The Recycling Expo? It is valuable because it brings
together the organisations shaping
The Middle East is entering a
infrastructure. As a speaker, I see it as
differentiator. Artificial intelligence,
decisive phase for the circular
an opportunity to contribute practical
robotics, data-driven sorting and
economy, with governments, cities and
insights on building successful waste
advanced material recovery will
industries moving from target-setting
management ecosystems.
improve efficiency, transparency and
to implementation. The Circular 100
Technology will become a major
Events like this bring together
recovery rates, while regulations will
creates an important space for leaders
policymakers, technology providers,
increasingly incentivise circularity and
to exchange practical experience, align
recyclers, manufacturers, investors
reduce reliance on landfill.
on shared challenges and identify
and sustainability leaders. Achieving
collaborations that can scale circular
circularity requires coordination across
solutions across the GCC.
the value chain, and forums like this
Ultimately, the future belongs to organisations that deliver measurable environmental outcomes while
Its move to Dubai further strengthens
help create those connections.
generating economic value from
that value. No organisation can
The Expo provides a space to
discarded materials. Circularity will
achieve circularity alone, and
share lessons from projects already
become a competitive advantage,
challenges such as material recovery,
advancing the region, including
while those that fail to adapt risk being
infrastructure investment and market
advanced material recovery,
left behind.
creation require collaboration across
specialised recycling facilities, EV
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the value chain. I see this network as
battery recycling and plastic upcycling.
Recognition as part of The Circular 100
What does it mean to you to
an opportunity to contribute insights
be recognized as part of The
from BEEAH’s experience while learning
to understand where the sector is
Circular 100 Middle East?
from peers, helping accelerate
heading, which solutions are ready,
investment, support new technologies
and how stakeholders can move
Middle East is meaningful because
and enable circularity at scale for
the circular economy from ambition
it reflects the progress our region
future generations.
to implementation.
For attendees, it is an opportunity
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#Circular100
Dr.-Ing. Safwat Hemidat SENIOR MANAGER
SAUDI INVESTMENT RECYCLING COMPANY (SIRC)ASSOCIATION
and improved
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restrictions, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR),
What is your proudest professional accomplishment? One accomplishment I am most
proud of is my involvement in developing
public-private
and supporting waste management
cooperation.
and circular economy initiatives,
Another challenge
transforming waste into valuable
is underdeveloped recycling
resources and improving resource
infrastructure and fragmented
efficiency in Saudi Arabia.
value chains. Investment in
I contributed to projects related to
material recovery facilities,
organic waste management, particularly
advanced recycling technologies,
using agricultural residues such as
and stable end-markets is essential.
palm waste, manure and food waste.
The region’s high organic waste
My role included assessing technical
content offers strong potential for
feasibility, evaluating treatment
composting and biogas, but limited
technologies, and supporting practical
1
source segregation reduces recovery
implementation approaches aligned
What are the biggest challenges
and increases emissions. Dedicated
with local conditions. I also engaged
facing your industry currently?
organic waste systems and awareness
with stakeholders to ensure alignment
The waste management, recycling
campaigns are needed.
between technical solutions and
and circular economy sectors in
Economic viability is also a
the Middle East are undergoing
constraint, with recycling projects
transformation. Governments,
facing high costs and volatile markets,
of waste-to-energy and alternative fuel
especially in the GCC, are prioritizing
while landfill remains cheaper. Policy
opportunities. This involved analyzing
sustainability, resource efficiency, and
tools such as landfill taxes, financial
waste characteristics and identifying
landfill diversion as part of economic
incentives and green procurement can
recovery pathways to improve
diversification. However, structural
improve competitiveness.
resource utilization and reduce landfill
challenges still limit progress.
Other challenges include regulatory
sustainability objectives. In addition, I supported evaluations
dependency. These assessments
A key issue is reliance on a
fragmentation, weak data systems,
informed strategic discussions on how
linear “collect and dispose” model,
limited skills and poor value-chain
different waste streams could be better
supported by low landfill costs
integration. Climate conditions such as
managed and valorized.
and weak enforcement of waste
high temperatures and water scarcity
I was also involved in technical
reduction policies. This results in the
further require adapted technologies.
studies on industrial waste and sludge
Despite these challenges, strong
management, comparing treatment
loss of valuable materials such as plastics, metals and organics, causing
government commitment and rising
options based on environmental
environmental and economic losses.
investment are driving a gradual shift
performance, operational feasibility,
Transitioning to a circular economy
toward a more circular and resource-
and sustainability considerations.
requires stronger regulations, landfill
efficient economy.
This provided structured input for
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recyclingexpome.com
stakeholder discussions and supported
technologies that convert waste into
alignment, technology adoption, and
decision-making.
energy or industrial feedstocks.
knowledge sharing while strengthening
These contributions promoted
Winners will be integrated companies
connections between public and private
more circular approaches to waste
operating across the value chain,
management, shifting from disposal to
technology-driven firms, and those
Overall, being part of this initiative
resource recovery and value creation.
able to secure stable end markets for
provides an opportunity to contribute to
The work also helped stakeholders
recycled materials. Key success factors
a collective effort that can accelerate
better understand solutions for circular
will be innovation, data use and system
the transition towards a more circular,
economy adoption.
integration.
resilient, and resource-efficient economy
Overall, this experience strengthened
Losers will be traditional landfill
stakeholders.
across the GCC.
my ability to link technical analysis with
operators and companies focused on
real-world application while contributing
collection and disposal. Those unable to
to more sustainable and efficient waste
adapt to regulations, invest in technology
management practices in the region.
or develop downstream markets will lose
3
competitiveness.
recycling, and circular economy
recovery, innovation, and integration
industry is undergoing major
rather than disposal.
to industry players in one place. This
transformation, especially in KSA
4
creates a valuable environment for
It is a meaningful acknowledgement of
latest technologies and innovations.
disposal-based model to integrated
contributing to a region actively shaping
With exhibitors showcasing solutions
resource recovery. National programs
the future of sustainability and the
across collection, sorting, recycling and
and public-private partnerships will
circular economy.
resource recovery, attendees can better
What future predictions do you
Overall, the industry is moving toward
5
What are the benefits of attending The Recycling Expo? Attending The Recycling Expoo
offers important benefits for professionals, companies and stakeholders working in
have for your Industry?
a circular, data-driven system where
waste management, recycling and the
The waste management,
value is created through resource
circular economy.
and the GCC, driven by sustainability goals, economic diversification, and environmental priorities. In KSA, the sector is shifting from a
One main advantage is direct access
What does it mean to you to
networking and building partnerships
be recognized as part of The
that can accelerate project development.
Circular 100 Middle East?
The event provides exposure to the
understand available technologies and
accelerate infrastructure development,
I am proud to be part of this group
including material recovery facilities,
as it represents a shared commitment
organic waste treatment, and waste-to-
to moving beyond traditional waste
energy projects.
management towards more integrated,
through conferences and speaker
how they can be applied in the GCC. Another benefit is knowledge sharing
Across the GCC, progress will
resource-efficient systems. The move
sessions. These discussions highlight
continue at different speeds, with a
to Dubai strengthens this by creating a
global and regional trends, regulatory
direction toward increased recycling
regional hub where policy, investment,
developments and practical case
capacity and greater cooperation on
technology, and expertise from across
studies, helping attendees gain insights
advanced technologies.
the GCC can come together.
to support better decision-making.
A key advantage of collaborating
For decision-makers and project
more digital and circular. AI-based
across the GCC is sharing knowledge
developers, it offers a platform to identify
sorting, smart collection systems, and
and experience across different
potential partners, evaluate investment
digital waste tracking will improve
markets. While each country has its
opportunities and explore pilot projects.
efficiency and transparency. Demand
own regulations, many challenges
It helps bridge the gap between
for secondary raw materials will increase
are shared, including infrastructure
technology providers and end users.
due to resource scarcity and carbon
gaps, recycling market development,
reduction goals.
and organic waste management.
East serves as a valuable platform
Collaboration helps accelerate solutions
to connect stakeholders, showcase
and support scalable approaches.
innovation, and accelerate the transition
energy assessments, I see growth in
Through The Circular 100 Middle
toward more efficient and circular waste
composting, anaerobic digestion and
East, progress can be made in policy
Globally, the industry is becoming
From my experience in organic waste, alternative fuels and waste-to-
Overall, The Recycling Expo Middle
management systems in the region.
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#Circular100
Mohamed Shamso CEO
YESAGAIN
1
What are the biggest challenges facing your industry currently? The refurbished and
technology industry. The Middle East also presents a major opportunity. Circular technology
approximately 300,000 devices within the next two years. We have moved beyond simply
remanufactured technology sector
infrastructure in the region is still
buying and reselling used devices.
is at a pivotal stage of growth.
developing, but investment and
We have built an operational
Demand is increasing rapidly, but
awareness are accelerating. The
ecosystem around remanufacturing,
one of the biggest challenges is
companies that combine technical
refurbishment, testing, data security,
scaling while maintaining consistent
capability, scale, quality and
quality control and reverse logistics,
quality, transparency and customer
transparency will help determine how
with specialist technical teams focused
confidence across global markets.
quickly the sector develops.
on recovering as much value and
As consumer expectations rise, our
At YesAgain, our objective is to
usable life as possible from every
industry must continue investing in
help build that infrastructure and
rigorous testing, data security, accurate
demonstrate that circular technology
grading and strong after-sales support.
can be both environmentally
meaningful to me is proving that
Remanufactured technology should
responsible and commercially
sustainability and strong business
not be viewed as a compromise or
successful at scale.
performance do not have to exist
simply a cheaper alternative to new.
2
separately. Every device successfully
Done properly, it should offer reliability, quality and value while significantly extending the useful life of a device. Another major challenge is the
device. What makes this particularly
What professional
recovered and returned to use
accomplishment are you
represents a product kept in circulation
most proud of?
for longer and unnecessary electronic
I am most proud of building YesAgain
waste avoided.
increasing complexity of modern
into a business capable of making
electronics. Devices are becoming
circular technology commercially
challenge outdated perceptions
harder to repair and remanufacture
viable at industrial scale.
around refurbished electronics. When
because of restricted access to parts,
Today, we remanufacture and
I am also proud that we have helped
the processes, technology and quality
proprietary systems and shorter
refurbish approximately 150,000
standards behind remanufacturing
innovation cycles. Right-to-repair
devices annually, with a recovery
are strong enough, customers can
initiatives are therefore extremely
rate of around 97%, and our ambition
choose a remanufactured device
important to the future of the circular
is to double our annual volume to
because it makes sense economically
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recyclingexpome.com
and technically, with the environmental
lifecycle — recovery, testing, repair,
benefit becoming an additional
remanufacturing, redistribution
advantage.
and, ultimately, responsible
Building YesAgain into an
recycling.
international operation processing
That is where I believe the
150,000 devices a year — and now
industry is heading, and it is
working towards 300,000 — has
the model we are building
been one of the most rewarding
YesAgain around.
achievements of my career.
4
3
What future predictions do you have for your Industry? I believe circularity will move
What does it mean to be recognized as part of The Circular 100?
Being recognised as part of The
from being primarily a sustainability
Circular 100 Middle East is an honour,
initiative to becoming a commercial
but I see it as recognition of something
necessity within the technology
much bigger than one individual or
industry.
company.
Over the next decade,
It reflects the growing importance of
how the region’s circular economy develops — policymakers, recyclers,
remanufacturing, refurbishment,
the circular economy to the Middle East
manufacturers, technology providers,
repair and device recovery will
and the progress being made towards
sustainability leaders and investors.
become increasingly integrated
building commercially viable circular
into mainstream technology supply
infrastructure in the region.
chains. Rising material costs, resource
For YesAgain, it is recognition of our
For businesses operating in remanufacturing and circular technology, that interaction is
pressures, ESG requirements, right-
belief that environmental impact and
extremely valuable. No single company
to-repair regulation and increasing
commercial success can reinforce one
can build a circular economy
awareness of e-waste will continue
another. Circular businesses ultimately
independently. It requires cooperation
pushing manufacturers, retailers and
need to be scalable, competitive and
across supply chains, regulation,
consumers towards longer product
commercially sustainable if they are
logistics, technology and end-of-life
lifecycles.
going to create meaningful long-term
recovery.
The distinction between “new” and “remanufactured” technology will also
change.
Events like The Recycling Expo create
I also see The Circular 100 as an
an environment where knowledge can
become less important as quality
opportunity to bring together business
be shared, partnerships can be formed
standards, testing and transparency
leaders, policymakers, innovators and
and new technologies and business
continue to improve. Customers
investors who can accelerate that
models can be explored.
will increasingly judge devices on
transition.
They also help move the
quality, reliability, value and useful life
The Middle East has the potential to
conversation beyond recycling alone.
rather than simply whether they were
become an important global centre for
The greatest environmental value often
previously owned.
circular technology, and collaboration
comes before recycling — through
The Middle East has a particularly
between industry and government will
reuse, repair, refurbishment and
significant opportunity. The region has
be essential to making that happen.
remanufacturing that keep products
I am proud for YesAgain to be part
and materials in productive use for as
the capital, logistics infrastructure, technology adoption and ambition
of that journey.
required to become a global hub for
not simply sell refurbished products.
5
East brings together many of the
extending the life of a product before it
They will manage the entire product
stakeholders who will determine
ever needs to be recycled.
circular technology rather than simply a consumer market for electronics. The companies that succeed will
long as possible. For me, that is one of the most
What are the benefits of
important messages for the future of
attending The Recycling Expo?
our industry:
The Recycling Expo Middle
The best form of recycling is often
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#Circular100
Irfan Salim SENIOR HSE EXECUTIVE
GULF METAL FOUNDRY - AL GURG GROUP
1
facing the foundry industry today is
2
One of my proudest professional
3
managing waste materials such as
accomplishments has been leading
will be shaped by three major trends:
used foundry sand, slag, dust and
circular economy, recycling, and
sustainability, digitalization and
metal scrap. These by-products are
sustainability initiatives across the
automation.
generated in large volumes and, if
business. I spearheaded the transition
In UAE and the GCC, initiatives such
not handled efficiently, lead to higher
of waste streams from landfill disposal
as Vision 2030, industrial diversification
disposal costs, environmental impact
to authorized recycling facilities,
programs, and infrastructure
and compliance risks. With increasing
successfully diverting over 10,000
development will continue to drive
environmental regulations across
tonnes of waste annually from
demand for locally manufactured
the GCC and globally, companies
landfill. This initiative generated
products. At the same time,
must reduce landfill dependency and
revenue from recyclable materials
environmental regulations will become
improve sustainability performance.
and delivered an estimated AED 5
more stringent, pushing industries to
This challenge has developed due
million in annual savings through
adopt circular economy practices,
to rising production levels, linear
improved waste management and
increase recycling rates, reduce waste,
manufacturing processes, and limited
resource recovery. I also played a
and lower carbon emissions.
recycling infrastructure in some areas.
leading role in streamlining waste
Globally, the industry is moving
The solution is a stronger shift towards
management practices across the
towards Industry 4.0, with increased
a circular economy approach, where
Al Gurg Group. These efforts resulted
use of AI, automation, robotics, smart
waste is treated as a resource through
in significant cost savings, reduced
sensors, and data analytics to improve
recycling, recovery and reuse. This helps
environmental impact, increased
productivity, product quality, predictive
reduce environmental impact,
recycling rates, and recognition as
maintenance, and workplace safety.
improve resource efficiency, lower
Employee of the Year in both 2023
costs overall.
and 2026..
What are the biggest challenges facing your industry currently? One of the key challenges
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What is your proudest professional accomplishment?
What future predictions do you have for your Industry?
I believe the future of the
foundry and manufacturing industry
Traditional foundries relying on outdated processes are likely to
recyclingexpome.com
struggle, while companies investing
including planting over
in technology, sustainability, and
150 trees within the factory
workforce upskilling will be best
and promoting environmental
positioned for success. Professionals
awareness.
with skills in sustainability, automation,
Being part of Circular 100 in
economy solutions across the region.
and continuous improvement will
Dubai provides a strong platform to
Secondly, the event allows
remain highly competitive.
collaborate across the GCC, where
participants to gain exposure to
industries are advancing under
the latest recycling technologies,
4
frameworks such as the UAE Circular
innovations and best practices. From
What does it mean to you to
Economy Policy and Saudi Vision 2030.
waste management systems to
be recognized as part of The
This network enables leaders to share
material recovery solutions, attendees
Circular 100 Middle East?
case studies, recycling models, and
can see practical applications that
Being recognised as part of The Circular
best practices, helping accelerate
can be implemented within their
100 Middle East is a proud milestone
circular economy adoption and
own operations.
and validation of my commitment
regional collaboration. Ultimately, this
to driving measurable impact in
recognition is both an honour and
sharing through expert speakers and
sustainability, recycling, and circular
responsibility—to lead by example and
case studies, helping professionals
economy transformation within the
contribute to a more sustainable future
understand current challenges,
manufacturing sector. It reflects
for the region.
emerging trend, and successful real-
recognition of practical action that
management from landfill dependency
5
world implementations of circular
to a circular system based on recycling
turns environmental challenges into real business value.
What are the benefits of attending The Recycling Expo?
Thirdly, it enables knowledge
economy initiatives. Finally, it supports business growth
Attending The Recycling Expo
and sustainability transformation
Middle East offers significant benefits
by showcasing new opportunities
for professionals, businesses and
in recycling, resource recovery, and
and recovery. Through these initiatives,
stakeholders across the sustainability
waste reduction. For companies, it is
I have helped divert over 10,000 tonnes
and manufacturing sectors.
an opportunity to benchmark against
My focus has been shifting waste
of waste annually from landfill, while
Firstly, it provides a unique
generating revenue from recyclables
platform to network with industry
industry leaders and identify areas for
and achieving approximately AED
leaders, exhibitors, sponsors and
5 million in annual savings. This
policymakers. This creates valuable
East acts as a powerful platform to
demonstrates sustainability as both an
opportunities to build partnerships,
accelerate collaboration, innovation,
environmental and financial driver. In
explore collaborations, and connect
and practical action towards a more
parallel, I have led greening initiatives,
with organizations driving real circular
sustainable and circular economy.
improvement. Overall, The Recycling Expo Middle
13
#Circular100
Akhil Vijay ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER
SHOUALAH - WASTE TREATMENT FZCO (O&M COMPANY OF WWMC- WARSAN WASTE MANAGEMENT CENTRE (WASTE TO ENERGY PLANT) ) Another challenge is creating sustainable
continuous improvement initiatives. During the first 1.5 years of operation,
markets for recycled
the facility processed approximately
materials. Recycling
3.3 million tonnes of municipal waste,
systems can only
generated more than two million MWh
succeed when recovered materials have consistent value and demand. These challenges can
of electricity, and achieved over one million safe man-hours. Being part of a team delivering these results while supporting the UAE’s sustainability goals
be addressed through
by diverting waste from landfill and
collaboration between regulators,
transforming it into a valuable resource
industry, technology providers,
is something I take great pride in.
and communities. Through my
By diverting waste from landfill and
3
What are the biggest challenges
generating energy, the region has an
experience significant growth across
facing your industry currently?
opportunity to build a more sustainable
the GCC over the next decade, driven
One of the biggest challenges
and circular future.
by sustainability targets, resource
ambitious sustainability targets,
2
security and net-zero commitments.
the transition to a circular economy
most proud of is contributing to the
requires improvements in infrastructure,
successful environmental compliance
continued investment in integrated
technology, regulation and public
and sustainability performance of the
waste management systems, advanced
participation.
Dubai Waste-to-Energy facility during its
recycling facilities, and Waste-to-
early years of operation.
Energy projects as part of Vision 2030.
experience in the UAE Waste-to-Energy sector, I have seen how waste can be transformed into a valuable resource.
1
facing the sector in the Middle East is reducing reliance on landfill while increasing resource recovery. Although governments have introduced
A key challenge is waste segregation at source. Mixed waste reduces
What future predictions do you have for your Industry? I believe the waste management
and circular economy sector will
What professional
Countries such as the UAE and Saudi
accomplishment are you
Arabia are investing heavily in recycling
most proud of?
infrastructure, Waste-to-Energy facilities
The professional accomplishment I am
As part of the environmental team,
and circular economy initiatives. In Saudi Arabia, I anticipate
Across the GCC, waste will increasingly
recycling efficiency, increases
I have been involved in developing
be viewed as a resource rather than a
processing costs, and limits the
environmental management systems,
disposal challenge.
recovery of valuable materials. Greater
monitoring environmental performance,
public awareness, improved collection
supporting regulatory compliance,
intelligence, data analytics and
systems, and stronger policy support
sustainability reporting, emissions
automation will transform the industry,
are needed.
monitoring, waste management, and
making environmental monitoring,
14
Globally, digitalization, artificial
recyclingexpome.com
material recovery and compliance
region’s commitment to sustainability,
attending the event is the opportunity
more efficient. Organizations that
innovation and resource recovery.
to learn about emerging technologies,
embrace innovation, resource
Being part of The Circular 100 would
innovative recycling solutions, resource
recovery and sustainability will
provide an invaluable opportunity to
recovery strategies, and best practices
be best positioned for success,
collaborate with industry leaders across
being implementedy. As the industry
while professionals with expertise
the GCC.
continues to evolve, staying informed
in environmental compliance,
One of the greatest advantages
about new developments is essential for
sustainability and circular economy
of this group is the ability to share
improving environmental performance
implementation will be in greatest
practical experiences, lessons learned
and operational efficiency.
demand.
and innovative solutions. By working
4
together, professionals can accelerate
opportunities for collaboration.
What does it mean to you to
progress, promote best practices
Many of the challenges facing the
be recognized as part of The
and identify opportunities for
waste management and recycling
Circular 100 Middle East?
collaboration that benefit the sector
sector, including waste diversion,
Being recognised as part of The Circular
while contributing to a more
material recovery, environmental
100 Middle East would be both an
sustainable and circular future
compliance, and circular economy
honour and a responsibility. For me,
across the Middle East.
implementation, cannot be solved by
it would represent recognition of my
the UAE’s environmental and Waste-
5
a single organization. Bringing together
to-Energy sector, I have witnessed the
provides a unique platform to bring
contribution to supporting the transition towards a circular economy. Since moving to Dubai and working within
The event also creates valuable
What benefits do you think there
stakeholders from across the value
are to attending The Recycling
chain encourages knowledge sharing
Expo Middle East?
and helps identify opportunities for
The Recycling Expo Middle East
partnerships and innovation. Events such as the Recycling Expo
together regulators, industry leaders,
Middle East help accelerate progress
technology providers, investors,
towards a more sustainable future
sustainability professionals and
by connecting people, ideas and
waste management practitioners.
technologies that can drive change
One of the key benefits of
across the GCC and beyond.
15
#Circular100
Mir Umer Jarwar Baloch MANAGING DIRECTOR GREEN SPRING RECYCLING
1
facing the recycling and e-waste
2
The professional accomplishment I am
3
industry in the Middle East is that
most proud of is helping build Green
transformation. Over the next decade,
the generation of electronic waste
Spring Recycling into one of the leading
recycling will no longer be viewed
is growing much faster than formal
R2v3-certified e-waste recycling
simply as waste management but
collection and recycling systems.
companies in the UAE and creating
as a critical part of the circular
Technology is evolving rapidly, and
a trusted platform for responsible
economy, resource security, and
businesses and consumers are
electronics management.
sustainable manufacturing.
What are the biggest challenges facing your industry currently? One of the biggest challenges
generating larger volumes of end-of-life electronics every year.
What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?
This achievement was the
What future predictions do you have for your Industry? I believe the recycling and
e-waste industry is entering a major
In the UAE and the GCC,
result of an incredible team effort.
governments are investing heavily in
Another major challenge is the lack
Together, we developed the systems,
sustainability and circular economy
of awareness and convenient collection
procedures, and operational controls
initiatives. I expect stronger regulations,
channels. Many companies and
required to achieve R2v3 certification
increased producer responsibility
households still store old electronics
and deliver services that meet the
and greater demand for certified
or dispose of them through informal
highest international standards for
recyclers that provide transparency,
channels because they are unaware
environmental responsibility, worker
traceability, and measurable
of the environmental risks and the
safety, and data security.
environmental impact.
importance of certified recycling. The industry also faces competition
The results have been significant.
Globally, the industry will become
Green Spring Recycling has
more technology-driven, with digital
from informal operators who do
strengthened its reputation as a trusted
tracking, AI, automated reporting,
not invest in proper environmental
recycling partner, diverted substantial
repair, refurbishment and material
controls, worker safety, data security or
volumes of electronic waste from
recovery playing a much larger role.
certifications such as R2v3.
landfill through reuse, refurbishment,
These challenges can be addressed
The winners will be companies that
and responsible recycling, and
invest in compliance, certification,
through stronger collaboration between
helped organisations achieve their
technology and skilled people,
governments, businesses and recyclers.
sustainability goals.
while the market will increasingly
Public awareness, improved collection
What makes me most proud is
favour responsible and transparent
infrastructure, stronger environmental
the culture we have built together,
recycling. The future of our industry
regulations and support for certified
demonstrating that environmental
is not simply managing waste—it is
recycling facilities will accelerate the
responsibility and business success
recovering value and creating a more
transition towards a circular economy.
can go hand in hand.
sustainable economy.
16
recyclingexpome.com
4
What does it mean to you to be recognized as part of The Circular 100 Middle East?
Being recognised as part of The Circular 100 Middle East would be a tremendous honour, not only for me personally but for the entire Green Spring Recycling team. The recycling industry often works behind the scenes. Many people do not see the effort that goes into collecting, repairing, refurbishing, securely destroying data, and responsibly recycling electronics. This recognition would shine a light on the people who
there are to attending The
all these stakeholders together under
Recycling Expo Middle East?
one roof can create new opportunities
of how far we have come. Building
5
The Recycling Expo Middle East is
and accelerate the transition towards
a trusted, R2v3-certified recycling
much more than an exhibition; it is
a circular economy.
business has not always been easy.
a place where the entire recycling
For companies like Green Spring
There have been challenges, setbacks,
and circular economy ecosystem
Recycling, the Expo is also a chance
and a lot of hard work from many
comes together.
to showcase what the Middle East is
work every day to make the circular economy a reality. For me, it would also be a reminder
What benefits do you think
One of the biggest benefits of
achieving and to demonstrate that
included in The Circular 100 would
attending is the opportunity to learn
our region is capable of delivering
be recognition that those efforts are
from others. The recycling industry is
world-class recycling solutions and
making a positive difference.
changing rapidly, and events like this
international standards such as R2v3
Most importantly, I hope it would
allow us to exchange ideas, discover
certification.
inspire others across the region to see
new technologies, and understand
recycling and circularity not just as an
how other companies and countries
like The Recycling Expo Middle East
environmental responsibility, but as an
are solving similar challenges.
help raise awareness and inspire
people across our organisation. Being
Most importantly, I believe events
opportunity to create lasting impact. If
It is also an opportunity to build
action. They encourage businesses
our journey can encourage even more
meaningful partnerships. Recycling
and individuals to think differently
businesses, communities, and young
cannot succeed in isolation.
about waste and to see it as a valuable
professionals to take sustainability
Progress requires collaboration
resource. The more we collaborate,
seriously, then this recognition would
between recyclers, manufacturers,
share knowledge, and build
mean far more than an award, it would
government entities, logistics
partnerships, the faster we can create
be motivation to continue pushing our
providers, technology companies,
a more sustainable and circular future
industry forward.
and sustainability leaders. Bringing
for the region.
17
#Circular100
Abdulrazaq Alreshaidan
SUSTAINABILITY AND HSSE DIRECTOR
SAUDI WATER PARTNERSHIP COMPANY
1
economic development are increasing
the achievement of internationally
3
pressure on water resources, while
recognized certifications, including
in desalination, water reuse, renewable
climate change is making water
ISO 45001.
energy integration, and smart
What are the biggest challenges
of was leading the development and
facing your industry currently?
implementation of integrated HSE
Rapid population growth and
management systems and supporting
What future predictions do you have for your Industry? In Saudi Arabia and across the
GCC, we will see continued investment
management more complex. At the
My role involved establishing
infrastructure, aligned with national
same time, utilities must maintain
governance frameworks, developing
sustainability goals and economic
reliable services, modernize aging
policies and procedures, coordinating
diversification strategies. Globally,
infrastructure, and improve efficiency
with stakeholders and ensuring
utilities will increasingly adopt artificial
while reducing environmental impacts.
compliance with regulatory and
intelligence, predictive analytics,
international standards. I also led
and advanced asset management
requires continued investment in
initiatives to strengthen safety culture,
technologies to improve efficiency and
technology, digital transformation,
risk management and operational
optimize resource use.
infrastructure upgrades and stronger
assurance across the organization.
Organizations that embrace
The result was a significant
innovation, sustainability, and data-
and industry stakeholders to ensure a
improvement in HSE performance,
driven decision-making will be the
resilient and sustainable water sector
enhanced regulatory compliance,
winners. Those that are slow to adapt
for the future.
and successful certification outcomes.
to evolving environmental, regulatory,
2
More importantly, these efforts
and technological requirements
What professional
helped create a stronger safety
may face increasing operational and
accomplishment are you
culture, improved organizational
financial challenges.
most proud of?
resilience, and provided a solid
One of the professional
foundation for sustainable growth
future will require a broader skill set
accomplishments I am most proud
and continuous improvement.
that combines technical expertise with
Addressing these challenges
collaboration between regulators
18
For professionals in the industry, the
recyclingexpome.com
sustainability, risk management, digital
I believe the greatest
capabilities, and strategic leadership.
value of this group lies in
Those who continuously develop these
its ability to accelerate collective
capabilities will be best positioned to
progress. By working together across
accelerate the transition toward a
succeed in the evolving water sector.
sectors and borders, we can drive
circular economy.
4
innovation, support the transition
The key benefits of attending
What does it mean to you to
to more sustainable and circular
include gaining insights into the
be recognized as part of The
business models, and contribute
latest technologies and innovations,
Circular 100 Middle East?
to achieving national and regional
understanding emerging regulatory
sustainability ambitions.
and market trends, and learning from
Being recognized as part of The Circular 100 Middle East is both an
The Circular 100 Middle East
successful regional and international
honor and a responsibility. It reflects
has the potential to become a
case studies. It also offers valuable
a shared commitment to advancing
catalyst for meaningful change,
opportunities to build partnerships,
sustainability, circular economy
helping organizations move beyond
exchange knowledge, and explore
principles, and responsible leadership
compliance toward creating long-term
practical solutions to sustainability and
across the region.
environmental, social, and economic
resource management challenges.
The move to Dubai further strengthens the platform by bringing
value for the region.
For organizations across the
dynamic business hubs. This creates
5
GCC, the Expo can help identify new
The Recycling Expo Middle East provides
support national sustainability
valuable opportunities to exchange
a unique platform for bringing together
goals. Ultimately, it is an opportunity
knowledge, share best practices, and
industry leaders, policymakers,
to connect ideas with action and
collaborate on solutions to common
technology providers, investors,
turn sustainability ambitions into
sustainability challenges.
and sustainability professionals to
measurable results.
together industry leaders, innovators, and decision-makers from across the GCC in one of the region’s most
What benefits do you think there
opportunities to improve resource
are to attending The Recycling
efficiency, reduce waste, enhance
Expo Middle East?
environmental performance, and
19
#Circular100
Stephanie Asgill BOARD DIRECTOR
THIRFT FOR GOOD
in waste infrastructure,
recycling, resource recovery and
including the Warsan
circular business models.
Waste Management
What made the programme
Centre. Infrastructure
different was its emphasis on
like this is essential, but it
partnership. We wanted innovators to
manages waste after it has
test, refine and scale their solutions
been created rather than
within one of the region’s largest
preventing it.
investment groups. The first edition
Encouragingly, Dubai
attracted 150 applications from 31
Municipality’s Circle platform and Naseej are helping drive more
countries, and I’m delighted it has now entered its second edition.
sustainable behaviours and keep
I’m most proud of what happened
1
products and materials in use for
afterwards. We continued working with
What are the biggest challenges
longer. Lasting progress will come from
finalists to turn promising ideas into
facing your industry currently?
designing out waste, making reuse the
real projects. Surpluss supported Dubai
The circular economy isn’t
easiest choice, and helping businesses
Holding’s Gift It Forward programme,
ultimately a waste challenge—
and consumers see value in keeping
while Midori partnered with Jumeirah’s
it’s a design challenge and a
products in use for longer.
EcoVillage to demonstrate how plastic
behaviour challenge.
to increase by around 50% by 2050
2
waste can be transformed into useful
What professional
products. Today, I continue that work
accomplishment are you
through my role on the Board of Thrift
most proud of?
for Good, reinforcing my belief that
In my former role as head of
the most effective circular economy
if current trends continue. Here in
sustainability at Dubai Holding, one
solutions make reuse easy, visible and
the UAE, we also face high levels of
accomplishment I’m particularly
community-led.
consumption, with around 500 million
proud of was launching **Innovate for
items of clothing purchased each
Tomorrow**, the flagship innovation
year, generating an estimated 220,000
challenge unveiled on the sidelines
tonnes of textile waste. These figures
of COP28, where Dubai Holding was
make it clear that we can’t simply
a Principal Pathway Partner. The
3
recycle our way out of the problem.
programme focused on accelerating
use becomes part of everyday
As former Head of Sustainability
the transition to a circular economy.
business rather than a standalone
at Dubai Holding, I saw first-hand the
Aligned with UN SDG 12 (Responsible
sustainability initiative.
complexity of improving resource
Consumption and Production), it
Governments across the GCC
management across one of the
invited entrepreneurs, start-ups
have laid strong foundations through
region’s largest investment groups. The
and scale-ups to develop practical
investment and supportive policy. In the
UAE has made significant investments
solutions for waste reduction, reuse,
UAE, the Circular Economy Policy 2021–
According to UNEP’s *Global Waste Management Outlook 2024*, global municipal solid waste is projected
20
What future predictions do you have for your Industry? I believe we’re entering a new
phase where keeping resources in
recyclingexpome.com
2031 provides an important framework
the willingness to collaborate.
for accelerating this transition. The
Government, business,
opportunity now is to turn that ambition
academia and civil society
into practical solutions that businesses
all have different roles
and consumers adopt every day.
to play, but meaningful
I also expect reuse to receive
progress depends
much greater attention. Too often
on bringing those
we’ve focused on what happens
perspectives together.
after something becomes waste. I
I hope The Circular
believe we’ll continue to see growth
100 continues to bring
in resale, repair and reuse across
together people with
sectors as businesses recognise the
different expertise, challenge
environmental and commercial value
established thinking and create
of extending product life.
partnerships that accelerate
Resource efficiency will increasingly
practical action
become a commercial priority as
across the GCC. The region has a
supply chains become more complex
real opportunity not only to adopt
and material costs rise. Success
ideas from elsewhere, but also to
opportunities for governments to share
won’t be judged solely by tonnes
develop solutions that reflect our
policy, businesses to identify practical
recycled, but by how long products
own economic, environmental and
solutions, innovators to showcase new
stay in use and the value retained
social priorities.
ideas and investors to support models
from existing resources. My role on the Board of Thrift for
that can scale. I also hope the conversation
product, but as a design challenge and
5
Events like The Recycling Expo Middle
preventing waste, extending product
an opportunity.
East are valuable because they
life and designing products and
4
bring together everyone involved in
business models that keep valuable
What does it mean to you to
keeping resources in use for longer—
materials in use for longer.
be recognized as part of The
from policymakers and technology
Circular 100 Middle East?
providers to manufacturers, retailers,
to evolve, but the real transformation
It’s a real privilege to be recognised
investors, social enterprises and
will come from better design, stronger
alongside so many people who are
community organisations.
partnerships and changing the way
Good has reinforced this perspective. The future belongs to organisations that see waste not as an inevitable by-
helping shape the future of the circular economy across the region. One of the things I’ve always valued about working in the UAE is
What benefits do you think
continues to broaden beyond recycling.
there are to attending The
Recycling remains essential, but the
Recycling Expo Middle East?
greatest long-term opportunities lie in
The greatest value isn’t simply
Ultimately, technology will continue
we think about resources. The circular
discovering new technologies; it’s
economy isn’t ultimately a waste
building the partnerships that turn
challenge—it’s a design challenge and
ideas into action. These events create
a behaviour challenge.
LINKEDIN LINK 21
#Circular100
Omar Fadhl
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS SUPPLY
MUNICIPALITY OF MADINAH REGIONAL
1
What are the biggest challenges
sector operators, and investors; wider
and environmental services, helping
facing your industry currently?
adoption of digital waste tracking
transform operational data into
The waste management and
systems; performance-based service
actionable insights for executive
circular economy sector in the
contracts; improved public awareness;
leaders.
Middle East is undergoing significant
and policies that encourage recycling,
transformation, yet several challenges
resource recovery, and circular
major municipal service transitions
remain. The most critical challenge is
procurement.
involving large-scale waste collection
moving from traditional waste collection
2
and environmental service contracts.
Throughout my career in environmental
monitoring, these transitions were
waste segregation at source, which
management and waste services, the
completed without service disruption,
reduces recycling efficiency and
accomplishment I am most proud of
ensuring continuity of essential
increases recovery costs. The sector
is leading strategic transformation
public services and maintaining high
also faces gaps in data quality,
initiatives that improved waste
environmental standards.
transparency, and performance
management performance while
measurement, making it difficult
supporting the transition toward a
I have contributed to advancing
to optimize operations and attract
circular economy in Saudi Arabia.
circular economy knowledge through
and disposal practices towards true resource recovery and circular economy models. Another major challenge is limited
investment. In addition, creating financially
I also contributed to managing
What professional
Through structured planning,
accomplishment are you
stakeholder coordination, risk
most proud of?
management, and performance
I played a key role in developing
Beyond operational leadership,
research on waste-to-energy systems,
and implementing regional waste
carbon-negative waste pathways,
sustainable circular economy business
management strategies, governance
bioelectrochemical technologies,
models remains challenging due to
frameworks, and performance
and sustainable bioplastics. These
market volatility, fluctuating commodity
management systems that enhanced
experiences have enabled me to bridge
prices, and evolving regulatory
operational efficiency, accountability,
the gap between innovation, policy, and
requirements.
and decision-making. I led the
practical implementation.
These challenges can be addressed
development of key performance
through stronger collaboration between
indicators for waste management
Operations, I continue to focus on
governments, municipalities, private
operations, landfill management,
resource security, circular supply chains,
22
Today, as Executive Director of Supply
recyclingexpome.com
operational excellence, and sustainable value creation to support longterm environmental and economic outcomes.
4
What does it mean to you to be recognized
as part of The Circular
3
100 Middle East?
fundamentally reshape the waste
honour and a responsibility.
management sector across Saudi
It represents an opportunity
Arabia, the GCC, and globally. The
to join a network of leaders,
industry will increasingly move away
innovators, policymakers, and
from a waste disposal model toward a
practitioners who are helping shape the
resource management model where
future of sustainability and circularity
East provides a unique platform
materials, energy, and carbon are
across the region.
that brings together regulators,
What future predictions do you
Being recognised as
have for your Industry?
part of The Circular 100
I believe the next decade will
Middle East is both an
actively managed and recovered. Saudi Arabia is already accelerating
The move to Dubai strengthens
municipalities, investors, technology
the platform’s regional influence and
providers, recyclers, manufacturers and
investment in recycling infrastructure,
creates greater opportunities for
sustainability leaders.
waste-to-energy facilities, organics
collaboration among GCC countries.
recovery, and digital waste
While each country faces unique
to explore emerging technologies,
management systems as part of
challenges, we share common goals
innovative recycling solutions, policy
Vision 2030. Similar developments are
related to sustainability, resource
developments and international best
taking place across the GCC, creating
efficiency, climate action, and
practices. It also enables participants
significant opportunities for regional
economic diversification.
to establish strategic partnerships
collaboration and investment. Technology will play a major
The greatest value of this network is the ability to exchange knowledge,
The event offers an opportunity
that can accelerate circular economy implementation and investment.
role in this transformation. Artificial
share best practices, build partnerships,
intelligence, automation, digital
and accelerate the implementation of
into market trends, operational
traceability, and advanced material
practical circular economy solutions.
improvements, and future opportunities.
recovery technologies will become
Through collaboration, we can help
For public sector organizations, it
standard components of future waste
overcome barriers, attract investment,
offers exposure to practical solutions
management systems.
encourage innovation, and create
that can increase recycling rates,
measurable environmental and
reduce landfill dependency, improve
economic benefits.
resource recovery and strengthen
The organizations that invest in innovation, circular business models, and resource recovery will be the
I am proud to contribute my
The expo provides valuable insights
environmental performance.
long-term winners. Those that remain
experience in municipal waste
dependent on traditional landfill-
management, circular economy
a bridge between policy, investmen,
based approaches will face increasing
implementation, and operational
and implementation. By connecting
regulatory, environmental, and
transformation while continuing to
decision-makers with innovators and
economic pressures.
learn from some of the region’s most
solution providers, The Recycling Expo
accomplished professionals.
Middle East can play a significant role
5
in advancing sustainability, resource
The future of the industry lies in creating value from resources, reducing carbon emissions, and supporting sustainable economic growth.
Most importantly, the event creates
What are the benefits of
efficiency, and circular economy
attending The Recycling Expo?
development throughout the GCC
The Recycling Expo Middle
and beyond.
23
#Circular100
Dina Mongy DIRECTOR OF CORPORATE AFFAIRS AND SUSTAINABILITY NESTLÉASSOCIATION
would accelerate investment, innovation and cross-border collaboration. Another challenge is developing the economic case for circularity. Recycling systems require sustained investment across collection, sorting, infrastructure and end markets for
2
What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?
One of the accomplishments I am most proud of has been helping strengthen public-private collaboration to advance circular economy and sustainability policies across the UAE. Through my role at Nestlé, I have
recycled materials. Public-private
worked closely with government
1
partnerships will continue to play a
entities, industry associations and
What are the biggest challenges
critical role in making these systems
partners to support the development
facing your industry currently?
commercially viable while delivering
of practical and evidence-based
The Middle East has made
environmental benefits.
sustainability initiatives. This has
the circular economy, but one of
important. Circularity cannot
on Extended Producer Responsibility,
the biggest challenges remains
be achieved by governments or
sustainable packaging, food loss and
moving from ambition to large-scale
businesses alone. Consumers,
waste reduction, recycling systems
implementation. While national
municipalities, manufacturers
and circular economy policies that
strategies and policies are evolving
and retailers all have a role to play
balance environmental ambition with
rapidly, the pace of infrastructure
in improving waste segregation,
operational feasibility.
development, regulatory harmonization
increasing recycling rates and
I am particularly proud of serving
and market readiness is not always
supporting more sustainable
as a Board Member of the UAE Food
keeping up.
consumption patterns.
Cluster under the Ministry of Economy
significant progress in advancing
One key challenge is the
Behavioural change is equally
I believe the solution lies
included contributing to discussions
and Tourism, as well as a member
fragmentation of regulations across
in stronger collaboration between
of the Policy Committee of the UAE
jurisdictions. Companies operating
government and industry,
Circular Economy Council. These
across the GCC often navigate
evidence-based policymaking,
roles have provided me with the
different requirements for packaging,
investment in infrastructure and
opportunity to contribute to national
waste management, Extended
technology, and creating consistent
policy discussions and strengthen
Producer Responsibility (EPR), recycled
regulatory frameworks that enable
collaboration between government
content and material standards.
innovation while supporting national
and industry in advancing the UAE’s
Greater regional harmonization
sustainability ambitions.
circular economy agenda. They
24
recyclingexpome.com
have reinforced my belief that the
countries will become increasingly
as a global platform for sustainability,
most impactful and lasting solutions
important to avoid fragmented
innovation and cross-sector
are achieved through partnership,
regulatory systems and unlock
collaboration, making it an ideal
evidence-based policymaking and
economies of scale.
location for bringing together leaders
shared responsibility. Beyond policy, I have also
The organisations that succeed will be those that embed circularity
from across the Middle East. I see the Circular 100 as more than
championed initiatives that embed
into core business strategy rather
a recognition program. It has the
sustainability into business strategy
than treating it solely as a compliance
potential to become a community
while creating long-term value for
requirement. Companies that invest
of practice that shapes future policy,
communities, demonstrating that
early in sustainable packaging,
promotes innovation, develops
responsible business and economic
resource efficiency, partnerships and
partnerships and shares successful
growth can advance together.
innovation will be better positioned to
models that can be replicated across
create competitive advantage.
the GCC.
For me, success is measured not only by individual projects, but by
Ultimately, the future belongs to
creating partnerships that continue
organisations that recognise circularity
delivering impact long after the initial
as both an environmental responsibility
initiative has concluded.
and a driver of long-term business resilience and growth.
5
What benefits do you think there are to attending The Recycling Expo Middle East?
The Recycling Expo Middle East
3
GCC is entering a period of rapid
4
provides a platform to bring together
acceleration.
What future predictions do you have for your Industry?
What does it mean to you to
all stakeholders who all have a role in
be recognized as part of The
accelerating the circular economy.
Circular 100 Middle East?
The greatest value of the event
Being recognised as part of the
is the opportunity to move beyond
Circular 100 Middle East would be
discussion towards practical
a tremendous honour because it
collaboration. Participants can explore
expect governments to move from
reflects collective progress rather than
new technologies, identify partnership
voluntary commitments towards more
individual achievement.
opportunities, exchange international
The circular economy in the
Over the next five to ten years, I
comprehensive regulatory frameworks
The circular economy can only
best practices and better understand
covering Extended Producer
succeed through collaboration across
emerging regulatory developments
Responsibility, recycled content, waste
governments, businesses, academia,
that will shape the future of the sector.
diversion targets, eco-design, digital
innovators and civil society. Being part
product traceability and circular
of a network of
procurement.
professionals
Artificial Intelligence and digital
committed
technologies will also transform waste
to driving
management by improving material
measurable
tracking, collection efficiency and
impact creates
data-driven decision making.
opportunities
Saudi Arabia and the UAE are likely
to exchange
to continue leading regional innovation
knowledge,
through significant investments in
challenge
recycling infrastructure, advanced
conventional thinking and
manufacturing and circular business
accelerate practical solutions
models. At the same time, greater
across the region.
regional alignment across GCC
Dubai has established itself
25
#Circular100
Daniella Sutherland SENIOR OPERATIONS STRATEGIST DS CONSULTANCY
1
What are the biggest challenges
somewhere people genuinely feel
and volunteering. This included staff
facing your industry currently?
connected to. At the same time, this
desert clean-ups and activities that
One of the biggest challenges
needs to be balanced against rising
encouraged our teams to actively
currently facing the tourism industry,
operational costs and high visitor
contribute to the environment and
is ensuring visitor momentum is
expectations. Guests are looking for
community around them.
maintained against a backdrop
greater personalisation, stronger value
These initiatives were particularly
of geopolitical tensions and wider
and experiences that feel distinctive
meaningful within such a multicultural
economic uncertainty.
and relevant.
workforce. They brought together
Many attractions within the UAE
For me, long-term resilience will
colleagues from different departments,
are heavily reliant on international
come from building attractions that are
seniority levels and nationalities
travellers; with overseas visitors
not only destinations for tourists, but
around a shared purpose, while
accounting for a significant proportion
places that remain meaningful to the
creating experiences that built
of annual footfall. Any disruption to
communities around them.
relationships far beyond the workplace.
international travel can therefore have
always be fundamental to any
2
Most recently, I led the transformation
3
economy; I believe the industry
of employee engagement and
incredibly exciting period for tourism
has an opportunity to build greater
organisational culture within an a fast-
and entertainment; with significant
resilience by looking closer to home.
paced visitor attraction, employing
investment continuing across the
Venues need to find more sustainable
more than 48 nationalities. I have
wider region. As more destinations and
ways of maintaining momentum
always believed that exceptional guest
attractions enter the market, I believe
throughout the year, by creating
experiences begin with the people
the conversation will increasingly shift
reasons for residents and citizens to
delivering them.
an immediate impact on visitation and commercial performance. While international tourism will
visit, return and remain engaged -
What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?
Rather than treating employee
rather than relying on tourism peaks.
engagement as a standalone
That requires a mindset of continuous
HR initiative, we repositioned it as
evolution. Seasonal programming,
a wider organisational priority.
community outreach, cultural
Alongside recognition, wellbeing and
initiatives, educational programmes
development programmes, we created
and resident-led events, can all
opportunities for employees to come
help transform an attraction into
together through community initiatives
26
What future predictions do you have for your industry?
The Middle East is entering an
recyclingexpome.com
from what can we build next? to how
sustainability in
do we ensure what we build remains
the traditional
relevant, sustainable and commercially
sense. For that
resilient?
reason, this
AI will undoubtedly play a significant
recognition
role in that next chapter. We are
is particularly
only beginning to understand its
meaningful to
full potential. I believe we will move
me. It reinforces
towards increasingly personalised
the idea that
experiences, where technology
creating a more
allows venues to better understand
sustainable future isn’t the
individual preferences and adapt the
responsibility of one person,
visitor journey accordingly. However,
profession or industry - it requires
the challenge will be ensuring that
all of us to consider the wider impact
technology enhances experiences,
of the decisions we make.
rather than replacing the human
Having lived and worked in the
why these conversations are so important. Sustainability and circularity
UAE for more than a decade, I have
cannot exist solely within specialist
had the privilege of witnessing the
teams or sectors; the principles need to
less of a standalone initiative and
extraordinary pace at which the
influence how all of us think about the
more of a fundamental consideration
region has evolved. That growth
organisations and communities we are
in how attractions are designed and
creates incredible opportunity, but it
responsible for.
operated - from resource consumption
also gives us a responsibility to think
and procurement, to community
about longevity: how we use our
can learn from the innovation taking
engagement, workforce planning and
resources, how we develop, how we
place within recycling. Whether that
the longevity of the experiences we
engage our communities and how
is how we procure and use resources,
create.
the experiences and organisations we
reduce waste, select partners, design
4
create can continue to deliver value
or consider the long-term impact of the
What does it mean to you to
long into the future.
experiences we create.
be recognized as part of The
particularly alongside individuals doing
5
It’s the opportunity of bringing people
the real value of Recycling Expo Middle
such important work across so many
together from industries that may not
East is bringing different industries
different industries and disciplines.
ordinarily find themselves in the same
together to explore what we can learn
My career has primarily been
room. I don’t come from the recycling
from one another, and how those ideas
industry, and I think that is precisely
can translate into meaningful action.
element. Sustainability will also become
Circular 100 Middle East?
It is a genuine honour to be recognised as part of the Circular 100 Middle East,
built around people, rather than
There is an enormous amount we
The Middle East is developing at
What benefits do you think
such a rapid pace, and with that comes
there are to attending The
the opportunity to ensure sustainability
Recycling Expo Middle East?
is embedded into that growth. For me,
27
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