Saudi Cultural Missions Theses & Dissertations
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Item Restricted The Impact of FinTech Adoption on the Operational Efficiency of SMEs in the Middle East(Saudi Digital Library, 2026) Alotaybi, Ayied; Ehtisham, YasinThis paper will examine how the adoption of Financial Technology (FinTech) impacts the operational efficiency of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Middle East. The major challenges facing SMEs are limited access to finance, poor processes, and dependence on conventional banking systems. FinTech solutions, such as digital payments, mobile banking, and automated accounting, provide opportunities to enhance efficiency by increasing transaction speed, lowering prices, and improving financial accuracy. The study has taken a quantitative methodology based on survey data gathered among the owners, managers and financial experts of SMEs. The relationship between the adoption of FinTech and its operational performance is evaluated using statistical analysis, including correlation and regression. The results show that FinTech positively influences efficiency, especially in the cost reduction, productivity, and decision-making. Nonetheless, the issues of expensive implementation costs, a lack of digital skills, and cybersecurity-related concerns remain. The research offers information to SMEs, policy makers and financial institutions to aid successful FinTech adoption.6 0Item Restricted INTERESTS ABOVE ALL: THE STRATEGIC DETERMINANTS OF SAUDI ARABIA’S ALLIANCES(Saudi Digital Library, 2026) Alhenaki, Abedallah Ali; Nasr, Vali; Cohen, Eliot; Byman, DanielThe aim of this thesis is to reconceptualize alliance theory to account for the influential, if not determinantal, role of a middle power’s national interests in forming and managing its alliances. Existing literature on alliance theory mostly dismisses the agency of a non-superpower in alliance formation and generally explains its alignment as a function of systemic security considerations. This doctoral thesis addresses such a gap by proposing a theory that explains Saudi Arabia’s alliance choices across time and with various countries. It shows to what extent Saudi national interests form and sustain those alliances by introducing the concept of the convergence of interests. It does so to better understand how Saudi Arabia, as one of the most influential middle powers, projects and exercises its power and influence through alliances. By applying a mixed-methods approach, relying mostly on primary sources, and using three case studies of Saudi alliances, the empirical findings show that Saudi Arabia’s national interests explain its alliances both in general and with the U.S., Iran, and China in particular. They also explain the nature of those alliances, which is defined by changes in specific intra-alliance dynamics— the determinants of alliance management. Those changes, in turn, determine the durability of the alliances. The significance of this study is that it offers a theoretically and practically useful framework to understand how a middle power behaves in the world via alliances and the impact of which behavior on regional and global dynamics and power concentrations.13 0Item Restricted Turkish International Media: The TRT Between Political Communication and Public Diplomacy(Saudi Digital Library, 2026) Alrmizan, Mohammed; Harb, Zahera; Hellmueller, LeaDespite the global proliferation of international media networks in the 21st century, scholarly attention remains disproportionately focused on the Global North. This thesis addresses this gap by analysing the Turkish Radio and Television Corporation (TRT), specifically TRT Arabi and TRT World, as primary instruments of Turkish statecraft. Grounded in theories of political communication—notably public diplomacy and neo-Ottomanism—the research investigates how these outlets function as strategic tools for foreign policy projection. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study triangulates quantitative content analysis, qualitative textual analysis, and in-depth interviews with journalists and editors. This methodology provides a comprehensive view of both the 'output' (the news) and the 'intent' (the institutional role). The analysis focuses on coverage of four pivotal Middle Eastern events: Turkish military operations in northern Syria and Iraq, the Sheikh Jarrah incidents in Jerusalem, and the Gulf Crisis. The findings demonstrate that TRT Arabi and TRT World align closely with Turkish foreign policy objectives, utilising specific messaging strategies to mirror the state’s diplomatic agenda. By developing a distinct voice through localised terminology and curated narratives, these networks successfully project Turkey’s perspective to a global audience. Furthermore, interview data reveals a complex internal dynamic: while some staff express dissatisfaction with content constraints, there is a general consensus that TRT serves as a vital vehicle for representing state interests and offering a necessary alternative to Western-centric news paradigms. Ultimately, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of how emerging powers in the Global South utilise international broadcasting to navigate and influence the contemporary geopolitical landscape.23 0Item Restricted The Evolution of the Middle East Security Complex: Threat Perception and the Viability of a New Security Alliance(Saudi Digital Library, 2023) Alomair, Haifa Omair; Ardovini, LuciaThe geopolitical importance of the Middle East is intensifying with the economic and strategic opportunities unraveling in the wake of the current political landscape. Existing tensions escalate due to multifaceted inter-state conflicts and power disparities, posing a barrier to regional peace. Symptomatic of an insecure regional complex, the political landscape of the contemporary Middle East prompts the necessity for a new security alliance. This dissertation investigates the viability of a security alliance emerging in the Middle East between essential security complexes in the Gulf and Levant, mainly led by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Israel, to deal with the existing and emerging threats in the region. Leveraging the regional security complex theory (RSCT), this research unravels the interconnected security threats while considering the region's distinct extended historical and political contexts. An in-depth analysis was conducted using a qualitative approach combining key state objectives and policy document review to identify the preconditions and prevailing systemic patterns necessitating the formation of the alliance through the perception of threat. The study concludes that an RSCT-informed security alliance can offer stability, strengthen inter-state relations, and introduce a potent platform for resolution negotiations. Additionally, it explores how such an alliance can shape national security policies, driving a systemic change in the region's security dynamics.8 0Item Restricted A Benchmark of Deep Neural Network Models for PM2.5 Forecasting Using Multimodal Data: A Case Study in Africa and the Middle East(Saudi Digital Library, 2025) Quhal, Mohammed; Eric, Sperandio NascimentoABSTRACT Air pollution forecasting is essential for protecting public health and shaping effective environmental policy, yet it remains especially challenging in regions such as Africa and the Middle East where monitoring networks are sparse, and data availability is limited. This study addresses these challenges by developing a unified deep learning framework that integrates ground-based air quality observa tions, meteorological reanalysis data, and satellite-derived aerosol information to forecast daily PM2.5 concentrations. Using diverse urban environments as testbeds, the models were rigorously benchmarked across multiple error and correlation metrics to evaluate their ability to capture pollu tant dynamics under varying climatic and data conditions. The results demonstrate that convolutional architectures, particularly a one-dimensional CNN, achieved the most reliable forecasts, consistently outperforming both simpler baselines and more complex recurrent and graph-based models. These findings highlight not only the value of combining heterogeneous data sources but also the effective ness of lightweight, efficient architectures for operational forecasting. By providing systematic benchmarks in data-scarce contexts, this study supports the development of scalable early-warning systems and offers actionable insights for evidence-based environmental management and policy.17 0Item Restricted The Management of Sustainability within Leading Airlines in the Middle East / Challenges and Opportunities(Saudi Digital Library, 2025) Almuaqel, Ayshah; Lambert, RobertThe aviation industry is encountering intense expectations to address the environmental and social and economic sustainability concerns, as air travel has become a fundamental aspect of today’s world, the aviation gas emissions has negatively impacted the environment, in addition, it has also affected both social and economic sustainability (Salih Aygün, 2023). According to to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the aviation sector was responsible for around 2-3% of global CO2 emissions in 2019. And the percentage is increasing as a result to ongoing growth of air travel. To address this the aviation sector is actively integrating sustainability practices to reduce its environmental impact while sustaining its essential role in transportation and commerce. Multiple initiatives have been implemented to optimize aviation's sustainability. Such as greener aviation technologies for example, fuel-efficient planes, cutting-edge aerodynamics and propulsion systems, and the use of alternative fuels like biofuels (SAF's) (Salih Aygün, 2023). The aviation sector in the middle east contribute substantially to the sustainability crisis, especially the Gulf region, Middle East aviation industry comprises 4.5 percent of the global aviation market. thanks to its strategic location bridging Asia, Europe, and Africa, becoming a central hub for travellers and logistics. Furthermore, the number of air passengers in the region is expected to increase by 2030. (N Bahman, 2023). it is hoped that this research will contribute to a deeper understanding of how the aviation sector in the middle east manages and implement sustainability. This study research investigation fills a gap in the literature by contributing to the existing body of academic discourse into this area of research. Despite the numerous sustainability initiatives and policies implemented within the aviation sector in the middle east region, one of the most significant current discussions in the sustainability management in middle east airlines is the balance between the management of the increasing numbers of air passengers with the simultaneous implementation of sustainable practices within the social and environmental and economic context.11 0Item Restricted An Exploration of Parents' and Healthcare Professionals' Experiences and Perceptions of Family-Centred Care (FCC) for Children in the PICU in Saudi Arabia: A Sequential Explanatory Mixed-Methods Study(Saudi Digital Library, 2025) Althomali, Saud; Byole, Breidge; Clarke, SonyaThis thesis investigates the experiences and perceptions of parents and healthcare professionals regarding family centred care (FCC) for children admitted to paediatric intensive care units (PICUs) in Saudi Arabia, employing a sequential explanatory mixed-methods approach. Quantitative data from healthcare staff surveys assessed current FCC practices and identified key gaps, while qualitative interviews with parents and focus groups with professionals explored lived experiences and institutional barriers. The findings reveal systemic challenges such as hierarchical communication, restricted parental involvement, and environmental factors, language barriers and heavy workloads that inhibit effective FCC implementation. Although healthcare professionals conceptually support FCC, its practical application is often undermined by institutional policies and perceived parental knowledge limitations. Parents expressed trust in professionals yet reported exclusion from decision-making and care routines, resulting in feelings of helplessness and disenfranchisement. Structural and cultural factors, including restrictive visiting policies and inadequate family facilities, further hinder meaningful family participation. The study’s integrative analysis demonstrates the critical need for culturally adapted, policy supported FCC models in Saudi PICUs, highlighting the importance of infrastructure improvements, educational interventions for both staff and families, and the development of collaborative care frameworks. These recommendations are informed by both local context and international best practices, aiming to foster family engagement, improve communication, and enhance patient outcomes. This work provides new insights into FCC within the Saudi context and offers actionable strategies for reforming paediatric critical care environments to better support families and children. The thesis contributes to the growing body of evidence advocating for holistic, culturally sensitive approaches to FCC in diverse healthcare settings.19 0Item Restricted Assessing the Role of U.S. Foreign Policy on Global Oil Supply: The Case of Middle East Geopolitical Tensions and Energy Security(Saudi Digital Library, 2025-09-26) ALHAMMAD, MESHAL; Professor. Peter HoughThe present study focuses on analysing the role of the US foreign policy on global oil supply by considering the case of Middle East geopolitical tensions and energy security. Concerning this, it is evident that the United States has played a substantial role in forming geopolitical tensions and global oil supply of Middle East. Reflecting on this, it has been identified that the targeted area, i.e. Middle East is regarded as a major oil producer and exporter, making the nation geopolitically stable and determining factor in the context of global energy security. Therefore, the present study involves significant objectives for obtaining potential outcomes: 1) To assess the historical development of US foreign policy in the Middle East countries, 2) To analyse the impact of US foreign policy on geopolitical tensions and energy security in the Middle East, 3) To explore the effectiveness of US foreign policy initiatives to alleviate the risks associated with global oil supply in the Middle East. Following these objectives, literature has been developed by considering theoretical underpinnings, such as realism, neo-classical realism, liberalism, constructivism, hard power theory and dependency theory. To further obtain significant results, the study considered collecting secondary data from three different case studies of Middle East geopolitical tensions and energy security, which include, Iraq, Iran and Saudi Arabia. Further, to analyse collected data, thematic analysis technique has been employed in this research by considering five themes of targeted issue. At last, the study includes discussing the topic-at-hand by backing it with significant literature, overall concluding the research and offering future recommendations.34 0Item Restricted The Supportive Care of Saudi Women with Breast Cancer(Saudi digital library, 2025) Alkhyat, Alhanouf; Topping, Anne; Hallett, NutmegSupportive Care Needs of Saudi Women with Breast Cancer: A Mixed Methods Convergent Design Study Women with breast cancer can experience a range of informational, psychological, and physical supportive care needs at different stages of the cancer journey. There is limited insight and understanding of the breast cancer experience and supportive care needs from the perspective of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), region and specifically Saudi Arabian women. Further, it is less clear which needs are most pressing to women, and at what point in the care pathway these needs arise. In this study, I aimed to fill that gap by exploring the supportive care needs of women in Saudi Arabia and evaluating the applicability of a supportive care framework to determine its relevance to the care of women with breast cancer in Saudi Arabia and more broadly the MENA region. Methods: A mixed methods exploratory convergent design was used. Cross-sectional surveys were applied, including the Supportive Care Needs Survey short form 34 (SCNS-SF34 – Arabic version), with eight supplementary questions that were specific to breast cancer patients, plus 15 additional items derived from the MENA region scoping review conducted by the researcher. All items were mapped against the identified supportive care needs framework and modified based on the scoping review findings. Then, the instruments were piloted to assess face validity and subsequently administered to Saudi women with breast cancer (n=85) recruited from one specialist cancer centre. Descriptive statistics were used, followed by Rasch modelling to estimate reliability, validity and dimensionality. Semi-structured interviews with a maximum variation sub- sample of Saudi women (n=20) were analysed using the framework method. Joint display integration was used to enhance the findings. Results: Physical needs (median=3.75, IQR=1.50), health system informational needs (median=3.67, IQR=1.67), and psychological needs (median=3.60, IQR=1.85) were ranked highest, whereas intimacy-related needs (median=2.22, IQR=1.6) were the lowest ranked domain. Correlations of supportive care needs with demographics showed significant associations with employment status, hormonal therapy, and age. Cognitive needs were significantly higher in younger women, while receiving hormonal therapy was significantly associated with higher spiritual and family-related needs. Also, employed women showed less need for physical and practical support and patientclinician communication. Interview findings suggested expanded results in most domains and showed that needs differ at various points in the cancer journey. Chemotherapy treatment specifically was identified as the most difficult period, requiring the most support. Joint display integration was used to synthesise findings and showed nuanced insights across most of the domains, such as how women still face social stigma, and the important role of religion in their cancer journey. These insights highlight the need to redefine supportive care needs and develop a tailored, culturally specific framework to fit the context of the MENA region. Conclusion: The findings from the scoping review confirm that women’s unique needs in the MENA region require redefining and redevelopment of the Paterson framework and adaptation to this context. The mixed-methods design provided rich evidence that illuminated women's needs and could contribute to informing the design of culturally specific supportive care interventions for Saudi Arabian women and provide recommendations for service improvement.55 0Item Restricted An Adapted Framework for the Interaction of Parenting Style in Shaping/Facilitating Attachment to God and Parents in Islamic, Middle Eastern Culture(Widener University, 2025-06-23) Alotaibi, Ohud; Boyer, BretThis study sought to further research regarding the relationship between parenting and interpersonal attachment styles, attachment to God, and life satisfaction, by extending the Western centric theoretical framework and data to cultural contexts and values of Islamic faith in the Middle East, specifically, Saudi Arabia. Data was collected from 474 participants. Multiple regression results indicate a strong positive relationship between authoritative parenting and life satisfaction, and a negative correlation with insecure interpersonal attachment. Conversely, individuals exposed to authoritarian parenting are at a higher risk of developing insecure attachment styles, which can manifest as difficulty forming secure interpersonal relationships, which further relate to attachment relationships to God (Allah), and life satisfaction.186 0