Saudi Cultural Missions Theses & Dissertations
Permanent URI for this communityhttps://drepo.sdl.edu.sa/handle/20.500.14154/10
Browse
12 results
Search Results
Item Restricted Women’s Legal Empowerment in Employment in Saudi Arabia(Saudi Digital Library, 2026) Barnawi, Rehab Abdullah O; Shaheed, Ahmed; Maranlou, SaharLegal empowerment is an approach adopted by international organisations, civil society groups, and governments interested in development to improve the lives of the disadvantaged. In KSA, women's employment status warrants attention, as the country has consistently shown low female participation in the economy for decades. The situation is currently evolving due to new legal reforms that promote women's access to employment across various sectors, a development considered culturally revolutionary. This paper advocates examining the situation from a socio-legal perspective and proposes legal empowerment strategies as alternatives to the traditional rule-of-law orthodoxy. It particularly emphasises understanding Saudi women's agency and explores how they can effectively engage with the law to advocate for the promotion of their rights and interests. It employs the CLEP’s framework, feminist and developmental approaches towards women’s legal empowerment, recognising that legal reforms alone are insufficient to encourage women's full participation in the workforce. The study proposes strategies to empower women to overcome legal, cultural, and social barriers. The research is grounded in primary data collected through a survey, which investigated Saudi women’s employment experiences, needs, challenges, and aspirations. The findings identify key legal empowerment strategies that most effectively enhance women’s economic participation. These include continued legal reforms, the promotion of women's education, increased awareness of legal rights and societal responsibilities, and improved access to legal and financial training and support. Additionally, the thesis highlights the importance of promoting personal agency and self-awareness among women to address KSA’s persistent low ranking in global indices for women’s economic participation, despite recent efforts. This study argues that a legal empowerment approach tailored to the socio-cultural context of KSA can meaningfully help overcome persistent barriers and advance gender equality in the economic sphere.5 0Item Restricted ENTERPRISE MOBILITY: TALENT ATTRACTION, DEVELOPMENT, AND RETENTION ACROSS INTERNATIONAL MARKETS(Saudi Digital Library, 2025) MOHAMMED AL BAHRI; ARNAV GAIKWAD; KUMAR ANUBHAV; SANIDHYA SAVASKAR; ABDULHADI ALAQHATHANI; GOKUL GOPAKUMAR; Mathai, MariyaThe project explores how Enterprise Mobility, one of the largest global mobility and car rental companies, can enhance its approaches to talent attraction, development, and retention across international markets. Based on secondary data and thematic analysis, the study examines current practices, identifies challenges related to EVP modernization, workforce turnover, and digital skills, and provides recommendations to strengthen HRM strategies. The findings highlight the need for improved employer branding flexible work practices, digital recruitment, sustainability positioning, and structured internal mobility to support long-term workforce development.16 0Item Restricted Informal Institutions and Economic Performance(Saudi Digital Library, 2025) Asiri, Saad; Wang, KunThis research examines the direct effect of tribalism on economic performance as well as the moderating roles of governance, in particular Government Effectiveness (GE) and the Rule of Law (RoL), in that relationship. Previous studies have examined tribalism's negative impact on institutional quality but have rarely studied its direct effect on economic performance or how governance can mitigate this effect. This study employs a mixed linear model on a panel dataset covering 73 countries over the period from 2002 to 2022. The results confirm that tribalism has a significant adverse effect on economic performance. Furthermore, the analysis demonstrates that GE significantly moderates this negative relationship, which indicates that strong government capacity can counter the influence of tribalism. RoL, however, does not exhibit statistically significant moderation, implying that formal legal frameworks may be circumvented by informal tribal networks. These results indicate that the dimensions of government vary in their ability to reduce the negative effects of tribalism. Moreover, the study recommends that for policymakers in tribal societies, improving government effectiveness can be a more effective strategy for promoting growth than relying solely on legal frameworks.16 0Item Restricted Political Economy of Diversification: To What Extent Does Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 Foster the Transition to a Post-Rentier Economy?(Saudi Digital Library, 2025) Althalabi, Abdullah; Gammon, EarlThis dissertation examines the transformation of Saudi Arabia’s economy under Vision 2030, focusing on its implications for Rentier State theory. The study aims to reassess the explanatory power of the Rentier State framework in light of recent economic diversification efforts and to explore how it can be enhanced through engagement with Developmental State theory. Drawing on both theories, a new theoretical framework is proposed to account for evolving dynamics in rentier economies within the global political economy. This analysis links Vision 2030’s strategic objectives to the factors of production to assess structural change. Methodologically, the study adopts a qualitative approach supported by quantitative secondary data to examine economic, political, and social dimensions of transformation. Findings suggest that Saudi Arabia is transitioning from a late rentier to a post-rentier stage, challenging the traditional assumptions of Rentier State theory. The study argues for a theoretical shift that integrates developmental perspectives to reflect institutional adaptation, state-led industrial policy, and long-term investment strategies. This research contributes to the literature on rentierism and developmentalism by proposing an updated framework for analysing state transformation in resource-dependent economies. It recommends a stronger focus on economic production factors in future rentier state analyses.38 0Item Restricted The role of Tet2 and Tet3 in the molecular programming of blood cell differentiation during zebrafish development(University of Nottingham, 2025) Alayed, Amal Saeed; Gering, Martin; Wilkinson, RobDNA methylation is an epigenetic mark that regulates gene expression during cellular differentiation. Ten-eleven translocation (Tet) dioxygenase enzymes are involved in active demethylation and are required for hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) differentiation. HSCs arise from haemogenic endothelial cells (HECs) in arterial vessels, which depend on Notch signalling for their specification. Initially, the loss of HSC formation in tet2/tet3 double mutants was attributed to a failure in HEC formation caused by defective Notch signalling, despite normal vascular patterning and arterial specification. This study aimed to reinvestigate Notch signalling and HEC development in the ventral wall of the dorsal aorta (vDA) of tet2/tet3 double mutants to resolve these inconsistencies. Here, the Notch reporter transgene csl:mCherry was expressed in the endothelium of the vDA in the absence of Tet2 and Tet3. Confocal analysis of the gene trap line qmc551, which exhibits GFP expression in primitive red blood cells (prRBCs) and HECs of the vDA, demonstrated normal GFP expression in HECs of the vDA at 2 days post fertilisation (dpf). It also revealed a few GFP+ hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) in the mesenchyme below the DA in tet2/tet3 double mutants. Whole-mount in situ hybridisation (WISH) experiments using the HEC marker growth factor independence 1aa (gfi1aa) revealed that, at 40 hours post fertilisation (hpf), gfi1aa expression persisted in the HECs of the vDA in tet2/tet3 double mutant embryos, contrasting with its typical downregulation in wild-type (WT) embryos at this stage. These findings suggest a defect in the endothelial- to-hematopoietic transition (EHT), likely resulting from disrupted epigenetic programming of HECs in the absence of the two Tet proteins. In tet2/tet3 double mutant embryos, circulation appeared normal without evident shunts; however, blood flow velocity was reduced. To investigate the molecular programming underlying these defects, single-cell transcriptome analysis was performed on a cell population enriched for qmc551:GFP and Gata1a:dsRed single and double- positive cells isolated from 2dpf WT and tet2/tet3 double mutant embryos. Transcriptomic analyses revealed significant downregulation of key endothelial genes, such as apelin, plvapb, casz1, and pecam1. These data suggest a critical role for Tet2 and Tet3 in endothelial programming and angiogenesis. The analysis also showed significant downregulation of erythroid genes in prRBCs. WISH experiments revealed increased gata1a expression in circulating prRBCs at 2 and 3dpf, indicating a late maturation defect in tet2/tet3 double mutant embryos. Additionally, reduced slc4a1a mRNA expression in mutants at 20hpf, prior to the onset of circulation, suggests delayed early differentiation of prRBCs. These findings indicate that the absence of both Tet2 and Tet3 leads to delayed erythroid development. In summary, this study elucidates the multifaceted roles of Tet2 and Tet3 proteins in regulating both primitive and definitive hematopoietic waves during zebrafish embryogenesis.32 0Item Restricted The Impact on Women’s Citizenship in the context of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030(University College London, 2024) AlOwain, Haifa; Walker, JulianThe dissertation examins the concept of Inclusive Citizenship and develops an analytical framework based on it, reviews post-Vision 2030 changes in policies, and analyzes them through the lens of the framework to understand their impact of women’s citizenship practices as the case study, providing a lens through which to explore broader issues of citizenship and participation.34 0Item Restricted Essays on Sustainable Growth and Development in GCC Countries(Howard University, 2024-06-28) Alamri, Aisha; Kato, MikaThis article analyzes the effects of natural resources and location determinants on foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Gulf Cooperation Countries (GCC) using panel data from 2000–2022. Using oil production, oil reserves, and oil production in relation to oil reserves as a means to measure natural resources, I determine fixed effect (FE) and random effect (RE) analyses based on the Hausman test. This study concluded that oil production, and oil production relative to oil reserves discouraged FDI in GCC countries. Furthermore, the study concludes that there is a positive relationship between oil prices, infrastructure, and FDI, while human capital has no influence on FDI.42 0Item Restricted Orofacial Development Changes in Children Following Cancer Treatment: A Comprehensive Review of Literature and Analysis of Current Data in Leeds Dental Institute.(University of Leeds, 2024) Alghamdi, Talal; Drummond, BernadetteIntroduction: Childhood cancer survivors often experience various side effects after treatment, including dental and orofacial developmental conditions. According to the literature, the treatment for cancer in children can affect the development of teeth, the function of salivary glands, the development of facial structures, and the operation of the temporomandibular joint [TMJ]. Leeds Dental Institute [LDI] has accumulated a wealth of data while providing dental healthcare for cancer survivors. This extensive data has not been thoroughly explored or published. Thus, this study aims to investigate the long-term effects of cancer treatment on dental and orofacial structures from the literature and the available records in children at Leeds Dental Institute. Methods: This research is structured into two sections. The first is a comprehensive literature review of existing studies on the adverse effects of cancer treatments on oral and facial structures in children by searching six databases to establish a foundation for understanding the broader context of the issue. The second section is a retrospective data collection and analysis of paediatric patient data from the electronic records in LDI using a list of appointments attended by cancer patients in LDI. Results: Fifty-one articles were included in the comprehensive literature review following the database search and the inclusion criteria. Numerous studies concluded that chemotherapy and other anticancer treatments in children are linked to increased dental anomalies like microdontia and enamel defects, especially when treatment occurs at a young age. The findings have been summarised in tables. Of the 806 registered appointments identified, the clinical records of 85 childhood cancer survivors who met the inclusion criteria were included. The post-treatment identified conditions included microdontia, hypodontia and enamel hypoplasia. Demographics, cancer diagnosis and type of treatment, in addition to dental findings, were summarised in tables. The data were also categorised according to age at the cancer treatment time and type of treatment provided. Conclusions: The literature review and LDI patient data revealed that childhood cancer survivors commonly face serious long-term dental issues due to their treatments. These findings highlight the importance of a better understanding of cancer therapy's impact on orofacial development, requiring more attention and support from healthcare professionals, particularly dentists.37 0Item Restricted The role of Inversin in left-right patterning and cardiac development(Newcastle University, 2024-04-30) Alaradi, Mashael; Henderson, DeborahVertebrate bodies have left-right (L-R) asymmetry, an arrangement set up early in development. L-R patterning is thought to be initiated by symmetry-breaking events at the embryonic node, which contains motile cilia that generate an asymmetric fluid flow to define the left-side of the embryo. This process results in normal organ positioning known as situs solitus (SS), where the gall bladder and most of the liver are on the right, whereas the spleen, stomach, pancreas and heart reside on the left. Disruption to L-R patterning can result in a spectrum of laterality defects, ranging from situs inversus totalis (SI, complete mirror imagery) or heterotaxy where organ positioning is randomised across the L-R axis of the body. In particular, the heart, a highly asymmetric organ, appears very sensitive to improper L-R patterning, with strong links between heterotaxy and Congenital Heart Defects (CHDs). In humans, laterality disturbances have been reported in several diseases which impact cilia structure and function such as Kartaganer syndrome and Primary Cilia Dyskinesia, whilst large scale mutagenesis screens in mice have supported a link between ciliopathies, heterotaxy and CHDs. The Inversin (Invs) mouse mutant, Inv, was initially identified due to complete penetrance of SI. Subsequently, Invs has been shown to localise to cilia and is also suggested to function as a molecular switch between different Wnt signalling pathways. There is also some evidence demonstrating that loss of Invs in mice results in CHDs. However, the direct link between laterality disturbances and CHDs in Inv mutants remains unknown, given the possibility that loss of Invs may alter Wnt signalling, which is required for normal heart development. Therefore, this project sought to establish whether Invs has a laterality-independent role in heart development, or if its role in LR patterning is responsible for CHDs. Firstly, I investigated the spatial and temporal distribution of Invs in the mouse heart, showing that the expression pattern of Invs is dynamic during cardiac development. I then examined Inv mouse mutants for laterality defects at embryonic and fetal stages. This analysis revealed that although SI was common, many Inv mutants did not have body axis inversion although they did have laterality disturbance including right isomerism, left isomerism and situs solitus; CHDs were observed in all Inv mutants examined. Analysis of the CHD observed suggested similarities with mouse mutants with improper addition of a migratory population of cardiac progenitor cells, known as the Second Heart Field (SHF). Accordingly, to examine a laterality independent role for Invs in the heart, I analysed the SHF in Inv mutant embryos and showed that abnormalities in this cell population could not be accounted for simply on the basis of a disruption in L-R patterning. Finally, as it has been proposed that Invs acts as a switch molecule between Wnt pathways, I investigated whether there could be a genetic interaction affecting L-R patterning and heart development between Invs and Vangl2, a non-canonical Wnt (PCP) component in. These data suggested a complex interaction between these two genes. Together, my work supports the idea that Invs could plays laterality-independent roles in heart development. However, significant further work is necessary in order to confirm this exciting finding.51 0Item Restricted The Impact of Saudi Vision 2030 on Human Resources Development in the Tourism Industry: A Case Study of The Red Sea Project(Saudi Digital Library, 2023-11-08) Aljumaey, Abdullah; Ladkin, AdeleThe research explores the impact of the Vision 2030 of Saudi Arabia (SA) in developing human resources. It further evaluates the Red Sea project that aims to develop the tourism industry in the country. Behavioural Theory Management (BMT) has been evaluated further that highlights the factors that influence the employee’s behaviour in completing the objectives of Vision 2030. The complete thesis discussed the effect of Vision 2030 introduced by Saudi for the development of human resources. The literature review chapter signifies the impact of the Red Sea Project on human development and the tourism sector. The vision also helps to clarify the aim and ways of proceeding with the development in Saudi from achieving different objectives. The tourism industry in SA is enhanced through efficient human resource development and by placing it at the centre of projects like the Red Sea in accomplishing Vision 2030 of the country. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia vision represents a great structural shift in every economic sphere of the country. Moreover, with Vision 2030, it encourages building up a workforce in providing equal opportunity for everyone including the women in the country. the vision can help in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship and in the development of new tourism-related businesses. The significance of Saudi Vision 2030 is reshaping Saudi Arabia's economy through diversification and global prominence. It addresses challenges faced by the tourism industry in implementing the Vision's goals, including cultural preservation and infrastructure development. It also emphasizes the crucial part the Red Sea Project can have in achieving Vision 2030's goals, promoting economic diversification, environmental sustainability, and cross-cultural interaction to establish Saudi Arabia as a top travel destination.114 0