SACM - United Kingdom
Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://drepo.sdl.edu.sa/handle/20.500.14154/9667
Browse
14 results
Search Results
Item Restricted Britain’s Stance on Saudi–Kuwaiti Relations (1897-1932)(Saudi Digital Library, 2025) Otayf, Wael Yahya; Tal, DavidThis thesis examines the politics and shifts in power between external and internal actors in the Arabian Peninsula, specifically the interactions between the leaders of Saudi Arabia (ʿAbdul ʿAziz bin ʿAbdul Rahman Al-Saʿud, the founder of the modern state of Saudi Arabia) and Kuwait (under Mubarak Al-Sabah, who ruled from 1896 to 1915, and his successors through to 1932), both in relation to each other and with the British, who were then the dominant foreign presence in the region. Previous scholarship tended to emphasise external considerations as the sole factor determining policy in the Arabian Peninsula during the early twentieth century, with the turning point in Saudi-British relations typically placed after World War I. This study addresses a gap in the literature by examining the significance of interpersonal relationships and informal diplomacy that emerged in the Gulf region in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries and examines how these shaped policy for decades to come. It finds the 1897–1915 period particularly critical to understanding Saudi-Kuwaiti-British relations, as illustrated by Mubarak's initial request for British protection in 1897 and the rise of Ibn Saʿud in 1902. Furthermore, the research focuses on Britain's stance on Saudi-Kuwaiti relations between 1897 and 1932 — that is, the role their relationship (Saudi-Kuwaiti) played in shaping and influencing British policy in the region. Thus, the research focuses more broadly on the role of Saudi-Kuwaiti relations in influencing British policy and vice versa, as well as the rise of Ibn Saʿud, whose ascent had the greatest impact on shaping these dynamics before, during, and after World War I. This research challenges prevailing assumptions about policy development and the role of local actors. By analysing primary source material in both English and Arabic, it provides a more nuanced understanding of early twentieth-century policy formation. It finds that private relationships, personal ambitions and negotiations between individuals were just as important as great power realpolitik in shaping the history of the region. It was also observed that economic considerations and border fluidity played key roles in shaping the region.17 0Item Restricted Team Decision-Making through English as a Medium of Professional Medical Communication in Doctor-Doctor Meetings in a Saudi Hospital: A multimethod discourse approach(University of Reading, 2024-08) Alahmadi, Layal; Jaworska, SylviaThis study addresses the gap in understanding decision-making (DM) as a distinct interactional genre in multilingual, multicultural healthcare teams, such as those in Saudi Arabia. While past research focused on DM in doctor-patient interactions, little is known about doctor-doctor communication, especially where English is the medium of professional medical communication (PMC). Effective DM is crucial, as miscommunication can affect patient outcomes. This study explores the language and discursive resources doctors use in team DM, offering insights for professionals and pedagogical implications for improving English medical education in Saudi Arabia, where research critiques graduates’ English without identifying practical workplace needs. A multimethod discourse approach was adopted, combining Genre Analysis (GA), Conversation Analysis (CA), and Interactional Sociolinguistics (IS). Data are weekly doctor to doctor meetings where critical decisions are made. GA revealed two DM types: unambiguous (straightforward, less frequent) and complex (more frequent, extended). Both shared core Moves: Presenting the patient, Pre-decision, Decision, and Closing. Complex DM included Decision execution details and Re-discussing patient status. Both required collective agreement. Complex DM involved elaborated turn-taking and uncertainty, expressed through hedges, hesitation, silences, and pauses prompting rationale. Findings show DM is transactional but relies on relational work. Unambiguous decisions were short and mainly in English. Complex ones used code-switching (CS) and humour. Arabic in CS and humour helped retrieve patient details, defend image, maintain solidarity, and express stress or anger under pressure. This study makes two contributions. First, it presents an authentic view of DM as shaped by hierarchy and epistemic status, which structure asymmetrical interaction and guide members within role boundaries. Second, it addresses the gap in English medical textbooks in Saudi Arabia. Data showed a mismatch between textbook and real-life interaction, limiting student preparation for workplace demands.19 0Item Restricted Exploring the factors contributing to high anxiety during recast in an online environment: insights from Saudi EFL learners’ experiences(University College London (UCL), 2025) ِِAlrefaie, Asma; Solano, VictorAbstract The study explores the factors contributing to anxiety during recasting in an online environment, as well as the attitudes and opinions of Saudi EFL learners. A total of 33 students completed the Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale (FLCAS). The EFL students were divided into high and low anxiety groups, and 6 students, both male and female, were selected to participate in semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis was used. The study identified classroom environment and recast feedback, as key contributors to anxiety. Furthermore, students' attitudes and opinions towards recast feedback in an online environment are explored. Limitations, implications, and suggestions for future research are discussed at the end of the study. This study contributes to the understanding of how recasting impacts anxiety in online EFL settings and provides insights into effective teaching practices. Key words: Recast, Anxiety, online, EFL, learners, Saudi, Oral corrective feedback27 0Item Restricted Exploring Saudi Arabia's Appeal for Foreign Direct Investm(University of Edinburgh, 2024-08-28) Gedair, Suliman; Liu, LingThis capstone project investigates the factors that make Saudi Arabia an appealing destination for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) within the framework of Vision 2030. The research evaluates the Kingdom’s strategic location, abundant natural resources, favorable regulatory reforms, and sector-specific initiatives aimed at diversifying its economy beyond oil dependence. Through a comprehensive analysis of economic, infrastructural, and policy-based factors, the study highlights Saudi Arabia’s potential to attract and sustain global investments. By examining the incentives and structural advantages provided to foreign investors, this project offers insights into Saudi Arabia’s efforts to position itself as a competitive and sustainable player in the global market.36 0Item Restricted Wearing the Abaya: Changes in Generation preferences in relation to Colour and Style(university of the arts london, 2024-09-18) Alghamdi, Ghaida; Jin Hur, YoungThe Abaya is considered an important part of all women in Saudi Arabia. In previous research, there is limited knowledge of the preferences of wearing an Abaya’s specific deigns. Regarding the new changes in Saudi. This research examines the Preferences of Generation Z and Millennials in wearing the Abaya relating to style and color. A quantitative research was conducted targeting a population women of the age 18- 43 years old. The survey measured Abaya preferences depending on style and color. Based on a local research, three styles were chosen in two different colors related to their wearing intentions. The groups were divided into two generations for a comparative analysis within and between groups. Data were analyzed by three-way ANOVA (Age, Style, and color). This study showed that Generation Z is more likely to wear the color black more than blue. Even though they showed that minimal preferences to the presented styles. On the other hand, Millennials preferred the formal style of the Abaya more than the other styles. The results of this study are expected to be used as an experimental information in various fields, such as fashion and social psychology, to expand the research area based on the fashion evolvement in relation to culture in Saudi Arabia.17 0Item Restricted How can takeover regulation aid Saudi Arabia to achieve its Saudi Vision 2030? A comparative analysis between Saudi Arabia’s Capital Market Authority Merger and Acquisition Regulation with UK’s Takeover Code(University College London, 2024-06-05) Alsebyani, Mohammed; De La Pena, FranciscoThis research presents a comparative analysis of how Saudi Arabia can amend its takeover regulations to align with the country's Vision 2030 objectives. By examining and comparing the Saudi regulatory framework with the UK Takeover Code, the study aims to provide actionable recommendations for the Saudi Capital Market Authority. Furthermore, it offers broader suggestions on how to improve the Saudi takeover code to meet international standards. This research presents a comparative analysis of how Saudi Arabia can amend its takeover regulations to align with the country's Vision 2030 objectives. By examining and comparing the Saudi regulatory framework with the UK Takeover Code, the study aims to provide actionable recommendations for the Saudi Capital Market Authority. Furthermore, it offers broader suggestions on how to improve the Saudi takeover code to meet international standards.28 0Item Restricted FACTORS INFLUENCING INFORMATION ADOPTION FROM SOCIAL MEDIA: THE CASE OF HEALTH INFORMATION IN SAUDI ARABIA.(Aston University, 2024) Almalki, Saad; Uren, Victoria; Hull, MatthewThe current study aimed to further understand attitudes toward source credibility by studying it in the context of social media use as a health information source among social media users in Saudi Arabia. During COVID-19 outbreak, the social isolation that people experienced led to social media being widely used as a medium for disseminating health information, and this has now become increasingly prevalent. Specifically, this study set out to identify which factors influenced the positive adoption of health information from social media platforms during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study adopted a mixed methods design through using an online questionnaire, incorporating a novel vignette design, to gather quantitative data, and follow- up interviews for collecting qualitative data. The designed vignettes were a set of verified and unverified profiles on social media belonging to medical and non-medical experts. Based on collecting data from 397 participants to the questionnaire and 23 interviews, interesting findings were revealed. The study provides empirical support for the influence of source characteristics as heuristics to guide information adoption. Characteristics including sources’ knowledge, qualifications, verification mark and similarity between receiver and sender influence people’s attitudes towards source credibility. Furthermore, the findings confirmed that characteristics of information/content have a significant influence on participants' use of social media platforms as a health information sources. Timeliness, completeness, relevance and accuracy, are confirmed to influence people's attitudes toward adopting health information from social media platforms. It is believed that the current study is one of the few empirical studies to have examined the factors influencing the adoption of social media information by implementing a novel vignette design within a questionnaire. Hence, this study might make a methodological contribution with regard to using vignette design within quantitative methods. Furthermore, there also practical contributions can be made to policy makers with regard to employing social media to convey health and other types of information to the Saudi population..28 0Item Restricted The Level of Intercultural Communicative Competence of Saudi Postgraduates in the UK and KSA (Comparative Study)(Newcastle University, 2024-02-12) Almeshal, Amjad; Schartner, AlinaThis doctoral thesis presents a longitudinal, comparative and mixed methods investigation of the level of intercultural communicative competence (ICC hereafter) of a Saudi sample of postgraduate students undertaking one-year taught MA degrees in English Language and Linguistics at universities in the UK and the KSA (N = 82). It also considered whether students’ study abroad motivations (SAM hereafter) influenced their ICC. Despite a considerable body of empirical research assessing students’ ICC abroad and at home, comparative mixed methods studies are rare. Furthermore, the association between SAM and ICC is seldom discussed. Therefore, the current study combined a quantitative questionnaire-based approach with a qualitative interview-based approach. The quantitative element explored the associations between a set of contributory factors (gender, prior overseas experience, occupational status, motivations to study abroad). The qualitative element was designed to monitor students’ self-reported level of ICC relative to their intercultural experiences. Data-collection took place over 8 months in three stages: Stage one (September-October) was a self-report survey to elucidate the students’ ICC and SAM; after which interviews (N = 16 volunteer participants) followed. Stage two (February) involved a second wave of interviews with the same participants. Stage three had been intended to take place at the end of the taught component (July), however, due to the potential impact of Covid-19 social restrictions on the participants’ ICC this was put forward to April/early May. For this third stage, the participants were asked to complete a self-report questionnaire to assess their ICC at the end of the academic year; they were then interviewed. The study revealed the malleability and dynamic nature of ICC, and revealed how the participants’ ICC had evolved in their 9 months in the UK, contrasting it with the cohort who studied at home. An association between the participants’ SAM and their ICC was found.36 0Item Restricted Development and Evaluation of a Low Intensity Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Intervention for Common Mental Health Problems Within Muslim Communities(University of Exeter, 2023-12-12) Alharbi, Hind Saleh M; Farrand, PaulBackground: Muslims experience the lowest recovery rate from mental health difficulties across all religious groups. However, there are many barriers at the level of Islam, Culture, systematic and provider, that prevent Muslims from access mental health treatment. Culturally adapting Low-intensity Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (LI CBT) may represent an acceptable solution. Methods: Informed by the MRC Complex Intervention framework (Skivington et al., 2021) alongside supplementary guidelines informing intervention development a Problem Solving LI CBT intervention for the treatment of depression in Sunni Muslims in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and the United Kingdom (UK) was developed. Stages I & II: Problem identification & Identification of evidence: A systematic review with a thematic synthesis was conducted to help understand the barriers that prevent adult Muslims residents in different countries from accessing psychological services and appreciate the acceptability of CBT in Muslim communities. Stage III: Determination of needs: A qualitative study (23 participants, 13 from KSA and 10 from UK) undertaken to explore suitable adaptations to CBT for Sunni Muslims in the UK and KSA. Stage IV: Modelling process and outcomes: Using the findings from Stages I – III, with input from an Islamic expert, and proof-reader helped to co-develop a Problem Solving LI CBT intervention. A qualitative study (20 participants, 9 Adult Saudi group, 3 Imams group, 8 Service related group) was also completed to refine the Problem Solving intervention to further enhance the acceptability of the intervention and inform implementation plans. Stage V: Intervention design: All results collected were used to inform final refinement of the intervention and inform the design undertaken by a professional design company with the intervention mapped using TIDieR guidelines (Hoffman et al., 2014). Results: Stage I: Four levels of barriers were identified as preventing Muslims from accessing Mental health services (Individual, Cultural, Provider, Management). Stage II: Recognised the importance of cultural adaptation to accommodate Muslim beliefs. Stage III: three groups based on acceptance of CBT and its integration with Islamic treatment appeared within Sunni Muslims in the KSA and UK, four levels of barriers (Islamic, Cultural, Individual, and Provider) were identified, in addition, LI CBT emerged as a potential solution. Stage IV: Developed a Problem Solving LI CBT intervention in Arabic for Sunni Muslims in KSA, and in English for Sunni Muslims in the UK, A qualitative study yielded three themes (Islamic, cultural, and implementation) identifying a general acceptance towards the problem solving intervention. Stage V: Described the Problem Solving LI CBT intervention mapped using TIDieR guidelines. Conclusions: This PhD developed a Problem Solving LI CBT intervention based on a deep understanding of Sunni Muslims in the KSA and UK, and highlighted the important of understanding differences between Muslim communities based on the different culture and Islamic sects.17 0Item Restricted Exploring Teachers’ Beliefs and Practice Regarding Children’s Creativity in Visual Art from Three to Six Years Old in Riyadh, The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia(University of Leeds, 2023-12-01) Aldosari, Dimah Hamad M; Clarke, PaulaThis qualitative study aimed to explore preschool teachers’ beliefs and practices regarding preschool children’s creativity in the visual arts in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia has neither a programme at preschool nor a university course designed to support children’s creativity, which could pose a problem for preschool teachers when defining what creativity is and how to support it. The research was based on the theories of Bourdieu, Bronfenbrenner and Vygotsky (Bourdieu, 2010; Vygotsky, 1979; Bronfenbrenner, 1979; 2005; Routledge, 2016; Harkonen, 2007; Thuketana and Westhof, 2018; Reunamo et al., 2014), which assert that cultures and societies have an influence on children’s development, especially their creativity. For this case study, three methods were developed and applied in four sequential phases with 11 teachers in three cases of preschools in Riyadh. The methods were semi-structured interviews (first and fourth phases), observation (second phase), and a photography task (third phase). The study revealed that the teachers agreed that children’s development is influenced by their culture and society. However, the teachers were uncertain about the definition of ‘creativity’. Teachers’ beliefs led their practice in supporting the creativity of the children, which reflected several barriers that teachers face, some of which are not easy to overcome. These barriers were a source of inspiration for the teachers to discern what to advise policymakers. This research can help educators to explore definitions of children’s creativity and support it with the use of the observation schedule developed in this study to observe children’s creativity. It can also help teachers define what policymakers could provide for them to support children’s creativity in preschools. Finally, this research could inform further studies in the area of creativity, especially through the use of the methods developed for this study as there may be a lack of applicable research methods related to this subject.35 0