Saudi Cultural Missions Theses & Dissertations
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Item Restricted Factors and Help Seeking Intentions for Antenatal Depression Among Pregnant Women in Saudi Arabia(Saudi Digital Library, 2026) Assas, Ghadeer; Grace, Karen; Scafide, Katherine; Weinstein, Ali; Powell, Marvin; Grace, Karen; Scafide, KatherineBackground: Antenatal depression is a complex mental health condition that poses a significant public health concern among pregnant women in SA. Research has demonstrated the high prevalence of antenatal depression in SA, and the profound impact this mental health condition has on expectant mothers, infants, and their families is explicitly demonstrated in the literature. However, risk factors associated with antenatal depression remain relatively understudied in SA. Given the country's unique cultural and societal context, Saudi women may experience distinct challenges to their mental health during pregnancy that require investigation. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate factors associated with antenatal depression among pregnant women living in Saudi Arabia, using the Socio-ecological Model as a conceptual framework. Specific Aims: This study aimed to a) Determine the relationship between the individual, interpersonal, community, societal, and cultural factors and antenatal depression among pregnant women in SA and b) Explore barriers to reporting antenatal depression symptoms to healthcare providers among a sample of pregnant women.7 0Item Restricted Comparative Study of the United States and China’s Security Investments in the Arabian Gulf during 2020-2025: Case Studies of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar(Saudi Digital Library, 2025) Bakolka, Mashail; Jennifer, CassidyThis research explores the motivations and strategies of the United States (US) and China in the Gulf region with a particular emphasis on Saudi Arabia (KSA), the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Qatar. Guided by the theoretical framework of offensive realism, the findings are based on the assumption that state actors in an inherently chaotic international system will always seek to maximise their power and competitive advantage in order to safeguard their stability and interests. This thesis is equally applicable to powerful international players like the United States and China as well as the three selected case study countries in the Gulf. The analysis reveals that the United States has remained the predominant security guarantor in the region as it can pre-emptively contain regional threats or aggressive actors such as Iran through its direct presence and leverage, in addition to its commitment to maintaining the security of its Gulf Arab partners. As such, it has continuously invested in arms deals, military bases, joint operations, and training programmes with each of the three chosen Gulf states, and its strongest base and presence remains on the territory of Qatar. In comparison, China has proven cautious in encroaching upon these bilateral ties, instead framing its collaboration with the three countries as an economic one under its global Belt and Road Initiative. In some instances, however, cooperation and deals have extended to the realm of security with secretive arms deals or dual-use technological and infrastructure investments that could be construed as posing a threat to US regional goals. So far, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar have tried to sustain a balancing or hedging strategy which would not endanger their beneficial relationship with and reliance upon the US for the sake of their own security, but at the same time they have attempted to diversify their options with China proving an eager though limited partner.3 0Item Restricted Exploring Sex Differences in Physical Activity and Its Psychosocial and Environmental Determinants among College Students in Saudi Arabia.(Saudi Digital Library, 2026) Alharbi, Abdulaziz; LaJoie, A. ScottBackground: Although the importance of physical activity for health is well-established, engagement remains low among college students in Saudi Arabia, with a pronounced disparity between males and females. However, there is a lack of empirical research examining the unique psychosocial and environmental predictors of physical activity through a sex-stratified lens among Saudi college students. Purpose: This study had two primary aims: (a) to examine sex differences in total physical activity and its related self-efficacy, social support from family and friends, and environmental support; and (b) to identify the unique predictors of total physical activity among male and female college students in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was employed with a sample of 540 college students recruited from one university in Eastern Saudi Arabia. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was used to examine sex differences, and hierarchical multiple regression analyses, stratified by sex, were conducted to identify unique predictors of total physical activity. Results: The MANOVA was statistically significant (p < .001, ηp² = .058). Follow-up univariate ANOVAs revealed that males reported significantly higher levels of total physical activity (p = .009), self-efficacy (p = .006), social support from friends (p < .001), and environmental support (p = .012) than females. Among males, the final regression model explained 15% of the variance in total physical activity (p < .001), with self-efficacy (β = .15, p = .022), social support from friends (β = .14, p = .047), and gym attendance (β = .17, p = .011) emerging as significant predictors. Among females, the final model explained 13% of the variance in total physical activity (p < .001), with self-efficacy (β = .20, p < .001) and family social support (β = .16, p = .010) emerging as significant predictors. Conclusion: The findings highlight the importance of sex-specific approaches to address physical inactivity and related disparities among college students in Saudi Arabia. Interventions should focus on enhancing self-efficacy for both sexes while leveraging peer support for male students and family support for female students. A sex-specific intervention plan, informed by these findings and tailored to the local sociocultural context, is presented.23 0Item Restricted The Legal Framework for Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) as an economic, social, and environmental Sustainability Transition in Saudi Arabia(Saudi Digital Library, 2026) Alluhidan, Nouf Ahmed; Chimia, Annamaria; Trepte, PeterThis research examines the legal framework for public–private partnerships (PPPs) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as a sustainable transition mechanism across three levels: social, economic, and environmental, by analysing all national regulations applicable to PPPs. The private sector could play a significant role in societal prosperity through its direct and indirect effects, making PPPs a crucial component in building sustainable infrastructures in countries. This has led the United Nations to recognise the need for all parties, including governments and the private sector, to cooperate in an international partnership to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, PPPs cannot effectively contribute to the SDGs unless governments implement internal legal reforms and enhance the legal environment. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to examine the current legal framework for PPPs under Saudi law and assess the extent to which it supports the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 and the SDGs. Numerous PPPs have recently been adopted in the country for the first time, with many more in the tendering process at various stages. In this regard, due to the recent adoption of PPPs, there was a strong need to conduct interviews to investigate their application across different sectors in the country. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with government procurement officials, policymakers, and other experts in the field to determine the extent to which PPPs can serve as effective instruments for achieving sustainability in Saudi Arabia. PPPs clearly offer various advantages, including leveraging private sector expertise and funding, enhancing quality, fostering innovation and local content, and enabling risk sharing. However, challenges remain, such as unstable environmental and social regulations, a lack of environmental and social requirements in contracts, negative impacts on public employees, and a wide number of applicants in the short term. In conclusion, the legal framework governing PPPs is critical to ensuring Saudi Arabia’s efforts to achieve its Vision 2030 objectives, some of which align with international standards, while others require serious consideration and reform.66 0Item Restricted An Exploration of the Psychological Well-Being of Orphans in Saudi Arabia: Insights from Service Providers and Orphans(Saudi Digital Library, 2026) AlGhuraibi, Dulal; Nikparvar, FatemehAbstract The problem being studied was the susceptibility of Saudi Arabian orphans to experience psychological distress, attributed to factors such as parental loss, mistreatment, and abandonment. However, cultural, social, and familial contexts may pose distinctive challenges, emphasizing the need for targeted research and support systems. This qualitative case study explored service providers' and orphans' perspectives regarding how experiencing parental death or abandonment and living in an orphanage affects psychological well-being in Saudi Arabia. Data was collected via semi-structured interviews with six orphans and six service providers until data saturation was achieved. Guided by Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory, the research employed Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to provide an in-depth understanding of participants’ lived experiences and contextual factors influencing their well- being. Findings revealed that orphans in institutional care often experience emotional disconnection and loneliness, coupled with a strong desire for belonging, recognition, and genuine care. Despite their isolation, many demonstrated resilience and self-reliance, drawing on inner strength, faith, and aspirations for a better future, though these strengths often coexisted with unresolved grief and emotional pain. Service providers, meanwhile, faced significant challenges within institutional settings, including limited resources, structural constraints, and emotional burnout. They described the difficulty of balancing professional boundaries with authentic emotional engagement, while emphasizing the importance of building trust and providing mentorship that fosters growth and hope. Overall, the themes illustrate the emotional complexity of orphan life and the demanding nature of caregiving within institutional contexts, offering a foundation for further discussion and practical recommendations. Keywords: Orphan, Service provider, Well-being, Saudi Arabia2 0Item 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 APPLICATION OF ELECTRONIC EVIDENCE RULES IN CIVIL AND COMMERCIAL LITIGATION IN SAUDI ARABIA(Saudi Digital Library, 2026) Alshamrani, Arwa; Wright, Ronald FThe increasing use of digital technologies in commercial and civil transactions has led to a growing reliance on electronic evidence in judicial proceedings. In response to these developments, Saudi Arabia has introduced legislative reforms, most notably the Evidence Law and related regulations, to regulate the admissibility and evaluation of electronic evidence. Despite this legal framework, questions remain regarding how these rules operate in judicial practice. This study examines the application of electronic evidence rules in civil and commercial litigation in Saudi Arabia. It combines doctrinal legal analysis with qualitative empirical research in order to explore both the legal framework governing electronic evidence and its practical implementation in the courts. The doctrinal component analyzes the relevant statutory provisions and their relationship to evidentiary principles in Islamic jurisprudence. The empirical component relies on qualitative interviews conducted with judges and attorneys who have professional experience in civil and commercial litigation. The findings suggest that Saudi law formally recognizes electronic evidence as a legitimate means of proof and adopts a generally flexible approach to admissibility. At the same time, the practical evaluation of electronic evidence often depends on judicial discretion, technical understanding, and contextual interpretation. The study further identifies a range of procedural and practical challenges in the judicial handling of electronic evidence. Together, these findings contribute to a clearer understanding of how electronic evidence operates within contemporary Saudi judicial practice.7 0Item Restricted TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS AMONG NURSES AT GOVERNMENTAL HOSPITALS IN SAUDI ARABIA(Saudi Digital Library, 2025) Alruwaili, Anwar; Kotb, hebaBackground: Total Quality Management )TQM( is a framework that many health-related organizations experience as an important way to improve service delivery by constantly getting better, involving employees, and making sure patients are satisfied with their services. (TQM) and crisis preparedness are closely linked because both aim to build resilient organizations that can deliver consistent quality even under disruption. TQM provides the cultural and operational foundation for excellence, while crisis preparedness ensures continuity when unexpected challenges arise. XIV Aim: This study aims to investigate the relationship between Total Quality Management (TQM) practices and Disaster Preparedness among nurses working in governmental hospitals in the Northern Region of Saudi Arabia. Methodology: A descriptive correlational cross-sectional design was used. The study was employed in three governmental hospitals located in the Al-Jouf region of Saudi Arabia: Metteb Bin Abdul-Aziz Hospital, King Abdul- Aziz Specialist Hospital, and Qurrayat General Hospital over the period for two months. The sample for this research was 360 including all available registered nurses working in selected hospitals by using validated tools: demographic and work-related variables, (TQM) Scale, and Emergency Preparedness Information Questionnaire. Results: The results showed a moderate level of disaster preparedness among nurses. The results also revealed a significant positive relationship between TQM practices and disaster preparedness among nurses. Multivariate analysis showed that TQM practices were the strongest predictor of disaster preparedness among nurses (P< 0.05). Conclusion: The findings validate that total quality management practices significantly influence nurses’ disaster preparedness. TQM, when XV embedded into the clinical culture, enhances nurses’ confidence, teamwork, and emergency decision-making fostering resilience in high-pressure environments Recommendation: Healthcare administrators should work toward strengthening TQM implementation by fostering leadership commitment, supporting employee engagement, and institutionalizing continuous improvement processes that contribute to better preparedness outcomes Keywords: Total Quality Management Practices, Disaster Preparedness, Nurses, Northern Region, Governmental Hospitals, Saudi Arabia4 0Item Restricted Integrating Saudi Cultural Identity into Boutique Hotel Guest Experiences in Alignment with Vision 2030: Towards Innovation and Differentiation(Saudi Digital Library, 2025) Alnuwaiser, Raghad; Maekinen, TiiaSaudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 has placed a strong emphasis on cultural identity as a primary element of tourism strategy. As such, cultural hospitality is reconceptualized as a vehicle for national identity, cultural diplomacy, and tourism product differentiation. In this regard, boutique hotels are specifically designed to offer a culturally rich and personalized guest experience. However, despite this strategy, literature on hospitality and tourism in Saudi Arabia is limited and often focuses on niche areas such as architectural heritage or service quality, overlooking the integration of cultural identity into the holistic guest experience. This study addresses this gap by exploring how Saudi cultural identity can be systematically integrated into boutique hotel guest experiences to enhance authenticity, innovation, and differentiation. Using a qualitative multiple-case study design, the research analyzes online guest reviews of boutique and heritage hotels across key Saudi destinations, including Riyadh, Jeddah, and AlUla. The study employs inductive thematic analysis to identify patterns related to cultural design, service interactions, culinary experiences, and the balance between modern luxury and traditional elements. Findings reveal that deeply embedded cultural elements significantly enhance guest satisfaction and create meaningful, memorable experiences. Guests particularly value authentic spatial design, culturally informed service interactions, and traditional culinary offerings. However, gaps remain in staff cultural competence and the depth of storytelling, leading to occasional inconsistencies in the overall guest experience. The study proposes a Cultural Cohesion-Integration Framework (CCIF), offering a structured approach for embedding cultural identity across strategic, operational, and experiential dimensions. This framework provides practical guidance for boutique hotel managers and policymakers, supporting the alignment of cultural preservation with innovation and tourism development under Vision 2030.9 0Item Restricted The Impact of AI Recommendation Features on Consumer Purchasing Decisions in E-Commerce Environments(Saudi Digital Library, 2026) Alrumi, Abdullah; Chipidza, WallaceArtificial intelligence recommendation features such as visual search, real-time offers, chatbot interactions, and generative recommendations have become central to e-commerce. A key gap remains because most studies focus on purchase intention instead of actual decisions and examine these AI features separately. This study addresses this gap by asking: What is the impact of AI recommendation features on consumer purchasing decisions in e-commerce environments? Using a sequential mixed-methods design in the Saudi Arabian e-commerce market, the quantitative phase surveyed 343 online shoppers analyzed with PLS-SEM, while the qualitative phase involved 15 interviews analyzed thematically with ATLAS.ti. The conceptual model was informed by the Technology Acceptance Model and Stimulus-Organism-Response framework. Results showed that trust was the only significant predictor of emotional reactions toward AI assistant tools use, while perceived intelligence, usefulness, and ease of use were not significant. Emotional reactions toward AI tools significantly influenced purchase decisions. The consideration set had a direct effect on purchase decisions but did not moderate the relationship. Qualitative findings revealed that AI does not simply assist at isolated points but actively shapes the entire buying journey from initial search to final decision. The significance appears in two areas. Theoretically, the study advances understanding of how AI-enabled systems shape consumer decision-making in digital platforms by focusing on purchase decisions rather than behavioral intentions and integrating quantitative and qualitative insights. Practically, the findings guide e-commerce businesses to design AI features that build consumer trust and support consumers throughout different stages of the buying journey.12 0