Saudi Cultural Missions Theses & Dissertations
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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 Analysis1 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.2 0Item Restricted Factors Influencing Consumers' Purchase Intention Towards Energy-Efficient Home Appliances in Saudi Arabia(Saudi Digital Library, 2026) Almutairi, Abdullah; Nguyen, Thu-HuongThe global rise in energy consumption has led to severe environmental concerns, including climate change. Household appliances represent a significant source of domestic energy use, making the promotion of energy-efficient home appliances (EEHAs) a critical strategy for enhancing energy conservation and reducing carbon emissions. This study addresses several research gaps. First, purchase intention toward EEHAs has not been adequately explained using an integrated framework that combines cognitive determinants (TPB) and multidimensional perceived value (TPV), while also accounting for labelling, key experiential, and identity influences. Moreover, it addresses the theoretical limitation of single-model approaches by integrating the TPB–TPV model that incorporates label knowledge, environmental concerns, past purchase experience, and green self-identity. The study further assesses whether government subsidies, environmental knowledge, and green self-identity moderate the effects of TPB predictors (Attitude, Subjective Norms, and Perceived Behavioural Control) on purchase intention. This specific relationship has not been previously assessed. Consequently, it aims to explore the key factors influencing consumers’ purchase intentions towards EEHAs, thereby contributing to sustainable consumption and environmental protection. The study develops a conceptual framework to test direct and moderating effects between the constructs. The study is based on a positivist research philosophy and adopts a quantitative approach using a structured survey methodology. A pilot study was conducted with 40 participants to ensure the validity and reliability of the instrument. The final data collection employed a non-probability purposive quota sampling strategy, targeting consumers in three major regions of Saudi Arabia (Central, Western, and Eastern). A final sample of 424 respondents was analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) via SmartPLS. The structural model supported seven direct effects and identified one significant moderating effect, clarifying which drivers of EEHA purchase intention are robust in the Saudi context. Results show that attitude, emotional value, social value, label knowledge, environmental concern, past purchase experience, and green self-identity have a significant impact on purchase intention, with past purchase experience emerging as the strongest predictor. However, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control, functional value, and price value were not significant predictors. Moderation analysis further revealed that government subsidies significantly strengthen the relationship between perceived behavioural control and purchase intention. Conversely, subsidies did not moderate the relationships involving attitudes or subjective norms, suggesting that financial incentives in the Saudi context function as tools that reduce structural barriers such as affordability, rather than psychological drivers that alter personal evaluations or social perceptions. This study offers both theoretical and practical contributions. Theoretically, it tests an integrated TPB–TPV framework that combines cognitive determinants, multidimensional value perceptions, and contextual, identity, and experience factors to explain EEHA purchase intentions in the Saudi context, thereby clarifying which predictors remain robust when these drivers are considered together. Its originality lies in developing an integrated framework that clarifies which cognitive and value-based predictors remain robust when tested together by demonstrating that internal identity and experiential factors outweigh traditional utility-led drivers in the Saudi market. Furthermore, the study offers new insights about developing and empirically testing an integrated TPB–TPV framework for EEHAs purchase intention in Saudi Arabia that incorporates label knowledge, environmental concerns, green self-identity, past purchase experience, and policy incentives, and examines moderation to reflect context sensitivity. While the empirical findings relate to the Saudi context, the integrated framework may have bounded theoretical and analytical relevance to other price-sensitive emerging economies where consumers face comparable structural barriers to sustainable adoption. However, the magnitude, direction, and significance of individual paths may vary according to market maturity, policy design, subsidy structures, and cultural norms. Practically, the findings provide valuable guidance for Saudi policymakers and stakeholders in designing targeted strategies and incentives to promote EEHAs adoption.20 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 DESIGNING A SMART MEDICAL SUPPLY CHAIN USING MACHINE LEARNING FOR DEMAND FORECASTING IN SAUDI ARABIA(Saudi Digital Library, 2026) Alzahrani, Faisal Ahmed; Alhamad, salahThis study develops a smart medical supply chain framework using machine learning–based demand forecasting to improve inventory planning and operational efficiency in Saudi Arabia’s healthcare sector. Traditional healthcare supply chains rely on historical averages and manual planning approaches, which often result in stockouts of critical medical supplies, excess inventory, product expiration, and increased emergency procurement costs. These challenges are intensified by demand variability driven by patient admissions, seasonal trends, and large-scale events such as Hajj and public health emergencies. To address these limitations, the research adopts a Design Science Research approach and evaluates multiple forecasting models using a dataset covering ten hospitals, fifty medical supply items, and five years of demand data. Among the tested models, the Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) neural network achieved the highest accuracy. The forecasting results were then integrated into an AnyLogic model to assess the impact on supply chain performance. The findings demonstrate significant improvements, including reduced stockout rates, lower inventory levels, decreased wastage, improved service levels, and reduced operational costs. Scenario testing under high-demand conditions confirmed the system’s ability to maintain performance and enhance resilience. Overall, the study highlights the potential of machine learning to transform healthcare logistics by enabling more accurate forecasting, better resource allocation, and improved supply chain responsiveness.4 0Item Restricted The relationship between dietary pattern and metabolic syndrome With the employees of the Ministry of Health in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia(Saudi Digital Library, 2026) alhilal, helal; ekram, soliman; hany, elsayeedThe relationship between dietary pattern and metabolic syndrome With the employees of the Ministry of Health in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia1 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 The Role of Business Intelligence in Supporting The Sustainable Development of the Saudi Arabian Economy A Case Study on The Public Investment Fund(Saudi Digital Library, 2026) Alanazi, Majed Qaem E; ALMahirah, MohammedThis study examined how Business Intelligence supports the sustainable development of the Saudi Arabian economy, using the Public Investment Fund (PIF) as the case study. The investigation evaluated how the five dimensions of Business Intelligence (data sources, data integration, data storage, data analysis, and data presentation) connect with the three pillars of sustainable economic development: inclusive economic growth, investment and innovation, and financial efficiency. The importance of the study derives from the central position the Public Investment Fund occupies in the Saudi economy and from its strategic role under Vision 2030, the study addressed the following central question: What role does Business Intelligence play in supporting the sustainable development of the Saudi economy at the Public Investment Fund? A descriptive-analytical, quantitative survey design was adopted. Data were collected via a 40-item self-administered questionnaire, measured on a 5-point Likert scale, distributed electronically to PIF employees. A total of 383 valid responses were obtained and analyzed using frequencies and percentages. The analysis led to the rejection of the main null hypothesis and all three sub-hypotheses. Business Intelligence was found to have a statistically significant positive effect on Sustainable Economic Development. The study concludes that Business Intelligence is a meaningful contributor to sustainable economic development at the Public Investment Fund and recommends that organizations, and the senior management of the Fund in particular, strengthen their analytical and data-presentation capabilities, embed Business Intelligence within their sustainability strategies, and continue to align their data infrastructure with the digital transformation requirements of Saudi Vision 2030.97 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 0