Saudi Cultural Missions Theses & Dissertations
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Item Restricted The Role of Blockchain Technology in Enhancing Transparency in Government Procurements in Saudi Arabia(Saudi Digital Library, 2025) Baajajah, khadijh; Christidis, ArisPublic procurement is one of the most legally significant spheres of state activity. It accounts for a substantial proportion of public expenditure and serves as a central mechanism through which governments deliver goods, services and infrastructure. Beyond its fiscal importance, procurement is also a governance tool, as it directly shapes public trust in state institutions and serves as a benchmark for accountability and integrity. In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, procurement reform has been elevated as a cornerstone of Vision 2030, the country’s national strategy for socioeconomic transformation. A well-functioning procurement system is considered essential to achieving transparency, accountability and efficiency in public resource management, thereby supporting both fiscal discipline and governance modernisation. Within this framework, the Government Tenders and Procurement Law (GTPL) provides the principal legal architecture for regulating tendering and contracting. Its objectives include securing value for public funds, promoting fair competition, ensuring equal opportunities for bidders and embedding transparency across all stages of the procurement cycle. Transparency, in particular, is the decisive principle: it is recognised internationally – through instruments such as the World Trade Organization Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA), the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) Model Law on Public Procurement and the recommendations of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) – as the primary safeguard against corruption and the precondition for fair competition and accountability. Weaknesses in transparency create systemic vulnerabilities that can be exploited for corrupt practices, a challenge Saudi Arabia has sought to address through legislative reform and international cooperation. However, despite these advances, Saudi procurement processes continue to face practical and institutional challenges. Gaps in consistency, oversight and accessibility risk undermining fiscal stability and public trust. These concerns are especially acute given their implications for alignment with Vision 2030, which expressly prioritises procurement reform, digitalisation and integrity in public administration as foundations of sustainable development. Against this backdrop, the integration of blockchain technology has emerged as a potential mechanism for strengthening transparency in procurement. It is increasingly viewed as a tool that could mitigate entrenched risks and foster greater accountability. Yet, the technology also raises unresolved legal questions that require careful regulatory consideration. Therefore, this research examines the impact of blockchain technology on enhancing transparency within Saudi Arabia’s procurement framework by analysing the GTPL and related regulations and then identifying structural gaps and practical vulnerabilities and assessing how blockchain may be leveraged to address them. The paper further argues that Saudi Arabia’s digital maturity and reform trajectory position the Kingdom as a particularly significant case study for exploring how emerging technologies may be embedded into procurement law and governance. To the best of the researcher’s knowledge, no dedicated legal scholarship in Saudi Arabia has examined blockchain technology’s potential to enhance transparency within the framework of the GTPL. Although the principles of procurement transparency and integrity have been extensively addressed in the international literature and blockchain’s application to procurement has been analysed in other jurisdictions, Saudi legal research has not yet explored this intersection. Thus, the current study contributes to domestic legal discourse by situating blockchain within the Kingdom’s procurement framework while also adding to comparative scholarship by examining an under-researched jurisdiction and offering insights relevant to both national reform and the broader development of international procurement governance.8 0Item Restricted Assessing the Societal Impact of Using Green Energy Technologies in Smart City Projects of KSA(Saudi Digital Library, 2025) Alotaibi, Yazeed; Volpe, RobertoThe project focuses on the societal impact of Green Energy Technologies (GETs) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The data has been collected through a Questionnaire Survey to address the research objectives. The project used descriptive analysis to present quantitative findings using SPSS. The data analysis based on 60 samples found that the people of KSA are in favour of using GETs in order to save the environment, raise living standards and development of the country. A total of 88% respondents agreed that GETs can improve productivity, economic growth and social health in the country. The study has also proven that GETs are crucial for society's well-being, as about 86% study population agreed. Moreover, the project outcome is in favour of using GETs in the country. On the other hand, there are still a few people who think that GETs can have some negative impacts on society, which could be a potential hurdle in the way of using GETs. The study recommends that the government and relevant stakeholders should provide more guidance and awareness to society on GETs.49 0Item Restricted The Saudi Stock Market Reaction to, and Valuation of, IFRS Reconciliation Adjustments.(University of Dundee, 2025) Almutlaq, Abdullah; Fifield, Suzanne; Kourtzidis, StavrosA significant change in Saudi Arabia over the last decade was the mandatory adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). The conversion to reporting under IFRS required listed companies to publish reconciliation statements between the previous Saudi Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (S-GAAP) and IFRS, as mandated by IFRS 1. IFRS was established to meet the global economy's demand for high-quality and transparent financial reporting, and to harmonise financial reporting practices and address challenges from variations in accounting practices across different financial and legal systems, and cultures. The extant literature on IFRS adoption, market response, and value relevance has primarily concentrated on the European context. However, there is a need for research regarding IFRS adoption in Saudi Arabia. The country unique characteristics, such as its high reliance on oil revenue and its Vision 2030 initiative to diversify its economy underscore the need for adopting IFRS. Challenges like necessary changes to financial reporting systems and cultural barriers complicate this transition, which may impact market responses and the relevance of financial information. Consequently, this thesis seeks to fill this gap by examining (i) how the Saudi stock market responded to the release of IFRS reconciliation statements; and (ii) how the level of value relevance has developed over time. The aim of the current study is threefold. First, the study determines how market participants reacted to the mandatory adoption of IFRS, using a sample of 150 companies listed on the Saudi stock market during the period 2017 to 2019. Studies suggest that investors' perceptions of IFRS adoption are affected by their expectations of the future benefits and costs associated with IFRS adoption (Comprix et al., 2003; Daske et al., 2008; Armstrong et al., 2010; Joos and Leung, 2013). The findings show that the market reacted positively to IFRS adoption, suggesting that investors perceived it as being beneficial. However, for some sectors, the reaction to the publication of IFRS Reconciliation Statements was negative, and suggested that some information leakage may have occurred. Second, and building on the foundation established in the first empirical chapter, this thesis analyses the value relevance of IFRS using a sample of 105 listed companies for the three years before and after the adoption of IFRS in Saudi Arabia. The findings indicate that adopting IFRS enhanced the value relevance of accounting information, as demonstrated by an increase in explanatory power following the implementation. Third, the thesis examines the impact of IFRS adoption on accounting quality in Saudi Arabia by utilising three accounting quality models, using a comprehensive dataset of 101 listed firms over the period 2014 to 2020. The findings reveal that IFRS adoption improves certain aspects of accounting quality, including earnings persistence, and earnings smoothing. These results contribute to the ongoing discussion about the effects of IFRS adoption on financial markets and accounting practices in emerging economies. As such, the thesis offers valuable insights for policymakers, standard-setters, and financial statement users in Saudi Arabia and other developing countries that are considering similar regulatory changes. The findings of this study have important implications. They support Saudi Arabia's transition to IFRS, showing a positive stock market reaction that suggests investors see benefits in this adoption. This may encourage regulators to tailor standards to user needs. In addition, the stock market reaction may indicate how investors in other developing countries view IFRS modifications, offering insights for policymakers in similar economies. Finally, the thesis reveals that adopting IFRS in Saudi Arabia has enhanced certain aspects of accounting quality, indicating that the standards meet some objectives.10 0Item Restricted Understanding the Impact of Adopting Information Management Systems (IMS) on Firm Performance in Saudi Arabian SMEs(American University of Bahrain, 2025) Alhajouj, Asama; Mohammed, LaylaThis study explores how adopting Information Management Systems (IMS) influences the performance of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Saudi Arabia. Using a qualitative approach based on semi-structured interviews with SME managers across multiple sectors, the research identifies key benefits such as enhanced operational efficiency, improved decision-making, better customer satisfaction, cost reduction, and competitive advantage. It also highlights major challenges including financial constraints, technical barriers, organizational resistance, cultural factors, and industry-specific needs. The findings emphasize that successful IMS adoption requires strategic planning, employee training, phased implementation, and collaboration with experts. The study contributes to the limited literature on IMS adoption among Saudi SMEs and provides practical recommendations for overcoming barriers and enhancing firm performance.4 0Item Restricted Female entrepreneurship in Saudi Arabia Bricolage, resilience, and sociocultural context under Vision 2030(Faten Mohsen Alotaibi, 2025) Alotaibi, Faten Mohsen; Cotterell, Dafydd; Jones, Paul; Pickernell, DavidIn recent years, Saudi Arabia has undergone major economic and social reform under Saudi Vision 2030, which targets greater inclusion of women in the entrepreneurial landscape. Despite these shifts, female entrepreneurs, particularly those managing low-resilience resource-constrained small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), continue to face challenges. This thesis explores the experiences of 20 female entrepreneurs in Saudi Arabia to examine the challenges, opportunities, and institutional support mechanisms shaping their experience of running a business. Drawing on culture theory, institutional theory, and resource bricolage theory, the thesis investigates how women mobilise cultural capital, informal networks, and adaptive strategies to navigate financial, regulatory, and sociocultural constraints. The analysis is based on qualitative methodology, with semi-structured interviews and reflexive thematic analysis used to uncover themes across participants’ experiences. The findings indicate that cultural and network bricolage are critical for female entrepreneurs to overcome systemic limitations. Informal support systems, including family and community networks, are identified as essential for access to finance, mentorship, and operational resilience. However, challenges remain in accessing formal capital, navigating bureaucratic processes, and overcoming entrenched gender norms. The thesis also reveals the inadequacy of current policy frameworks. In response, several practical and social implications of this research are highlighted. On a practical level, gender-sensitive financial instruments, structured mentorship programmes, and inclusive regulatory reforms are proposed as solutions. These elements are crucial to foster resilience and sustainability among female-led SMEs. On a social level, the thesis shows the importance of these measures for ensuring that Saudi Arabia achieves its Vision 2030 goals, not only by increasing women’s economic involvement but also by changing their social prospects within this unique sociocultural and economic context. Ultimately, this thesis contributes to understanding how entrepreneurship is embedded in the Saudi sociocultural context. Moreover, it offers a framework for empowering female entrepreneurs to become key agents of economic diversification and national development under Vision 2030. In presenting its findings and implications, this thesis offers a valuable and original in-depth discussion of the challenges, drivers, and unique features of this specific type of entrepreneurship, with potential ramifications that extend beyond the chosen developing-country context of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under Vision 2030.15 0Item Restricted The Role of Islamic Culture Curriculum in Saudi Universities in Promoting Women’s Rights(Saudi Digital Library, 2025) Bajabir, Salwa Saeed; Brown, KatherineDespite the legal and educational reforms under Vision 2030, this research argues that a gap remains between policy advancements and societal awareness of women's rights principles in Islam (WRPI) among Saudi University students. Through a qualitative case study at a leading Saudi University, including content analysis and semi-structured interviews, this research explores how the Islamic Cultural Curriculum (ICC) influences women students' perceptions of their rights. This study integrates Freire's Critical Pedagogy and Tibbitt's Human Rights Education models to advocate for a transformative approach incorporating gender justice and peace education in line with Islamic principles. Findings reveal that the ICC content and teaching strategies contain a blend of preaching, indoctrination, and marginalisation of women's agency as rights holders in the Islamic framework. The analysis explores how the current ICC discourages critical engagement instead of promoting discussion and reflection, reinforcing hierarchical gender norms through rigid teaching methods and structure that presents knowledge as static and unquestionable. As these findings contradict WRPI, this research suggests that applying the foundation (Al-Taʾṣīl) methodology within a critical, dialogical framework can reconcile WRPI with contemporary gender issues, needs and rights. Overall, this research provides a multidisciplinary analysis of the Islamic approach to women's rights, transformational higher education, and gender justice.31 0Item Restricted The Role of the Private Sector in Delivering Sustainable Economic Development in Rentier States (The case of Saudi Arabia)(Saudi Digital Library, 2025) Almabadi, Tahani; Bradshaw, MichaelThe energy system transformation presents challenges for all countries, but rentier states face a unique vulnerability, as their entire economic structure depends on resource rents. While these states are accustomed to economic volatility and have experience in managing it, the energy transformation represents a long-term existential threat to the sustainability of their current economic model, effectively imposing a deadline for economic diversification efforts. The rentier state’s response to the energy system transformation presents challenges to many oil- and gas- producing countries in terms of their current domestic rentier arrangements and their path toward sustainable future economic growth. Despite the challenges associated with the energy system transformation, it presents Gulf rentier states with an opportunity for policy reform and economic diversification—an objective they have pursued for decades with only limited success. The response of these countries to the energy system transformation is crucial not only for the sustainability of their own development but also because of their role as major players in global oil and gas markets, particularly as demand begins to fall and the implications that has for global energy security. This study examines the role of the private sector in encouraging economic diversification to promote a more sustainable economic development model in a specific category of non-Western economies: the rentier states of the Gulf. Drawing from a range of qualitative data, including documentary analysis, business interviews, questionnaires, and focus groups with young Saudis, the findings of this study exemplify the critical role of the state in shaping economic transformation. The findings indicate that slower progress in fiscal diversification reflects the continued reliance of both the economy overall and the private sector on government expenditure. This means such states continue to be highly vulnerable to the risks posed by the global energy transformation. The emergent model is likely to be a mixed economy that remains engaged with hydrocarbons through the Circular Carbon Economy model while incorporating elements of private sector development alongside a degree of state control. While the state appears aware of the demographic pressures and associated risks, its current policies and the top-down imposition of a new social contract have yet to deliver meaningful employment that meets the aspirations of the large, young, educated population. This study deepens our understanding of how resource-abundant economies navigate the challenges posed by energy system transformation. It provides a broader perspective on the transformation of economic systems and the potential emergence of a distinct model of state capitalism in rentier states. It also provides an understanding of youth perspectives, social implications and the aspirations and attitudes of job seekers toward private sector employment and entrepreneurship.12 0Item Restricted Faith-Based Humanitarianism: The Role of Islamic Values in Shaping Saudi Arabia's Regional Aid Strategy(Saudi Digital Library, 2025) Alsubaie, Faisal; Nthakomwa, MartinThis project investigates how Islamic values shape Saudi Arabia’s humanitarian aid strategy by analysing the historical evolution, strategic deployment, and operational dynamics of its flagship agency, King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSRelief). Drawing on a wide range of secondary sources, the research explores the intersection of faith, statecraft, and governance in the Kingdom’s aid practices. It finds that while KSRelief is framed in the language of Islamic ethics, zakat, sadaqah, and ummah, its institutional design is largely driven by geopolitical interests, global diplomacy, and soft power aims. The study critically examines the tension between ethical rhetoric and strategic execution, revealing that Islamic references are often instrumentalised rather than embedded in practice. In conflict settings such as Yemen, this dissonance becomes especially pronounced, raising concerns about ethical coherence and legitimacy. Moreover, the research highlights a lack of robust governance mechanisms, including limited community participation and independent oversight. Through thematic and conceptual analysis, supported by visual frameworks, the project challenges the assumption that state-led Islamic humanitarianism automatically translates into faith-consistent outcomes. I. Recommendations urge institutional reforms: integrating third-party audits, establishing participatory frameworks such as local zakat boards, disentangling aid from strategic interests, and ensuring Arabic-language transparency. These steps aim to realign Saudi humanitarian practice with the ethical foundations it invokes, fostering greater accountability and effectiveness in serving vulnerable populations.33 0Item Restricted The Lived Experience of Working Mothers Who Intended to Continue Exclusive Breastfeeding Upon the Return to Work in Saudi Arabia: An Interpretative Phenomenology Analysis Study(Trinity College Dublin, 2025) Alsulimani, Manar; Hughes, Mary; Gallagher, LouiseBackground: The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for infants during their first six months of life. A mother’s ability to maintain the EBF for the recommended duration is often impacted by obstacles such as returning early to employment. Previous research has identified a lack of lactation facilities and short maternity leave as factors that contribute to the early cessation of EBF. A review of the literature underscored the need for additional research to examine the EBF experiences of working mothers following their return to work. Additionally, there is a lack of studies investigating factors influencing the EBF practices of working mothers in Saudi Arabia who returned to work before six months post-partum. Aim: The study aimed to explore the lived experiences of Saudi working mothers who intended to continue EBF upon their return to work after paid maternity leave. Methods: Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) framework was used, to explore the experiences of 14 Saudi working mothers in the health and education sectors. Participants, who had between ten to twelve weeks of maternity leave, were interviewed between March and May 2022 using purposive and snowball sampling. All participants had intended to continue EBF for up to six months after returning to work. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, and IPA was utilised for data analysis. The study received ethical approval from TCD, UQU, MCH, and the General Administration of Education in Saudi Arabia. Findings: Three key themes emerged: i) Navigating EBF; ii) The Realities of EBF After Returning to Work; and iii) Resilience in Longer EBF Journeys. The study identified policy gaps, inadequate breastfeeding facilities, and inflexible breastfeeding breaks as significant barriers to continuing EBF. However, most participants who prolonged their EBF journey despite workplace barriers demonstrated strong commitment and resilience, significantly driven by their faith in Allah, the support of their social networks, and proactive strategic planning. Conclusion: This study makes a several unique contributions to Saudi literature and adds to the existing body of international research. It enhances understanding of the EBF experiences of working mothers in the distinct context of Saudi Arabia, highlighting the need for a comprehensive strategy to support EBF working mothers in the country. This includes addressing workplace challenges, implementing supportive workplace policies, strengthening healthcare support, normalising EBF within families and society through raising awareness to facilitate a smoother transition for EBF working mothers returning to work after maternity leave.16 0Item Restricted Design and Pilot Testing of a Mobile Health Application for the Chronic Care of Sickle Cell Disease in Adolescents and Young Adults in Saudi Arabia: Mixed Methods Study(Saudi Digital Library, 2025) Almarzooq, Fatimah; Pitt, Victoria; Inder, Kerry; Alqudah, Muhammad; Gollapalli, MohammedBackground Saudi Arabia has one of the highest burdens of sickle cell disease, leading to significant healthcare challenges and profoundly affecting the lives of individuals and families. This has been linked to the high prevalence of consanguineous marriage. The adolescent and young adult sickle cell disease-related mortality rate in Saudi Arabia is relatively high, due to a lack of an adolescent self-management transition program to adulthood care. Research on mobile health applications for adolescents and young adults living with sickle cell disease in Saudi Arabia is limited. This thesis explores the design of a mobile health application for adolescents and young adults living with sickle cell disease and evaluates its impact on health-related quality of life, self-management practices, and coping strategies for stressors. Aim The aim of this study was to design, develop and pilot test a mobile health application based on the electronic health enhanced chronic care model for adolescents and young adults living with sickle cell disease in Saudi Arabia referred to as the SCD-care app; evaluate the usability and feasibility of the SCD-care app; and compare health-related quality of life, self-management practices, and coping strategies for stressors pre and post-use of the SCD-care app. Methods This pilot study used an explanatory sequential mixed method design conducted in one Saudi government-funded teaching hospital in the city of Al Khobar in Saudi Arabia. After designing and developing the SCD-care application, pre- and post-intervention quantitative surveys were administered to assess health-related quality of life, self-management practices, and coping strategies for stressors among consenting adolescent and young adults with sickle cell disease. Correlational analyses were used to analyse the quantitative findings. Qualitative in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants post-intervention and analysed thematically. Further evaluation was conducted on the usability and feasibility of the application. Results from the two methods were integrated and discussed to inform the recommendations for policy, practice and future research. Results The SCD-care app demonstrated a significant positive impact on adolescents and young adults with sickle cell disease in Saudi Arabia. Of 93 potential participants, 53 completed the pre-intervention phase, with 43 completing all study phases. Ten adolescent and young adults participated in the qualitative phase. Quantitative findings showed statistically significant improvements in health-related quality of life, self-management practices, and coping strategies for stressors. Participants reported a 25% increase in overall health-related quality of life post-intervention (p<0.001), with gains in domains such as social functioning, energy, emotional well-being, and general health prescription. Self-management practices improved markedly, with participants 3.4 times more likely to practice self-management post-intervention (p=0.004). Additionally, coping strategies shifted toward active coping, with significant reductions in maladaptive coping, including denial (p=0.014) self-blame (p=0.008) and substance use (p=0.028). The application demonstrated high usability as evidenced by satisfaction scores, while quantitative evaluation of feasibility faced limitations due to server data loss. Qualitative analysis supported these findings, with participants highlighting the app’s usability and supportive features, particularly the reminder functions and educational content. Participants reported increased confidence in managing their condition and made design related suggestions. Themes emerging from qualitative exploration of the usability and feasibility of the SCD-care app included usability and supportiveness. Overall, the SCD-care app enhanced health-related quality of life, self-management practices, and coping with stressors among adolescents and young adults with sickle cell disease in Saudi Arabia. This study’s limitations include its single-hospital setting, small sample size, and non-randomised design, which may affect the generalisability of the findings. There were challenges in participant recruitment and the short duration of the pilot. Conclusion This study successfully designed, developed and piloted the SCD-care app, demonstrating its potential to enhance general well-being for adolescents and young adults with sickle cell disease in Saudi Arabia. Guided by the electronic health chronic care model and an explanatory sequential mixed method approach, the findings demonstrated statistically significant improvements across dimensions of health-related quality of life, self-management practices, and coping strategies and identified the application as a usable tool for addressing the diverse challenges associated with managing sickle cell disease.10 0