Saudi Cultural Missions Theses & Dissertations
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Item Restricted Investigating the Relationship Between Transit-Oriented Development and Housing Preferences of Saudis: Riyadh as a Case Study(Saudi Digital Library, 2025) Alshehri, Abdullah Ghurm M; Hoon, Han; Hazel, EasthopeThis study investigates the relationship between Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) and housing preferences in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, examining how socio-cultural norms influence housing preferences near metro stations. The research addresses critical knowledge gaps regarding community perceptions of TOD, housing preferences near metro stations, and socio-cultural impacts on these preferences in Saudi Arabia's first major TOD implementation. A mixed-methods approach combined expert interviews in Dubai and Riyadh with a survey of 355 Riyadh residents across 28 locations. This methodology enabled analysis of housing preferences, socio-cultural influences, and TOD acceptance before metro operations commenced in December 2024. The findings reveal demographic factors significantly influence TOD acceptance, with younger residents, singles, and smaller families showing greater openness to high-density living. Traditional preferences for villa-type housing remain strong among older residents and larger families. Economic constraints frequently override cultural preferences, pushing residents toward apartment living despite cultural inclinations toward villas. Socio-cultural analysis identified evolving attitudes toward privacy and shared spaces, particularly among women, with 47.8% expressing willingness to use mixed-gender elevators. Religious facilities and family-oriented amenities ranked as highest priorities. Despite cultural preferences for larger homes, 65.0% of respondents would accept smaller units near metro stations if prices remained affordable. This research makes three key contributions: examining resident preferences before TOD implementation, documenting how demographic factors influence housing preferences, and revealing the ways socio-cultural norms affect TOD acceptance. The findings can inform culturally sensitive urban planning approaches that balance density requirements with traditional values, applicable to Riyadh and similar cities seeking to implement TOD while respecting cultural contexts.17 0Item Restricted Reimagining Education Spaces:(Saudi Digital Library, 2025) Alamri, Mona Saad; Erk, Gul Kacmaz; Flood, NualaThis thesis focuses on how classroom design influences the implementation of active learning in girls' secondary schools in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. To address the gap identified in the literature, it seeks to evaluate how the learning environment in these schools can support the effective implementation of active learning by examining classroom design, exploring spatial challenges, and investigating the needs and preferences of teachers and students through a user-centric and participatory design approach, as well as analysing the role of architects and classroom users in creating effective learning environments. It also examines the extent to which the design of these environments is consistent with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. Although the Ministry of Education has prioritised digital and pedagogical transformation and reform in the curriculum, the physical learning environment has not been sufficiently modernised to align with these goals. This thesis employs Henri Lefebvre’s spatial triangle to examine the relationship between perceived, imagined and lived spaces in the classroom, with active learning as the primary focus. The research uses a single-case approach to investigate a classroom with a design pattern replicated in all Saudi schools, making the findings relevant to many other school buildings. The study contributes to knowledge by demonstrating the application of a participatory design approach in the Saudi educational context and by generating transferable insights from an in-depth case study of a commonly replicated classroom design. Data collection methods include ethnographic observations of the classroom supported by classroom surveys. They also involve participatory design workshops (both evaluative and generative) and interviews with Ministry of Education architects. The findings reveal that the traditional design of these classrooms is inadequate for supporting active learning. Therefore, evidence-based recommendations have been made to develop learning environments that align with the goals of active learning and the broader objectives of Vision 2030, which focus on empowering women and girls and promoting innovative, stimulating education. Accordingly, the research recommends incorporating participatory design into the architectural and interior design of schools to create inclusive and vibrant learning environments that enhance learning experiences and outcomes.32 0Item Restricted Prevalence of Prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes Among Undiagnosed Schoolteachers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia(Saudi Digital Library, 2025) Aldekhayel, Ghassan; Farragher, Tracey; Verma, Arpana; Greenhalgh, Christine; Azmi, ShazliBackground: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is an important public health issue in the Middle East region because of its high prevalence. In Saudi Arabia, the prevalence of type 2 DM among adults is 23.1%, and is one of the top ten causes of mortality. Patients with type 2 DM may remain undiagnosed for many years, due to its asymptomatic nature especially in the early stages. It is estimated that nearly half of adults with type 2 DM in Saudi Arabia are undiagnosed, which indicates the importance of early detection to understand the true burden of the disease. In addition, early detection and management of type 2 DM prevents complications related to diabetes. Also, identifying prediabetes cases helps prevent or delay the onset of type 2 DM. Methods: This study included both observational cross-sectional and longitudinal study designs. Schoolteachers in Riyadh were randomly selected from the Ministry of Education database and invited to complete the Saudi diabetes risk score questionnaire. Those identified as high risk underwent diabetes diagnostic tests, such as fasting plasma glucose and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), at collaborating primary healthcare centres. Participants diagnosed with type 2 DM or prediabetes were followed up after 3 months to assess risk factors associated with changes in HbA1c. Additionally, participants completed health-related quality of life (HRQoL) questionnaires at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months, to assess the quality of life of participants over time and compare HRQoL outcomes between low and high risk participants. Results: Among 945 recruited participants, 387 (41%) were female, the mean age was 42.5 years (SD ± 7.1), and 372 (39.4%) were classified as high risk. Out of 109 high risk participants who attended diabetes diagnostic testing, 7 (6.4%) were diagnosed with type 2 DM, and 19 (17.4%) were diagnosed with prediabetes. Population weighted estimates indicated that 1.8% of teachers in Riyadh had undiagnosed type 2 DM or prediabetes (95% CI: 0%, 6.91%). Among participants diagnosed with type 2 DM or prediabetes greater reductions in HbA1c levels at the 3-month follow-up was associated with higher baseline HbA1c levels (Coefficient: -0.63, 95% CI: [-0.79, -0.47]). Additionally, high risk participants reported lower HRQoL scores across physical, psychological, social relationships, and environment domains compared to low risk participants, with statistically significant differences observed in the physical (Coefficient: -5.57, 95% CI: [-8.65, -2.48]) and psychological (Coefficient: -4.40, 95% CI: [-7.47, -1.33]) domains. Conclusion: The study found a high prevalence of teachers at high risk of type 2 DM in Saudi Arabia. Early identification and intervention for participants with higher baseline HbA1c levels were associated with greater HbA1c reductions after 3 months, which may lead to better health outcomes and reduce the burden of diabetes-related complications. These findings highlight the feasibility and potential benefits of systematic prediabetes and type 2 DM case finding programmes in Saudi Arabia.31 0Item Restricted Green Spaces in Cities: A Comparative Analysis of The New Line City and Riyadh(Bournemouth university, 2024) ALMATRUDI, ABDULLAH ABDULRAHMAN; Rick, StaffordThis study examined green space construction and maintenance in two Saudi Arabian cities: The New Line City (Neom) and Riyadh. Using thematic analysis, the research highlighted the multidimensional advantages of green spaces, assessed their distribution, and identified factors contributing to observed discrepancies. The findings revealed that Neom’s pioneering commitment to sustainability includes integrating nature, employing cutting-edge technology, and engaging communities. In contrast, Riyadh faced challenges in establishing greener settings within existing infrastructure and its large population, despite efforts such as the Green Riyadh project. Economically, both cities benefited from green spaces by increasing property values, tourism revenues, and job opportunities, with Neom potentially offering additional economic opportunities. Socially, green areas enhanced community cohesion and well-being in both cities, while Neom’s community participation approach fostered inclusivity. This study emphasized the importance of strategic planning and management in developing urban green infrastructure to inform future efforts for resilient, inclusive, and sustainable communities.46 0Item Restricted DENTAL PRACTITIONERS' KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, AND PRACTICE (KAP) IN CAIRO AND RIYADH REGARDING CARIES RISK ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT (A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY)(Cairo University, 2024) Almuatiri, Waleed Saqer; Abuelniel, Gihan MohammedObjective: The study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of dental practitioners regarding caries risk assessment (CRA) and management, focusing on the influence of demographic factors such as gender, nationality, years of experience, and practice sector. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 174 dental practitioners in Saudi Arabia and Egypt. The survey included questions to evaluate participants' knowledge of caries risk factors, attitudes towards CRA, and their practices in caries management. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 20®, Graph Pad Prism®, and Microsoft Excel 2016 to explore associations between KAP and demographic factors. Chi-square tests were used to determine the significance of these associations. Results: The study revealed that while the overall knowledge of dental practitioners regarding caries prevention is high, significant gaps exist in understanding the impact of socioeconomic factors and the effectiveness of preventive measures like xylitol. Attitudes towards CRA were generally positive, with most practitioners recognizing its importance in clinical practice. However, time constraints were identified as a major barrier to the consistent application of CRA. The study also found significant variability in caries management practices, with government sector practitioners more consistently using preventive measures compared to those in private practice. Gender, nationality, and practice sector were significant predictors of differences in knowledge, attitudes, and practices. Conclusion: The study concludes that while dental practitioners have a strong foundation in caries prevention, addressing the identified knowledge gaps and practice variability is crucial. Continuing education programs focusing on the socioeconomic determinants of caries and the benefits of preventive measures like xylitol are recommended. Streamlined CRA processes are needed to overcome practical barriers and improve the consistency of caries management across different practice settings.12 0Item Open Access From Oil to Identity: Place branding for urban transformation in a top-down society (A case study of Saudi Arabia)(Erasmus University Rotterdam, 2024-12-11) Alsayel, Abdulrhman; Edelenbos, Jurian; De Jong, Martin; Fransen, JanThis dissertation investigates the transformation of Saudi Arabian cities under the ambitious Vision 2030 framework, focusing on the role of place branding within a centralized governance system. The research seeks to understand how cultural, institutional, and governance factors influence the effectiveness of place branding strategies in Saudi Arabia, offering a departure from Western-centric models that emphasize participatory and bottom-up approaches. By using Riyadh as a principal case study, the thesis sheds light on the implications of top-down city branding on urban development, cultural preservation, and social inclusivity. The research is structured into four interconnected papers. The first paper explores the tension between economic growth and social inclusivity through a comparative analysis involving Dubai, Amsterdam, and Toronto. The findings reveal that while creative city branding can drive innovation and attract investment, it often neglects inclusivity, leading to social exclusion. The second paper examines how various multi-level governance models impact the success of place branding in Saudi Arabia, demonstrating that cities directly aligned with central government resources tend to achieve more effective branding, though this can exacerbate regional disparities. The third paper delves into the cultural and institutional factors affecting place branding, emphasizing that while central government involvement can streamline efforts, it may limit local stakeholder engagement. The final paper focuses on the rebranding of Riyadh, drawing comparisons with global cities like Barcelona and Tokyo to reveal both the opportunities and social challenges associated with rapid urban transformation, such as gentrification and cultural homogenization. This thesis concludes that while centralized governance can expedite urban development and enhance city branding, maintaining cultural integrity and fostering social equity are essential to sustainable growth. The research advocates for future studies to employ mixed-method approaches for broader applicability and to explore comparative case studies in other centralized systems, such as China and the UAE, to enrich the understanding of place branding in non-Western contexts.26 0Item Restricted The Impact of Green Infrastructure on Urban Sustainability in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia(The University of Manchester, 2024) Al-Qahtani, Khaled Mohammed; Barron, AmyThis research aims to explore the influence of green infrastructure (GI) on the social and cultural aspects of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with a particular emphasis on enhancing urban sustainability. Through online interviews as the primary research method, this study examines the impact of GI on the inhabitants' quality of life, social well-being, and sense of place. The findings indicate a strong consensus among the participants regarding the aesthetic and environmental advantages of GI, particularly in terms of mitigating air pollution and enhancing the attractiveness of the urban environment. An interesting discovery has been made regarding the role of green infrastructure (GI) in fostering social cohesion. Parks and other green spaces are becoming increasingly vital hubs for community engagement, attracting diverse groups and visitors alike. However, the correlation between GI and cultural engagement is somewhat mixed. While some participants have noted an uptick in cultural activities taking place in these outdoor settings, others have observed limited impact due to factors such as insufficient upkeep, cultural conservatism, and a dearth of organised events. The research highlights the crucial influence that GI has on the mental and emotional wellness of citizens in Riyadh. Additionally, it reveals that current urban design and planning may not be making the most of these spaces to enhance the city's cultural and social environment. The Green Riyadh Project is publicly recognised for its crucial role in creating a sustainable and eco-friendly future. It underscores the importance of integrating GI into urban design for long-term benefits. Despite the widespread consensus on the positive impact of government initiatives like the Green Riyadh project, the study uncovers a lack of community involvement and public participation in GI-related activities.168 0Item Restricted Willingness of Residents in Riyadh to Live in Mixed Use Developments – A Quantitative Study(City University of London, 2023-09-01) Aldaood, Abdulaziz Nasir; Andrew, MarkThe research project aimed to investigate the willingness of Riyadh residents to live in mixed- use developments. The literature review employed the Theory of Planned Behaviour and the hedonic pricing method. It also incorporated findings from previous studies that helped identify key variables affecting the willingness to reside in mixed-use developments. These variables include proximity to work, proximity to amenities, lifestyle preferences, cost-effectiveness, and privacy. These variables were subsequently utilized to formulate the research hypotheses. The study also examined how participant responses to these variables differed based on gender, income, age, and employment status. Surveys were administered to Riyadh residents using snowball sampling, resulting in a total of 253 responses. The research hypotheses were addressed using multiple regression analysis, independent sample t-tests, and Pearson's correlation. The study found that proximity to work, cost-effectiveness, and privacy are indeed relevant factors influencing the willingness of Riyadh residents to live in mixed-use developments. However, proximity to amenities and desire for a certain lifestyle did not show a significant impact. The analysis of the responses based on gender, age, and employment status through independent sample t-tests revealed no significant differences. The only variable that displayed a notable difference was income. This analysis showed that privacy emerged as the sole significant variable. Individuals earning between 100,000 and 200,000 SAR annually, as well as those earning 200,000 SAR or more per annum, exhibited greater concern for privacy in relation to living in mixed-use developments. They were also more inclined to consider such living arrangements favourably if privacy concerns were adequately41 0Item Restricted Analysis of Experiential Marketing with Application to The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh(Saudi Digital Library, 2022-12-04) Alanazi, Mohammed; Kenyon, AlexandraThis report presents an overview of the hospitality industry and provides a detailed analysis of test marketing and its advantages and disadvantages. This paper addresses the importance of experiential marketing in the global hospitality industry and how this type of marketing will contribute to the brand's success in the hospitality industry. The report proposes an experiment in "Design Your Room" for the Ritz-Carlton Hotel. This experience will help in enhancing the image of the hotel after the events that the hotel went through during the past years. The experience is designed to make the visitor live through his senses, an experience that will remain in his memory forever. The author applied Frame 4es by Pine and Gilmore (1998). On the other hand, a detailed communication plan for the pre during post launching campaign was shown at the end of the report.17 0Item Restricted The influence of Social Media on customer decision-making process: A Study on Restaurants in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia(Saudi Digital Library, 2023-11-28) Alenezi, Omaima; Cox, PeterThe rising prevalence of social media applications has significantly amplified the influence of online communication, particularly when it comes to recommending or advising against dining at specific restaurants. This study investigates the impact of online user-generated reviews on customer behavior and decision-making in Riyadh's restaurant industry, aiming to fill a research gap in this area within Saudi Arabia. Given the growing prominence of online reviews, understanding their power on customer choices is crucial for restaurants to remain competitive. This research employs theories like the Elaboration Likelihood Model (ELM), impulse buying behavior, communication process theory, electronic Word-of-Mouth (eWOM) credibility, and the theory of reasoned action to formulate five hypotheses and gain insights into the effect of comments on customers. Data was gathered from 184 participants in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, through a 19-question survey featuring closed-ended questions with response scales, influential ratings, and binary options (yes/no). This methodology yielded primary quantitative data, which underwent statistical analysis to uncover patterns and relationships. Chi-squared test was applied to validate the hypotheses, and the findings were briefly presented through charts and tables. The study's outcomes highlight the significant influence of comments on social media platforms in shaping customer decision-making processes specifically in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.83 0