Saudi Cultural Missions Theses & Dissertations
Permanent URI for this communityhttps://drepo.sdl.edu.sa/handle/20.500.14154/10
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Item Restricted The Nexus between Sustainable Development and Economic Dynamics in MENA and SSA Countries.(Western Sydney University, 2023) Alghamdi, Thamer; Gangopadhyay, ParthaThe complex interplay between economic dynamics and sustainable development in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) remains underexplored. This thesis investigates this nexus, focusing on the roles of corruption, governance, foreign direct investment, and trade in shaping sustainable development outcomes. Additionally, it examines the relationship between energy poverty and education, as well as the hidden barriers to renewable energy transition in SSA. Findings indicate that while good governance and corruption reduction can significantly advance sustainable development in SSA and MENA nations, the region faces substantial challenges in mitigating energy poverty. Employing CS-ARDL approach to assess more robust and reliable results, the findings reveal that – contrary to existing literature – governance has a significant positive effect on sustainable development, indicating that the governance is essential to achieving sustainable development in this region. The findings also reveal that the corruption has a significant positive effect on sustainable development. Furthermore, foreign direct investment and trade were found to have an insignificant relationship with sustainable development. By uncovering the intricate connections between economic factors, energy poverty, and sustainable development, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of the barriers hindering progress in these regions. The findings underscore the urgent need for innovative policies that prioritise governance, education, and renewable energy to accelerate sustainable development in SSA and MENA.20 0Item Restricted Exploring decolonisation, alternative spaces, and global cultural collaboration in the MENA region.(Royal College of Art, 2024-07-29) Abaalkhail, Safiyah; Joshua, Leon; Gerrie, van NoordMy curatorial practice is committed to decolonisation, the exploration of alternative spaces, and the promotion of global cultural collaboration. Influenced by collectives such as Raqs Media Collective and The Otolith Group, my approach challenges colonial legacies through immersive and inclusive storytelling by drawing inspiration from texts including ‘The Metabolic Museum’ by Clementine Deliss and ‘Decolonising Museums’ by L'Internationale Online to guide my exploration of art spaces and the ideologies they preserve. My approach is to transcend the physicality of space through innovative thinking that challenges Eurocentric norms in today’s art world, transforming traditional spaces into environments that engage diverse cultural backgrounds. For instance, Raqs Media Collective’s ‘With Respect to Residue’ exemplifies community-centred spaces that prioritise inclusivity and dialogue, while The Otolith Group’s use of film and multimedia in the ‘Xenogenesis’ exhibition introduces explorations of narrative and future potential. The history, culture, and artistic expression of the Middle East and North African (MENA) region, which I believe embodies decolonisation, is central to this approach. L'Appartement 22 in Morocco engages in practices that stimulate dialogue and resistance. Hayaty Dairies, an art collective, elevates Arab women artists, challenging perceptions and highlighting how societal and cultural contexts shape the reception of art. K-oh-llective in Egypt facilitate a deeper understanding of local art practices, encourage community engagement, and promote a dialogue transcending geographical and cultural barriers. Through my focus on such work, I strive to curate not merely exhibitions but catalysts for societal transformation, challenges to traditional curatorial methods, and active processes that reshape and rethink colonial histories. Through curation, I seek to nurture hubs for dialogue and social change, advocating for inclusive curatorial practices that transform and engage audiences in a participatory process to involve them deeply in ongoing discourses about what it means to decolonise, to resist, and to assert one’s own individual and collective identity.27 0Item Restricted ANALYZING THE DETERMINANTS OF INWARD, OUTWARD, AND BILATERAL FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENTS IN MENA COUNTRIES: THE ROLE OF TRADE OPENNESS(Southern Illinois University Carbondale, 2024-04-03) Alfadhel, Hailah; Lahiri, SajalThis dissertation delves into the dynamics of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, focusing on the role of trade openness as a determinant. It consists of three chapters, each contributing to a comprehensive understanding of FDI patterns in MENA countries. The first chapter explores the determinants of inward FDI in MENA countries from 1990 to 2022, emphasizing the significance of trade openness. Employing panel data analysis and Two-Stage Least Squares (2SLS) methodology, the study reveals a positive correlation between FDI inflows and trade openness. Moreover, it identifies other influential factors such as market size, infrastructure, human capital, and government policies. By addressing the heterogeneity of trade openness across various memberships, including OPEC and WTO, this chapter provides valuable insights for policymakers and investors seeking to stimulate economic development in the MENA region. Building upon these findings, the second chapter investigates the determinants of outward FDI from MENA countries over the period 1990-2021. This chapter fills a gap in the literature by analyzing factors influencing outward investment flows. Contrary to conventional expectations, the study finds a negative relationship between trade openness and outward FDI. Additionally, it uncovers significant impacts of market size, infrastructure, industry dynamics, and tax policies. Through consideration of heterogeneity in trade openness across subsets of MENA countries, this chapter offers insights into fostering economic growth through outbound investment. In the third chapter, a gravity model approach is employed to analyze bilateral FDI flows, focusing on the impact of trade openness and Bilateral Investment Treaties (BITs). By examining annual data from 48 countries between 1990 and 2021, the study uncovers nuanced relationships between trade openness, BITs, and FDI flows. Through comprehensive analysis, it highlights the significance of investment treaties in promoting cross-border investment and provides valuable insights into bilateral FDI dynamics among countries.8 0Item Restricted THE IMPACT OF LIQUIDITY CREATION ON ECONOMIC GROWTH, VOLATILITY, AND ASSESSING ITS CYCLICALITY IN MENA COUNTRIES(University Putra Malaysia, 2023-09-20) Almeshari, Ali Abdulrahman A; Haji Yahya, Mohamed Hisham bin DatoThis thesis examines the impact of liquidity creation (LC) on economic growth (EG) and growth volatility (GV). It assesses its cyclicality in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. LC is a core function of the banking system, and it is essential for economic growth and economic stability. However, the theoretical claim of the role and the effect of LC seems to be neglected in the literature, specifically in the context of developing countries. Studying the impact of LC on EG and GV in the context of MENA is crucial due to the region’s underdeveloped financial system and sensitivity to external shocks. Policymakers can use this knowledge to improve understanding and develop more effective monetary and financial policies. Based on this background, this study examines the impact of LC on EG and GV. Besides, it evaluates the moderating role of LC on the relationship between real shock and GV. It also examines the cyclicality of a core function of the banking sector. According to Berger and Bouwman’s (2009) LC measurement, to calculate the main independent variable, i.e., LC, the study includes 184 commercial banks listed in the capital market of 10 MENA countries. The first objective of this thesis is to revisit the relationship between LC and EG in a panel of 20 MENA countries over the 2000-2019 period. Using pooled mean group estimations in a dynamic heterogeneous panel setting, this study shows that LC positively affects EG in the long run. However, the short-term effects were inconsistent due to banking fluctuations and crises in the sector, which cancelled out the positive impact of LC. The study’s findings align with previous research, which showed that LC positively impacts EG. Thus, LC could be a beneficial tool that can be used to promote EG. Secondly, the study uses a panel cointegration estimating approach to discover the relationship between LC and GV. It evaluates the moderating effect of LC on the linkage between real shock, proxied by oil terms of trade volatility and GV. The study finds that LC significantly reduces GV in both the short and long run. The study also finds that both real and monetary shocks are the main sources of volatility and that LC helps to reduce the effect of real shocks and amplifies the effects of monetary shocks on GV. The study suggests that strengthening the banking industry through LC could be an essential strategy for avoiding economic swings and absorbing real shocks. Finally, the study examines whether bank LC in the MENA region is procyclical and finds no research addresses whether it can exacerbate business cycle fluctuations. However, the study confirms that it is widely known that the supply of bank liquidity is closely associated with economic changes, which is referred to as procyclicality. There are several implications of the present study for future research and policymaking. It sheds light on how one of the primary banking operations affects economic development directly and indirectly and how it reacts to genuine shocks.11 0Item Restricted Foreign capital investment in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: How has legislation been formulated over the years to cater to foreign capital investment? How do Saudi and EU laws compare in terms of trade and capital investment?(Saudi Digital Library, 2023) Albeladi, Semood Hussain; Kenny, MelAs a developing nation, Saudi Arabia presents foreign investors with numerous business opportunities. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is an essential component of both the national and global economies. Saudi Arabia is desperate to open its market to an unlimited number of participants, who will undoubtedly contribute to the economy and business environment. In this research, the Saudi local market will be analyzed from various angles, and its characteristics are outlined. Throughout this work, numerous definitions, and explanations of FDI in Saudi Arabia will be provided. Key advantages, sectors, and characteristics of the Saudi Markets were outlined. It will also explain the development of legislation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to be compatible with foreign investment. On the other hand, how Saudi laws and European Union laws compare in terms of trade and capital investment. The Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia, which is the legal authority responsible for facilitating these investments, is the starting point for investors seeking more information. This might demonstrate the potential and benefits of Saudi FDI opportunities. Consequently, there are several strong indications of outstanding opportunities to increase the business's profitability. Foreign direct investment (FDI) in Saudi Arabia still offers a vast opportunity to conduct a variety of businesses and invest in emerging industries.20 0