Saudi Cultural Missions Theses & Dissertations
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Item Restricted How Effective Are Special Economic Zones in Supporting Economic Diversification(Saudi Digital Library, 2025) Almutairi, Mohammed; Meriton, RoystonThis thesis examines how institutional quality and operational performance within Special Economic Zones (SEZs) relate to foreign direct investment (FDI) and economic diversification in Saudi Arabia. Guided by Institutional Theory, the study adopts a positivist, deductive, cross-sectional design and implements a structured online survey of informed stakeholders (N = 123). All multi-item scales demonstrated strong internal consistency (α = .828-.874). Analyses were conducted in SPSS. Pearson correlations were uniformly positive and statistically significant (p < .01). To test the hypotheses, six bivariate ordinary least squares regressions (one predictor per model) were estimated. All models were significant at p < .001, with standardized coefficients β ranging from .77 to .88 and R2 from .59 to .77. Institutional Framework was strongly associated with SEZ Effectiveness (β = .840; R2 = .706), SEZ Success (β = .876; R2 = .768), and FDI (β = .798; R2 = .636). Economic Diversification was strongly associated with SEZ Success (β = .835; R2 = .698), SEZ Effectiveness (β = .767; R2 = .589), and FDI (β = .822; R2 = .675). Interpreted through a single explanatory account, the pattern is consistent with a transaction-cost and capability-formation perspective: high-quality institutions reduce frictions and coordinate expectations, enabling effective operations; effective operations and credible institutions de-risk investment; and embedded investment, together with reliable operations, contributes to capability accumulation and diversification. The study’s contribution is to demonstrate, in a reforming economy, a coherent configuration in which institutions, operations, investment, and diversification move together strongly and consistently. Implications emphasize institutional upgrading within SEZ authorities, operational excellence as a strategic lever, and programs that convert investment into local capabilities. Limitations (bivariate, cross-sectional design; perceptual measures) are noted, and directions for multivariate, longitudinal, and comparative research are set out.11 0Item Restricted To What Extent Has Saudi Aramco’s Diversification Strategy Contributed to Saudi Arabia’s Economic Transformation Under Vision 2030(Saudi Digital Library, 2025) Aljabbari, Mohammed; Earl, GammonThe present dissertation evaluates to what degree Saudi Aramco’s diversification strategy is changing Saudi Arabia’s economy since Vision 2030 was announced. The research question was designed to evaluate whether or not Aramco’s undertakings truly contribute toward economic diversification and sustainability, or whether these hallmarks of reform reinforce the country’s dependency on hydrocarbons. The investigative design employed elements from theories of state capitalism, corporate governance, and environmental legitimacy. The empirical base was supported by a comparative case analysis of Saudi Aramco and ExxonMobil, in order to assess how ownership modalities influence diversification trajectories and sustainability narratives. Qualitative document analysis of corporate reports, international energy assessments, and pertinent policy documents was conducted to establish the empirical base. Findings suggest Aramco played a significant role in enabling investments into new sectors at the direction of the state and alignment with national strategic goals, but the diversification remains heavily fossil-based with very little being achieved relative to renewables and green technologies. While a direct comparison with ExxonMobil was performed to highlight how state ownership brings about different political/economic imperatives, there is a common dependency on hydrocarbons through external pressures of decarbonization. Overall, the study asserts that Aramco’s diversification strategy contributes to Saudi Arabia’s transformation in only partial, and contested, circumstances that improve fiscal resilience; but raises the question of actual sustainability in the long term.12 0Item Restricted Vision 2030 Transforms Saudi Capital Markets: Analysis of IPO Performance Revolution(Saudi Digital Library, 2025) Murhaf, Rambo; Gallagher, RonanThis study investigates how Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 economic transformation program affects both Initial Public Offering (IPO) results and capital market efficiency. The study evaluates 148 Saudi IPOs from 2003-2025 through event study analysis by using Vision 2030's January 2017 implementation as a natural experiment to examine market dynamic changes. Vision 2030 implementation led to major enhancements in market efficiency. The IPO underpricing decreased substantially from 75.2% during the pre-Vision period (2003-2016) to 12.9% after Vision 2030 implementation (2017-2025) which resulted in an 82.8% efficiency improvement that aligns Saudi market performance with developed market standards. The long-term analysis demonstrates continuous positive return because 12-month buy-and-hold abnormal returns stay positive while controlling excessive speculative returns. The performance enhancements in the market depend on three main factors which include firm size and sector alignment with Vision 2030 objectives and market demand. The research shows that Vision 2030's complete institutional reforms which included regulatory improvements and market access expansion and transparency enhancements have created fundamental changes in Saudi capital markets. The research demonstrates that systematic economic transformation programs can effectively build efficient capital markets in oil-dependent economies thus providing practical guidance for resource-rich nations that want to diversify their economies through capital market development.17 0Item Restricted To what extent have Vision 2030 policies contributed to the reduction in youth unemployment in Saudi Arabia, and how does this compare to the expected trend in the absence of these policies?(Saudi Digital Library, 2025) Muaythir, Abdulaziz Bin; Pandazis, MichaelThis study examines the causal impact of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 policies on youth unemployment using the Synthetic Difference-in-Differences (SDID) methodology. Launched in 2016, Vision 2030 represents Saudi Arabia's ambitious economic transformation program that aims to diversify the economy and create sustainable job opportunities. During youth unemployment in Saudi Arabia fell from 27.3% in 2016 to 16.25% in 2023, this research seeks to determine how much this reduction can be attributed to Vision 2030 policies versus external economic factors. By building artificial counter-facts from a similar oil exporting economies including Kuwait, Russia, UAE, Algeria and Oman, analysis estimates. Vision 2030 policies reduced youth unemployment by about 5.8 percentage points by 2023, which represents 58% of the noticeable decline, the effect was heterogeneous, with the largest effects on young women (7.3 percentage points) of males (4.2 percentage points), and for third Educated youth (6.5 percentage points) compared to those with secondary education (4.9 Percentage points). The time pattern reveals minimal effects during the period 2016-2018, followed by accelerating effects in 2021-2023, indicating increased policy effectiveness with implementation maturation and complementary reforms reach a critical mass.37 0Item Restricted Evaluating the Impact of Vision 2030's Legal Reforms on Attracting Foreign Investment to Saudi Arabia(Saudi Digital Library, 2025) Alshehri, Amani; Austin, NwaforOver the years, Saudi Arabia has relied heavily on oil exports, making it one of the world’s largest oil exporters. Oil accounted for over 42% of Saudi Arabia’s GDP, 90% of export revenue, and 87% of budget revenues. However, this dependence on oil creates significant vulnerabilities which impact the economy negatively. This includes the decrease in oil prices, demographic changes, the world’s transition towards renewable energy and concerns about the long-term sustainability of oil-based economies. These challenges led to the transformation plan Vision 2030 Launched in 2016 to diversify the economy. Vision 2030 aims to diversify the economy into non-oil sectors such as tourism, technology, and renewable energy. 5 Some of the indicators include Increase KSA's share of non-oil exports, Raise private sector contribution to 65% of GDP, Increase FDI contribution to GDP to 5.7% among others. To achieve this, different economic, social, and legal reforms were instituted while improving the foreign investment positioning of the country. The legal reforms remain one of the significant initiatives to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) by creating a more transparent, efficient, and business-friendly regulatory environment. Hence, this research aims to analyse critically the Impact of Vision 2030's Legal Reforms on Attracting Foreign Investment to Saudi Arabia.36 0Item Restricted Sustainable Wildlife Tourism in Saudi Arabia(Saudi Digital Library, 2024) Aldughaishem, Abdulrhman; Philip, RylandThis study explores the opportunities and challenges of developing sustainable wildlife tourism in Saudi Arabia, a country known for its rich biodiversity and unique ecosystems. The research underscores the importance of economic benefits such as job creation and revenue generation in enhancing tourist satisfaction, aligning with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 objectives of economic diversification. However, the study also highlights significant environmental concerns, including habitat disruption and pollution, which pose challenges to the long-term sustainability of wildlife tourism. The effectiveness of current regulatory frameworks is questioned, suggesting a need for stronger enforcement and policy refinement. Community involvement emerges as a crucial factor, positively influencing both economic and social benefits. The study concludes with recommendations for enhancing environmental regulations, promoting community-based tourism, and fostering public-private partnerships. Additionally, it calls for future research to focus on the long-term impacts of tourism, broader geographic studies, and the effects of climate change on wildlife tourism in Saudi Arabia. These insights aim to guide policymakers, industry stakeholders, and researchers in developing a sustainable wildlife tourism sector that supports economic growth while preserving natural resources and enhancing community well-being.39 0Item Restricted An Alternative Land Transport Strategy for Achieving Saudi Vision 2030's Direct and Indirect Goals(Swansea University, 2024-09-25) Alarifi, Abdulrahman; Samaras, VasileiosThis dissertation presents a comprehensive analysis and alternative strategy for developing Saudi Arabia’s land transport sector, aligning with the broader goals of Vision 2030. The research aims to address key challenges in the sector, explore global best practices, and propose strategies to enhance Saudi Arabia’s competitiveness as a global logistics hub. The study begins by contextualising the historical and strategic importance of Saudi Arabia's land transport infrastructure, emphasising its role in economic diversification and global connectivity. Informed by a literature review, the research identifies critical programmes under Vision 2030, such as the National Industrial Development and Logistics Programme (NIDLP), which focuses on modernising infrastructure and integrating advanced technologies to foster sustainable growth. The methodological approach leverages several analytical tools—Porter's Five Forces, PESTEL analysis, SWOT, and the TOWS matrix—to assess both external and internal factors affecting the land transport sector. This multi-faceted analysis leads to the identification of 24 strategic objectives, which are prioritised using a Decision Matrix to align with Vision 2030's direct and indirect goals. These objectives are categorised into themes such as technological innovation and modernisation, sustainability and environmental challenges, and public-private partnerships. The discussion highlights key findings, such as the importance of integrating advanced technologies, fostering public-private partnerships, and improving multimodal transport solutions. The adoption of digital platforms, the use of innovative safety measures, and the implementation of sustainable practices are highlighted as critical factors in ensuring the sector's long-term growth and resilience. Furthermore, the dissertation identifies challenges such as regulatory barriers, high costs, and the need for continuous technological upgrades. In conclusion, the research underscores the strategic importance of the land transport sector in achieving Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. The recommended strategies, including increased investments in infrastructure, enhanced governance frameworks, and the adoption of global best practices, are essential for transforming Saudi Arabia into a global logistics hub. The findings and recommendations provide a roadmap for policymakers and stakeholders to implement a well-aligned, future-ready transport system, driving economic diversification and sustainability.27 0Item Restricted Evaluating Riyadh’s Tourism Growth and Economic Diversification under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030: Strategies and Outcomes(Taylor's University, 2024) Alsader, Gazwa Naif; Ismail, KhairiahThis study evaluates the impact of tourism strategies implemented in Riyadh within the framework of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, focusing on three key areas: and it safer for the economic development, cultures, and visitors who will benefit this place. It analyses the role of tourism in the diversification of the Saudi Arabian non-oil revenues and discusses the challenges and opportunities of the development strategy for the tourism industry in Riyadh. In this study, a quantitative design was employeds, and structured questionnaires are administered to 385 participants categorized in to tourists, residents and workers in the tourism sector. Tests of regression and correlation were also used to determine significance of economic, cultural and social effects of tourism with regards to the implementation of the set tourism programs. The findings also provide evidence of the relationship between tourism development, economic growth in Riyadh, and Vision 2030 objectives. Tourism has helped in employment opportunities, infrastructural developments, development of small businesses, and-Cultural Consciousness and placing Riyadh as a Cultural centre. However, the following issues were pointed out as the challenges; Cultural commodification and The need to diversify the tourism products. On the whole, the outcomes show the positive attitude of visitors; however, there is a need for further development in international marketing andleisure activities asthe factors affecting the image of Riyadh on the international level. Based on the findings,the following policy guidelines for the development of tourism are recommended: proliferation of tourism products; infrastructural development; promotion of the buying local products; and increasing utilization of products from the tourism sector. The study adds to the theoretical frame work of the impacts of tourism in diversification of economy and nation branding, culture and social relations in context of nation- wide development plans, Vision 2030 in Saudi Arabia. It provides fresh ideas on theorising the relationship between tourism development and nation-state’s economic plans, and underlines the possibilities of utilising tourism as an additional non-oil source of revenues for Saudi Arabia while at the same time demanding responsible and culturally appropriate tourism growth in Riyadh. In addition, it deals with the theoretical-emprical deficiencies regarding the sociological consequences of tourism for communities.37 0