Saudi Cultural Missions Theses & Dissertations

Permanent URI for this communityhttps://drepo.sdl.edu.sa/handle/20.500.14154/10

Browse

Search Results

Now showing 1 - 10 of 13

Embargo
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, Jan
This 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.
12 0
Restricted
The Impact of Green Infrastructure on Urban Sustainability in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
(The University of Manchester, 2024) Al-Qahtani, Khaled Mohammed; Barron, Amy
This 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.
63 0
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, Mark
The 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 adequately
14 0
Restricted
Analysis of Experiential Marketing with Application to The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh
(Saudi Digital Library, 2022-12-04) Alanazi, Mohammed; Kenyon, Alexandra
This 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.
16 0
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, Peter
The 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.
58 0
Restricted
The Relationship between Urban Governance and Physical Urban Expansion in Riyadh
(Saudi Digital Library, 2023-08-30) Alotabi, Ahmed; Goodfellow, Tom
This dissertation explores the complex issue of urban sprawl in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, emphasising the limited efficiency of institutions for governance and planning to rein in this uncontrolled growth. Urban sprawl, frequently associated with unplanned and unsustainable development, has become a significant problem in Riyadh and is creating social, economic, and environmental issues. This study aims to clarify the intricate interactions between variables that contribute to this phenomenon, emphasising the function of legislative frameworks. This paper explores the underlying reasons behind Riyadh's failure to control urban expansion through a thorough analysis of past urban planning techniques, governance frameworks, and legal frameworks. The dissertation intends to shed light on the causes of urban sprawl in Riyadh by using a literature review methodology through archival analysis, scientific paper results, meta-analysis paper reviews, some policy evaluations, and books written by experts on the topic. Due to the paper’s emphasis on the role of governance towards urban sprawl, some essential literature analysis is based on documents that have been concerned with the issue, whether wholly or partially: The National Spatial Strategy 2030 (UN-Development Programme, 2021), the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Report on the Implementation of the New Urban Agenda 2022 (MoMRAH), Riyadh's strategic plan (MEDSTAR, 2021), Saudi Arabia’s National Report for Habitat III (MoMRA, 2016) and The Saudi Cities Report (MoMRA, 2019). According to the report, prioritising greenfield development and decentralised decision-making procedures has historically unintentionally encouraged suburban growth. Governance institutions have discovered it challenging to address the spatial fragmentation brought on by this strategy because they lack thorough master planning and mixed-use zoning plans. The complexity of urban growth in Riyadh is highlighted in this dissertation, but it also emphasises the essential for a paradigm shift in urban governance and planning. This research provides insights into how legislative structures might be re-calibrated to match sustainable and controlled urban growth by looking at the various legislative motivations that have sustained urban sprawl. The results of this study add to the larger conversation about issues facing urban growth and can guide policy initiatives to promote more cohesive, livable, and resilient communities. The research aims to lay the groundwork for future urban planning initiatives focusing on balanced and sustainable growth, thereby reducing the adverse effects of uncontrolled urban expansion in Riyadh and elsewhere.
27 0
Restricted
The Governance of Mobilized Urban Policies: The Case of Riyadh’s Transit-Oriented Development Program
(Virginia Tech, 2023-06-26) Altasan, Ibrahim; Hall, Ralph; Schenk, Todd
Countries and cities around the world are searching for ways to plan urban development to accommodate the growing demand for public infrastructure and amenities due to high rates of urbanization. Urban policies deemed to be successful are often adopted by other cities and hence applied across contexts. Urban Policy Mobility (UPM) theories study the ways in which political relationships, power dynamics, and other potential drivers influence the circulation of urban policies. UPM provides a guiding framework to analyze the policymaking associated with mobilized urban policies to understand the socio-spatial processes that motivate the adoption of urban policies from elsewhere. This dissertation engages with the UPM literature by investigating the assemblage and implementation processes of a mobilized urban policy to explore how the fixed socio-spatial processes embedded within a particular planning culture interact with and absorb a flowing urban policy. The term flowing in this study refers to the process of transposing policies from one place to another. Little attention has been paid to how the planning culture in a developing country can shape the adoption (or non-adoption) of certain policy elements, and what challenges arise during the implementation of a flowing urban policy. Given this context, this study answers two research questions: (a) How does urban policy mobility unpack in practice in response to local socio-spatial processes? and (b) What challenges emerge when policies are transposed into new urban policy environments that are dissimilar from those in which they originated? A case study methodology was used to study the changes that occurred when a Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) urban policy was introduced in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A qualitative content analysis of archival resources, documents, and semi-structured interviews revealed how local urban planning conditions and challenges influenced Riyadh’s TOD assemblage and implementation. Public officials and consultants from Riyadh, national officials, and experts were interviewed to develop a clear understanding of the TOD policy assemblage and implementation processes. The two main findings from this research are that: 1) there was an incomplete translation of TOD into the local planning culture, primarily due to Riyadh’s stronger emphasis on the density, diversity, and design features of TOD and less concern with the sustainability dimensions; and 2) several governance and prioritization challenges emerged during the policy implementation process, which stem from institutional constraints and institutional and resource gaps. This research expands the UPM field by tracing the trajectory of policy mutation due to local socio-spatial processes. Additionally, this study provides a conceptual framework that synthesizes three heterogeneous elements: planning culture, planning policy, and policy carriers. It offers a methodological contribution that advances UPM analysis to better explain policy mutation. This study can be used as a cautionary tale for officials engaged in adopting urban policies that originate in other jurisdictions.
64 0
Restricted
Examine the impact of employee turnover on managing operational efficiency customer service in hotels in Riyadh,Saudi Arabia
(Saudi Digital Library, 2023) Alotaibi, Manal; Ladkin, Adele
Employee turnover in the hospitality industry can have a significant impact on managing operational efficiency and customer service. In the hotel sector, employee turnover can cause a decrease in service quality and an increase in costs. Employee turnover in Riyadh is often caused by several factors, such as the availability of higher-paying jobs, unexpected job losses, and the high cost of living in the city. This research aims to discover the key factors that have both positive as well as negative effects on the turnover intention of employees in all types of hotels in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and to explore the influence that employee turnover has on operational efficiency as well as customer service of hotels. It was discovered that a variety of variables, including the accessibility of higher-paying employment, job security, possibilities for professional progression, language hurdles, and the cost of living in the area, might affect the turnover of employees in the hospitality business. The methodology chapter of this research provides a clear explanation of the sampling technique and data collection methods used to select the participants for the study. Some employees are not satisfied with the work culture as they find it to be negative, while others find it positive. If the Hotel of Riyadh makes strategies for their workers for a better workforce, their business will grow, and they will also see a profit.
27 0
Restricted
Assessing the Availability, Accessibility, and Distribution of Public Open Spaces: A Case Study of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
(Submitted to the graduate degree program in School of Architecture and the Graduate Faculty of the University of Kansas, 2023-07-03) Alalyani, Abdulwahab; Rashid, Mahbub
In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), cities such as Riyadh face many challenges, including those related to public health. Public open spaces (POS) can play a central role in promoting community health by accommodating passive and active daily activities in these cities. However, these valuable resources may not be readily available, accessible, or well-distributed among all urban communities. This study aims to evaluate the availability and accessibility of POS and their distribution in the neighborhoods of Riyadh. Several studies have highlighted the importance of availability, accessibility, and other factors in the planning and distributing POS. The distribution of open spaces across various social and spatial domains has also been a subject of concern. Three research objectives are considered. The first objective is to measure the existing levels of availability and accessibility of POS in the neighborhoods. The second is to explore the availability and physical accessibility of POS based on neighborhoods' socioeconomic status. The third is to investigate the POS availability and physical accessibility among Riyadh's neighborhoods based on urban development periods before and after 1953 (old and modern neighborhoods). POS availability is defined as POS areas per person which was measured by calculating the total of POS areas with respect to the total population within a geological area. POS accessibility is defined as the ease with which people can reach POS by walking. To study differences among Riyadh’s neighborhoods, we focused on the 400 meters network distance from the POS. Spatial and socioeconomic data were collected from Riyadh’s official government websites. POS was defined as urban community parks that meet the criteria of being public, free, accessible, and developed. The neighborhoods in Riyadh were sampled to investigate the availability and accessibility of POS according to the three objectives. All POS were mapped and evaluated using the geographical information systems (GIS). We used a One-way ANOVA to test the differences between the social and spatial groups. The findings demonstrated that POS availability in Riyadh is low, and POS accessibility is limited, with variations in their distribution. Across 137 neighborhoods, there is an average of 1.65 m2 of POS per person, which does not meet the minimum WHO standard of 9m2, nor did not reach 3.1m2 per person, as seen in the comparable local example of Dubai. The findings revealed that the high-income neighborhoods were higher in the availability of POS compared to medium and low-income neighborhoods. Finally, the findings show that the neighborhoods developed before 1953 had lower POS availability than those developed after 1953, and there is a statistically significant difference. Our findings show that POSs accessibility is limited. Only a third or less of Riyadh’s population resides within good or average access coverage of POS. In contrast, two-thirds of Riyadh’s population live in places with poor POS coverage. This study proposes several recommendations and suggestions to improve the availability and accessibility of POS. These practical and constructive solutions focus mainly on three dimensions: administrative and political, design, and user-related activities and programs in public spaces. Future research opportunities are identified. However, a challenge remains in acquiring comprehensive social and spatial data and enabling access to such data and tools.
54 0
Restricted
Residential Outdoor Spaces And Thermal Stress: Courtyard Design Approach To Thermally Enhance Outdoor Spaces In Single-Family Houses In The Desert Climate Of Riyadh
(UPC, 2023) Alkhoudiri, Ahmed Salah M; Fort, Josep Maria; Delgado, Isidro Navarro
The typological shift of single-family houses in Riyadh during the 20th century has negatively impacted the inhabitants. The shift from attached houses with courtyards to detached houses with setbacks created houses with poor outdoor spaces that are unsuitable for the desert climate and a lack of visual privacy between neighbors. The impact expanded further after the nationalization of this typology with municipal regulations to other cities without considering regional architecture or climate differences. Therefore, the main objective of this thesis is to revise the related municipal regulation of the mandatory 2-meter setback on houses and urge adopting attached houses with multiple courtyards as a proven typology with more advantages. The thesis aims to emphasize the significant improvements to the single-family houses in Riyadh from adopting attached houses with multiple courtyard outdoor spaces as an alternate typology that is more satisfactory in house space planning, spaces visual privacy, and exterior thermal performance. The underlying objective of the thesis is to create continuity in Saudi architecture by reviving outdoor courtyard spaces and attaching house concepts from traditional regional architecture into the contemporary urban fabric of Riyadh, and influencing the revival of other regional architectural principles. Additionally, the thesis aims to evaluate the impact of climate categories on the courtyard’s thermal performance. The thesis’s contribution expands the current knowledge with insights on the performances of outdoor spaces in the desert and temperate climates, focusing on thermal comfort, direct sun, and incident radiation in residential architecture. The thesis’s contribution also expands the current practice by promoting assessment methods for municipal regulation using algorithmic-aided simulations. The hypothesis asserts that courtyard and multiple courtyard typologies in single-family houses in Riyadh improve outdoor thermal comfort experienced by inhabitants and reduce exterior thermal stress on buildings. Riyadh was selected as the primary context in this thesis for its influence on the typological shift and its recent prominent growth in many aspects as the capital and largest city. Therefore, the historical context of Riyadh with the traditional regional Najd architecture was approached in exploring practical solutions to contemporary single-family houses and Saudi architecture progression. The methods utilized in the thesis include a literature review of related works, personal communication, field data collection for existing cases, creation of designed cases, performing environmental analysis using algorithmic-aided simulations, and comparing the analysis results through multiple correlations. The existing cases were selected as courtyards with different layouts and locations to help understand the climate impact on the space. Findings of thermal comfort analysis in the existing courtyard cases in Riyadh and Barcelona conveyed a more substantial impact of the climate over the courtyard characteristic. For testing the hypotheses, the designed cases were created as a setback, courtyard, and multiple courtyard houses in contemporary Riyadh’s urban block. Findings of thermal comfort, direct sun, and incident radiation analyses in the designed cases proved more satisfactory thermal performance for the multiple courtyard typology, then the single central courtyard, and finally, the detached setback typology. Finally, the attached houses with multiple courtyards typology is more promising as a new concept over the others for single-family houses in Riyadh. Furthermore, the typology provides more flexibility in space planning than a single courtyard and ensures privacy between neighbors and within the house zones.
26 0

Saudi Cultural Missions Theses & Dissertations

Browse

Filters

Settings

Sort By

Results per page

Search Results