SACM - United Kingdom
Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://drepo.sdl.edu.sa/handle/20.500.14154/9667
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Item Restricted A Study of Domestic and Inbound Tourism Trends in Saudi Arabia(Saudi Digital Library, 2026) ALSAAD, MANSOUR FAHAD; Atefeh, KhazaeiDomestic Tourism , Inbound Tourism , Saudi Arabia , Tourism Trends , Data Analytics , Tourism Analysis5 0Item Restricted Science teachers’ perceptions of, and requirements regarding I-STEM in Saudi Arabia(Saudi Digital Library, 2026) Alahmari, Amal Dhafer A; Lindsay, Hetherington; Victoria, WongAbstract Universally, i-STEM is one of the most rapidly expanding sectors of educational reform. Following Saudi Arabia's establishment, the educational system has undergone numerous reform initiatives to enhance the quality of instruction and the learning experience of students. The issue of how to prepare teachers to use innovative approaches in science education is one of the key challenges confronting the educational system in Saudi Arabia. Regrettably, it has been implemented in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia without a comprehensive explanation of its objectives, objectives, and framework of application. I-STEM is widely acknowledged as a method of enhancing science curricula; however, its precise implications remain uncertain, as any intervention or modification in any of the subjects related to science, mathematics, engineering, or technology can be considered a i-STEM implementation. The objective of this research study is to examine the instructional practices and perceptions of teachers regarding the science curricula in order to advance i-STEM reform in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. To contribute to the enhancement of Saudi Arabia's educational system and the calibre of its students, particularly in the field of science. This can be resolved by addressing the current lacuna in the Saudi literature that has neglected to acknowledge the significance of teachers' perspectives and perceptions regarding educational matters. The study also furnishes the MOE with new information regarding significant issues that will be addressed in future educational reforms and policies. The intent of this investigation is to investigate the perspectives of science educators on i-STEM. It also endeavours to ascertain the perspectives of educators regarding the contextual factors that either facilitate or impede the implementation of this pedagogy in their educational institutions. A mixed-method design was selected as an appropriate approach to investigate the perceptions and applied instructional practices of teachers in Saudi Arabia as a preliminary step towards the implementation of i-STEM. The quantitative component of the study consisted of a questionnaire that was distributed to 126 female middle school science teachers, and the qualitative phase consisted of interviews with 15 female science teachers. The study revealed a significant degree of variation in the manner in which teachers interpreted and implemented i-STEM in their institutions. Additionally, educators implemented i-STEM activities without intending to do so. Participants believed that i-STEM was more engaging for their students than conventional subjects; however, they were limited in their planning by the diverse school regimes that governed assessment, curricula, and timetables. These structural and systemic impediments are a fundamental challenge for i-STEM. The study concludes with suggestions for the legislative reform of i-STEM education in Saudi Arabia, which will involve the reorganisation and further correlation of topics within individual STEM subjects to ensure that they align with other related subjects in the curriculum. Furthermore, there is a necessity for the coordination of teachers who teach various i-STEM disciplines, as well as the re-design and restructuring of teachers' development programs and seminars in conjunction with i-STEM training and implementation practices. In the absence of a formal i-STEM curriculum and available professional development opportunities, the significance of developing support structures that embrace a coherent and cohesive view of i-STEM is underscored by the insights from this study. These structures should be designed to accommodate variations in context, as well as teacher interest and experience.4 0Item Restricted Zero Trust Adoption in Saudi Critical Infrastructure Systems of the Energy Sector(Saudi Digital Library, 2026) ALAMRI, TARIQ; Adamos, VasileiosThis study critically examines the practicality and contextual application of Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) within Saudi Arabia’s critical energy infrastructure and develops a literature-based adoption strategy tailored to this environment. The research is motivated by the increasing cybersecurity risks associated with IT/OT convergence, smart grid expansion, and the growing reliance on interconnected energy systems under Saudi Vision 2030. A qualitative research design was adopted, based on a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) supported by PRISMA guidelines and thematic analysis following Braun and Clarke. A total of 20 high-quality studies were selected and analysed to identify key patterns related to Zero Trust principles, cybersecurity threats, and implementation challenges in energy-critical environments. The findings show that ZTA provides a strong conceptual foundation through continuous authentication, identity-based access control, micro-segmentation, and adaptive security mechanisms. However, its implementation in Saudi energy systems is constrained by technical limitations in legacy OT environments, organisational resistance, and fragmented regulatory frameworks. The study further reveals that IT/OT convergence and IoT integration significantly expand the attack surface, reinforcing the need for advanced and adaptive security models. In response, this research proposes a phased, risk-based ZTA adoption approach aligned with national cybersecurity governance frameworks and operational constraints of OT systems. The study concludes that while ZTA is highly relevant and feasible, its successful implementation requires contextual adaptation, gradual deployment, and strong organisational alignment.5 0Item Restricted Older people care in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Developing culturally appropriate and sustainable models of care(Saudi Digital Library, 2026) Alruthea, Shadi; Angus, Lam; David, Lim; Jed, MontayrePopulation ageing is increasing rapidly in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), accompanied by declining fertility rates, increasing life expectancy, and a high prevalence of chronic disease in older age. The proportion of the population aged 60 years or older is projected to reach 6.18% by 2030 and to double by 2050. Despite that, care for older people remains predominantly family-based, often supplemented by foreign live-in domestic workers, while formal long-term care services and geriatric expertise are limited and institutional care is culturally stigmatised. The aim of this PhD project was to examine options for developing culturally appropriate and sustainable models of care for older people in the KSA in the context of national health reforms and evolving family structures. This aim was addressed through one primary research question: what models of care for older people are appropriate and feasible in the KSA, given the emerging needs, national health reforms, and cultural expectations? The research was guided by three sub-questions concerning the gaps and challenges in the current care system, the barriers and enablers identified by stakeholders across system levels, and recommendations to improve care for older people in the KSA. Guided by an Islamic ethical lens and Ecological Systems Theory, this program of research is presented as a thesis-by-publication. The thesis consisted of an international literature overview, a regional scoping review, and two qualitative papers. Firstly, the international overview examined selected models of care for older people in countries with more developed care systems. This chapter identified system features relevant to the KSA, including governance, financing, service delivery, and family support. Secondly, a scoping review was conducted to map care services across the Arab Gulf countries. The review highlighted persistent gaps, including weak cross-sector coordination, a limited specialised workforce, and heavy reliance on informal care. The third study, reported across two manuscripts, was conducted using semi structured interviews with 16 stakeholders (academics, policymakers, health professionals, managers, and service providers) from the government, private and non-profit sectors in Riyadh, Qassim, Al-Baha, and Hafr Al-Batin between February and December 2024. The findings highlight significant barriers to enhancing care for older people at both the grassroots and system levels. At the grassroots level, these include workforce shortages and skills gaps, as well as infrastructure and accessibility challenges. At the system level, barriers include fragmented service arrangements and weak policy implementation. Key facilitators and recommendations for reform include workforce development, optimised infrastructure, the development of culturally appropriate care models, strengthened governance and integration across ministries and sectors, enhanced community engagement to support family caregiving, financial support for informal caregivers, and the integration of virtual health services. Overall, this PhD research suggests that sustainable care models in the KSA should prioritise integrated, community-focused services that support family caregiving while expanding formal system capacity. Furthermore, there is a need to increase the capacity of the geriatric workforce, reduce unnecessary hospital bed occupancy by long-term patients, and ensure that reform implementation aligns with culturally rooted expectations of dignity and family responsibility.11 0Item Restricted The Potential of Seawater Desalination Using Reverse Osmosis (RO) Technology in Saudi Arabia(Saudi Digital Library, 2025) Alghamdi, Khalid; Hajikazemi, SaraSeawater desalination Reverse osmosis Saudi Arabia Water scarcity Sustainable water resources6 0Item Restricted Building Cyber Resilience: Evaluating the Need for Cybersecurity Awareness Programs in Saudi Arabia's Financial Sector(Saudi Digital Library, 2026) ALosaimi, Meshari; Priscilla, BoadiThe rapid digital transformation of the financial sector in Saudi Arabia has increased exposure to cyber threats, making cybersecurity awareness among employees a critical component of organisational resilience. This study evaluates the level of cybersecurity awareness among employees in Saudi financial institutions, identifies key knowledge gaps that contribute to vulnerability, and examines how awareness programs can enhance cyber resilience. A quantitative research approach was adopted using a structured questionnaire distributed to 100 respondents across the financial sector. The collected data were analysed using Microsoft Excel to identify patterns in awareness, behaviour, and perceptions. The findings indicate that cybersecurity awareness among employees is moderate, with a strong understanding of common threats such as phishing and of the consequences. However, significant gaps exist in practical application, particularly in password practices, familiarity with policies, and consistent security behaviour. The study also reveals a mismatch between awareness and behaviour, which increases vulnerability to cyber threats. At the same time, there is strong support for cybersecurity awareness programs, especially those that are continuous, practical, and simulation-based. The study concludes that awareness alone is insufficient to ensure cybersecurity, and organisations must adopt behaviour-focused, continuous training strategies to strengthen resilience. These findings provide valuable insights for improving cybersecurity practices within the Saudi financial sector.4 0Item Restricted Towards accessibility for Rare Diseases RD(s) therapies from an international to local perspective(Saudi Digital Library, 2026) Abozaid, Ghada Mohammed; McKnight, Amy Jayne; Lohfeld, Lynne; AlOmar, Hussain ARare diseases (RDs) affect more than 450 million people worldwide, yet fewer than 10% have access to orphan drugs (ODs). Variation in how RDs and ODs are defined across countries affects clinical recognition, policy development, research priorities, and access to treatment. In Saudi Arabia (SA), health system transformation under Vision 2030 has progressed without an agreed national RD definition, whereas Northern Ireland (NI) faces access challenges within the wider UK policy and regulatory context. This thesis examined gaps and barriers to OD access and explored practical opportunities to improve access. A multi-method design was used across four linked components. First, a systematic literature review (SLR) examined global definitions of RDs, ODs, ultra-rare diseases URDs, and ultra-orphan drugs UODs. Second, a national workshop in SA used polling and thematic analysis to develop a context-specific RD definition and identify OD access challenges and solutions. Third, multistakeholder semi-structured interviews in NI explored barriers and enablers affecting OD access. Finally, a sequential explanatory mixed-methods study of the Mucopolysaccharidosis type VI (MPS VI) patient journey, using electronic medical records and interviews with MPS VI patients' parents. The SLR revealed marked heterogeneity in definitions of RD and OD, with no global consensus. In SA, 96% of workshop participants supported a hybrid qualitative-quantitative RD definition, while the access workshop highlighted the need for registries, regulatory flexibility, and sustainable funding. In NI, interviews identified diagnostic delays, fragmented procurement, and post-Brexit regulatory complexity, but also pointed to Managed Access Agreements (MAAs) and clinical networks as potential levers. The MPS VI study showed late diagnosis, fragmented referral pathways, and ongoing psychosocial burden despite government-funded enzyme replacement therapy (ERT). Overall, equitable OD access requires clearer definitions, tailored national strategies, robust registries, flexible regulation, and sustainable funding. The findings offer practical recommendations for policymakers, clinicians, and patient advocates in SA and NI.6 0Item Restricted COLD SUPPLY CHAIN VULNERABILITIES AND RISK MANAGEMENT IN THE DISTRIBUTION OF BIOLOGICS IN SAUDI ARABIA(Saudi Digital Library, 2026) Alkhelaiwi, Talal; Amin, ShohelCOLD SUPPLY CHAIN VULNERABILITIES AND RISK MANAGEMENT IN THE DISTRIBUTION OF BIOLOGICS IN SAUDI ARABIA11 0Item Unknown Revealing, Representing, and Repositioning Taif Women: Investigating Hidden Oral Histories of Folk Dance and Discontinued Ceremony Through Animation(Saudi Digital Library, 2026) Althibiti, Hend; Wells, Andrew SelbyThis practice-based study documents and reinterprets Taif folkloric traditions, particularly women’s dances and discontinued ceremony through a triangulated methodology combining ethnography, visual ethnography, and animation. While Taif’s cultural scene has been widely associated with male-centred performances, women’s roles in preparing, performing, and transmitting heritage have remained under-documented, often preserved only in oral histories held by older generations. Addressing this gap, the research asks: How might inclusive representations of Bedouin narratives concerning Taif’s folk heritage be developed within contemporary animated documentary? Secondary questions examine the cultural and creative identities of women in Taif and identify effective storytelling for representing understudied practices. The fieldwork encompassed semi-structured interviews and participant observation with men and women of Bedouin origin (aged c. 60–90 years), focusing on wedding and celebratory rituals, drumming, and dance. The thesis repositions women’s intangible cultural heritage in Taif by rendering embodied, under-documented practices through a practice-based animated documentary approach. The inquiry is theoretically anchored in a feminist standpoint and situated knowledges, which legitimise women lived experience as knowledge matching the heritage as practice view (critiquing the authorised heritage discourse) to foreground intangible, gendered traditions. Moreover, practice as research is applied to articulate creative making as a mode of inquiry. The findings demonstrate that women’s practices in Taif are preserved only in living memory and at risk of being lost. Women’s intangible culture heritage was emphasised through modernisation, education, and changing social norms. The animated documentary produced operates as both a method, and outcome offering a culturally situated representation accessible to diverse audiences.5 0Item Unknown Evaluating and Improving Outdoor User Thermal Comfort at Sacred Sites in Saudi Arabia with Reference to Arafat Mountain Area(Saudi Digital Library, 2026) Alzahrani, Ali; Gadi, MohamedThe rapid growth of urban populations and the expansion of city infrastructures in recent decades have intensified climatic challenges, worsening outdoor thermal comfort, restricting pedestrian activity, increasing energy demands and posing risks to human health. Such climatic pressures can be more critical in hot, arid climates, where extreme heat and intense solar radiation significantly affect users’ thermal experiences in open spaces. Understanding and enhancing the thermal performance of such spaces is therefore essential, particularly in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Makkah is a holy city with exceptional significance in the Islamic world; it hosts millions of pilgrims annually. Despite the city’s global importance, research systematically evaluating its outdoor thermal environment has been limited. This study evaluates the existing outdoor thermal comfort of a sacred site in Makkah’s hot, arid climate, i.e. the Arafat Mountain area, and investigates mitigation strategies to improve its microclimatic conditions. Field measurements were conducted over continuous 24-hour periods in winter and in summer to capture meteorological data under each season’s conditions; these included air temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, globe temperature, global solar radiation and ground surface temperature. The measured data assisted in developing a high-resolution model using the ENVI-met simulation tool. The model was validated against the field measurements, and sensitivity analyses were applied to ensure that the model reflected the site’s actual environmental characteristics. The validated base model was used to simulate existing conditions and a series of proposed mitigation scenarios: nine vegetation scenarios, three involving the use of cool materials, six structural shading scenarios, eight for water spray systems, and a combined scenario integrating the optimal design from each category. The performance of each scenario was evaluated by comparing hourly and daily average outputs against the base model, focusing on their influence on air temperature (AT), mean radiant temperature (MRT) and the universal thermal climate index (UTCI). The findings revealed that vegetation significantly improved daytime AT, MRT and UTCI, with higher tree densities and evenly distributed layouts providing the greatest benefits (peak UTCI reductions of up to 4.96°C in summer and 3.1°C in winter). Cool materials were ineffective due to their tendency to increase reflected shortwave solar radiation, resulting in a deterioration of outdoor thermal comfort; although summer mean AT was reduced by 1.18°C, MRT and mean UTCI increased by 4.54°C and 0.22°C, respectively. Structural shading reduced daytime outdoor thermal comfort in summer (peak UTCI reductions of up to 4.45°C) but increased overall thermal comfort in winter (mean UTCI increases of +1.85 to +2.05°C) and at night, as longwave radiation was trapped under the structural shading canopy. This highlights the diurnal and seasonal limitations of structural shading. The application of a water spray system proved the most effective single measure, particularly in summer, lowering AT and UTCI without increasing MRT (mean UTCI reductions of 3.19°C in summer and 0.82°C in winter). The combined scenario outperformed all individual strategies in summer, achieving the largest improvements across all thermal variables (mean UTCI reduction of 5.2°C, with peak hourly reductions ranging from 4.88°C to 9.82°C) and substantially lowering the number of hours of extreme heat stress (from eight hours in the base model to three hours). In winter, although the daily mean UTCI increased slightly due to higher nighttime values, midday thermal improvements were significant (UTCI reduced by up to 3.04°C), effectively eliminating peak strong heat stress conditions (from two hours in the base model to zero). Overall, this study increases understanding of how different mitigation strategies perform under Makkah’s seasonal climatic conditions, emphasising the importance of integrating multiple mitigation strategies to improve outdoor thermal comfort in such hot, arid climates. Collectively, these strategies minimise thermal stress during critical daylight hours and offer greater resilience solutions than do individual strategies. The study reinforces that the use of combined mitigation strategies would improve outdoor thermal comfort and consequently enhance Makkah’s liveability by increasing the usability of its outdoor spaces and potentially lowering health risks. The findings establish a framework for climate-sensitive urban development in hot, arid regions such as Makkah. They highlight the value of adaptable, flexible and multi-strategy approaches to outdoor thermal comfort in improving urban resilience, especially in intense heat conditions.4 0