Saudi Cultural Missions Theses & Dissertations
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Item Restricted From Religious Legitimacy to Cultural Nationhood: How Vision 2030 Coordinates the Reconstruction of Saudi Identity Through Heritage, Architecture, and the Creative Economy(Saudi Digital Library, 2025) Alotaibi, Layla; Acikgoz, GizemThis thesis examines how Saudi Arabia deploys culture as a strategic instrument of governance, identity construction, and soft power under Vision 2030. It addresses a gap in existing scholarship that often treats cultural reform as symbolic or externally oriented, rather than as a tightly coordinated state project entrenched within institutional systems. The central argument is that Vision 2030 represents a shift in Saudi legitimacy. This shift is from an overwhelming reliance on religious authority toward a diversified cultural and nationalist framework that operates domestically and internationally. Methodologically, the thesis employs qualitative analysis of policy documents, institutional structures, cultural initiatives, along with case studies on AlUla, the Saudi Architecture Characters Map Initiative, and the creative economy industry. The findings demonstrate that Saudi cultural governance is highly centralized and deliberate, shaping national identity through curated heritage narratives, spatial and aesthetic regulation, and institutionalized cultural production. The thesis concludes that culture under Vision 2030 functions as a form of symbolic governance, revealing both the generative power and selective limits of state-led cultural transformation.20 0Item Restricted IPO Governance in Saudi Arabia's Energy Sector: Legal Structures, Compliance, and Reform under Vision 2030(Saudi Digital Library, 2025) Aljohani, Mohammed; Nigro, CasimiroThis thesis examines the legal and institutional dimensions of initial public offerings (IPOs) in Saudi Arabia’s energy sector, with a focus on how corporate governance, compliance, and ESG mechanisms are formalized within state-owned enterprises (SOEs) undergoing partial market exposure. IPOs in this context are not solely financial transactions but are also instruments of institutional transformation—tools that enable alignment with international standards while accommodating sovereign policy priorities. Employing a doctrinal legal methodology supported by a case study of Saudi Aramco, the research investigates how statutory provisions, Capital Market Authority regulations, and corporate governance codes shape the IPO process, particularly in relation to board independence, disclosure obligations, and sustainability oversight. The findings reveal that although the Saudi regulatory framework demonstrates formal convergence with global governance norms, its implementation reflects selective adaptation, shaped by the continued presence of state ownership through entities such as the Public Investment Fund. The thesis further explores how IPO governance structures are designed to advance transparency, investor confidence, and ESG integration, while retaining flexibility for national development strategies under Vision 2030. In doing so, it contributes to corporate governance literature by offering a nuanced understanding of hybrid regulatory models, where public-sector priorities and market-facing reforms coexist. Ultimately, the study argues that IPOs in Saudi Arabia’s energy sector function as calibrated mechanisms of governance modernization, balancing legal compliance, institutional credibility, and sovereign interests, rather than serving as vehicles of full privatization or market liberalization.7 0Item Restricted Environmental Impact Assessment of Solid Waste Management in Saudi Arabia: Challenges and Opportunities(Saudi Digital Library, 2025) Almutairi, Mohammed; Barker, Adam; Lauwerijssen, RachelThis study examines the environmental impacts of solid waste management in Saudi Arabia, focusing on the country’s continued dependence on landfilling, limited recycling, and the slow adoption of waste-to-energy (WtE) technologies. These challenges contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, environmental pollution, and inefficient resource use. The research evaluates the performance of current waste-management strategies, identifies operational, policy, and technological gaps, and proposes solutions aligned with international best practices. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining document analysis with survey data collected from practitioners, policymakers, and academics. Descriptive statistics were used to assess operational effectiveness and policy performance, while thematic analysis provided deeper qualitative insights. Findings show that Saudi Arabia generates more than 15 million tons of municipal solid waste annually, exceeding global per-capita averages. While waste collection is perceived as moderately efficient, source segregation remains low, and recycling systems are still in early development. Barriers to implementing WtE include high costs, infrastructure limitations, and low public awareness. The study concludes that improving policy coordination, strengthening enforcement, and investing in technological innovation are essential to achieving Vision 2030 goals. It recommends expanding recycling infrastructure, increasing WtE initiatives, and enhancing public awareness to support a circular and sustainable waste-management system in Saudi Arabia.6 0Item Restricted A Case Study on National Branding via X: The Role of Government Public Relation Accounts in Shaping Saudi Youth Attitudes Towards Saudi Vision 2030(Saudi Digital Library, 2025) Saad, Albaqami; Marcus, MessnerThis study investigated how Saudi government public relations accounts on X influence Saudi youth perceptions of Vision 2030 as a national brand. It aimed to determine whether exposure to official digital communication strengthens awareness, national pride, and engagement among youth audiences, and to evaluate how message alignment, interactivity, and credibility shape their perceptions and participation. The research relied on two theoretical frameworks. Agenda Setting Theory explains how repeated exposure to official content influences public priorities, while Nation Branding Theory examines how state-led communication shapes national identity, legitimacy, and public attachment to national transformation initiatives. A mixed methods sequential explanatory design supported the achievement of the study objectives. The quantitative phase used an online survey completed by 400 Saudi youth aged 18 to 35 from both local universities and Saudi students studying in the United States. The qualitative phase included semi-structured interviews with ten participants selected from the survey pool to provide deeper interpretations of the patterns identified in the quantitative results. Quantitative analysis explored relationships between exposure to government communication, perception, engagement behavior, and national pride. Qualitative analysis used a thematic approach to identify recurring meanings that illustrated how youth interpret and experience Vision 2030 communication on X. The results showed that youth hold strong awareness of Vision 2030, positive perceptions of government communication efforts, and a high sense of national pride associated with official messaging. Message alignment with youth aspirations played an important role in shaping perception and emotional connection. Youth who interacted more frequently with official content tended to express stronger attachment and identification with Vision 2030. Differences appeared between participants inside Saudi Arabia and those living abroad, with domestic students showing higher levels of behavioral engagement and international students demonstrating wider interpretive diversity. The qualitative findings identified four core themes. Empowerment, national pride, digital participation, and cautious trust highlighted how youth view Vision 2030 as both a personal and collective reform initiative that connects individual ambition with national progress. The integration of both data strands confirmed strong convergence between numerical and narrative evidence. The findings showed that youth feel emotionally connected to Vision 2030 but may limit behavioral participation because of cultural expectations and limited opportunities for dialogic engagement on official platforms. Most of the proposed hypotheses were supported, affirming that government digital communication plays an important role in enhancing awareness, national unity, and emotional identification among Saudi youth. The study offers practical implications for improving government communication strategies. Authentic content, clear alignment with youth values, and interactive communication practices help build trust and increase participation. A communication style that reflects local cultural expectations while also appealing to global digital norms strengthens credibility and inclusivity. Several limitations were recognized. The sample does not represent all Saudi youth, the focus on a single platform excludes behavior on other digital channels, and the cross-sectional design captures perceptions from only one moment in Vision 2030’s timeline. Future research should use longitudinal and cross-platform designs to examine how youth engagement evolves as national communication strategies expand. This study contributes to communication and nation branding scholarship by demonstrating how digital government communication shapes public perception, emotional identity, and national unity. It presents a Saudi case model that shows how agenda-setting and nation-branding principles interact within a digital governance environment and provides evidence-based recommendations to enhance message resonance, transparency, and interactivity to support greater youth participation in Vision 2030.36 0Item Restricted The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Supply Chain Optimization in Saudi Arabia(Saudi Digital Library, 2025) AlQahtani, Abdullah Saeed; Khobzi, HamidThis dissertation examines the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on supply chain optimization in Saudi Arabia, with particular emphasis on its alignment with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 objectives. AI technologies such as machine learning, predictive analytics, robotic process automation, and the Internet of Things are increasingly recognized for their potential to enhance efficiency, resilience, and sustainability within supply chain operations. However, despite growing national interest, empirical research focusing on AI adoption in the Saudi supply chain context remains limited. The study adopts a qualitative, interpretivist approach based on multiple secondary case studies drawn from peer-reviewed literature published between 2020 and 2025. The analysis is guided by the Technology–Organization–Environment (TOE) framework, supported by the Supply Chain Operations Reference (SCOR) model, to examine both adoption drivers and process-level applications across key sectors, including telecommunications, healthcare, manufacturing, and national mega-projects. Findings indicate that AI adoption in Saudi supply chains is most advanced in planning, forecasting, and logistics delivery, while challenges persist in system integration, data quality, workforce readiness, and organizational resistance to change. Environmental factors such as Vision 2030 initiatives and government support act as strong enablers, although adoption remains concentrated among large organizations and flagship projects. The study concludes that while AI has significant potential to transform Saudi supply chains, its full benefits depend on improved digital integration, skills development, and supportive policy frameworks.32 0Item Restricted An Evaluation of the Transformation of the Public Libraries in Saudi Arabia – Focusing on their Services, Staff, and Patrons.(Saudi Digital Library, 2025) Alshehri, Danea; Aarti, SehgalBackground. Saudi Vision 2030 prioritizes rethinking public libraries as vibrant cultural, learning, and digital engagement centers from passive repository spaces. While flagship centers such as Ithra Library and King Fahad National Library are upgraded, there is minimal empirical work that explores how reforms are experienced by users and workers, particularly in community and regional centers. Aims. The research assesses the effect of Vision 2030 reforms on Saudi public libraries in terms of services, staff role, and user interaction, and measures alignment with cultural and educational goals. Methods. A mixed-methods approach combined a bilingual online user survey (n = 54) with a managerial survey of three senior library system leaders. Saudi public libraries were purposely selected to include flagship, regional, and community libraries. Quantitative data were analyzed with descriptive analysis, whereas qualitative responses were analyzed thematically using Institutional Change Theory and Public Sphere Theory. Results. User responses revealed high reliance on legacy services (book lending 20.83%), followed by study/group rooms (13.89%) and digital services (12.5%). Low attendance at cultural events was reported (43% fewer than three times yearly; 28% never). Positive individual and social impact was realized by 50% of the respondents; 83% of the respondents valued staff support. Managerial data corroborated core service stability, cultural programming increase, and high staff development, but commented on uneven innovation facilities and low digital literacy programs. Conclusions. Vision 2030 has broadened the social role of Saudi public libraries through hybrid service models. To maintain momentum, national coordination, investment in rural infrastructure, and further outreach—most critically for innovation and digital competencies—are necessary.23 0Item Restricted Women’s Empowerment in Saudi Arabia under Vision 2030: Pathways and Barriers to Gender Equality(Saudi Digital Library, 2025) Alshehri, Hanin; Mashayekhi، AzadehThis dissertation focuses on women’s empowerment and gender equality in Saudi Arabia within the framework of Vision 2030. It examines state-led development reforms, legal and institutional change, women’s labour force participation, and the social, cultural, and political dimensions shaping women’s lived experiences. The study draws on gender and development theory, the Capability Approach, and Islamic feminist perspectives to analyse both pathways to empowerment and the persistent structural barriers that limit substantive gender equality.21 0Item Restricted Saudi Arabia’s Global Brand Transformation: Vision 2030’s Role in Marketing the Kingdom as a Tourism and Business Hub(Saudi Digital Library, 2025) ALMSHARI, ALANOUD AHMED; George, OfosuAbstract This dissertation analyses international perceptions of the national branding strategies of Saudi Arabia under Vision 2030 while focusing on familiarity, trust, perceived innovation and national attractiveness as the factors which influence global perceptions. The research draws on Nation Branding Theory (Anholt, 2005) and Soft Power Theory (Nye, 1990) and analyses how innovative projects, cultural diplomacy and digital campaigns help shape the changing international image of the country. The study was based on a quantitative, cross-sectional survey conducted with 157 international participants using an online questionnaire. The derived data was analysed through descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, independent samples t tests, and linear regression to analyse associations between familiarity, trust, innovation and attractiveness. The findings revealed a strong positive correlation between national attractiveness and familiarity, with perceived innovation being the most important predictor of attractiveness. Higher trust levels were shown by participants aware of Vision 2030 as opposed to those unfamiliar with it, thereby indicating the impact of awareness campaigns on external perceptions. However, there are still credibility gaps, specifically among Western respondents where socio-political concerns influence their attitudes. The dissertation effectively contributes towards nation branding literature by providing statistical evidence on international responses to non-Western transformation strategies. From a practical perspective, the study offers Saudi policymakers and brand strategists’ insight into refining tourism, investment and cultural diplomacy initiatives.22 0Item Restricted Drivers and Consequences of Saudization: Exploring Employer and Employee Perspectives in the Saudi Private Sector(Saudi Digital Library, 2025) AlMaghrabi, Khawlah; Sally, WrightExecutive Summary This dissertation examines the impact of Saudization on HR practices and employee experiences in Saudi Arabia’s private sector. Saudization aims to increase national employment, yet questions remain about its effectiveness in reducing expatriate reliance and fostering sustainable workforce development. Guided by Human Capital Theory and Institutional Theory, this study evaluates how localisation policies shape organisational practices, employee perceptions, and labour market outcomes. Methodology A structured questionnaire was used to survey 200 Saudi employees and human resource professionals working in different private-sector organizations. Both descriptive and inferential statistical methods like correlation and regression were used to test the research hypotheses. Data collection was performed by means of a questionnaire with a blend of closed-ended (quantitative) and open-ended (qualitative) items. Quantitative responses were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics while qualitative responses were thematically analyzed for additional depth and context.12 0Item Restricted Women's Movements in Saudi Arabia(Saudi Digital Library, 2025) alotaibi, Rehab; Yasmin, Hussain; Wright, KatyEmpowering women is essential to societal development, contributing importantly to cultural, economic, and political progress. In Saudi Arabia, women's empowerment has become a priority of the nation's modernization efforts, particularly under the ambitious reforms of Vision 2030. Historically, Saudi women faced legal and societal restrictions limiting their mobility, employment opportunities, and public participation. However, significant reforms, such as lifting the driving ban, alongside persistent activism, have catalysed important advancements in their rights and roles. This thesis examines the evolution of Saudi women’s rights advocacy, with a particular focus on the role of Twitter (X) and the interplay between progressive movements and counter-movements. Grounded in feminist theory and social movement theories, the research explores how women’s activism in Saudi Arabia has transformed since the early 2000s, gaining momentum and institutional support under Vision 2030. This research highlights a pivotal historical moment in Saudi Arabia’s social and political evolution, marked by the tension between conservative ideologies and modernist perspectives on gender equality. The women’s movement in Saudi Arabia reflects the country’s complex social landscape, where conflicting views on women’s rights and societal roles continue to coexist. This thesis examines the experiences of Saudi women’s rights advocates, both male and female, in their use of Twitter to demand reforms, particularly the right to drive. It explores how Twitter amplified their voices, transforming demands for women's rights into public discourse. At the same time, it reveals how Twitter has also been used to restrict and undermine women’s movements, exposing activists to harassment and hate speech. Through qualitative research and semi-structured interviews, the study investigates how these Saudi activists overcame challenges, engaged with digital spaces, and contributed to broader societal changes. The findings challenge oversimplified narratives of Saudi women as either entirely oppressed or excessively privileged, offering instead an in-depth account of their agency and activism. this research illustrates how Saudi women strategically engage with technology and advocacy to navigate cultural, legal, and societal barriers. It highlights their persistent struggles against opposition, including counter-movements, while also showing their increasing determination and contributions to societal transformation. Finally, this study provides a balanced understanding of Saudi women’s movement and its implications for gender equality and societal reform. It underscores the critical interplay of women’s activism, male allyship, and top-down reforms in shaping the evolving landscape of women’s rights and empowerment in Saudi Arabia.11 0