Saudi Cultural Missions Theses & Dissertations
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Item Restricted Sustainable Tourism in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Balancing Local Community Benefits with Environmental Challenges.(Newcastle University, 2024) Alkahlani, Sabreen; Liu, Yu-LunSaudi Arabia's Vision 2030 emphasises sustainable tourism as a key component of an ongoing economic diversification strategy that aims to enhance socioeconomic welfare, address environmental issues, and preserve cultural heritage in both urban and rural areas across the country. While the Kingdom has been traditionally reliant on money from oil extraction, with its tourist trade dominated by religious tourism, its tourism sector is now being transformed and expanded, which requires a focus on sustainable practices. This study thus addresses a gap in the literature by examining the impacts of sustainable tourism on local communities and the environment in several rapidly developing regions such as Riyadh, Jeddah, and AlUla. Quantitative surveys were applied as the primary analytical approach, and the findings highlight significant both social and economic benefits, including job creation and income growth, as well as challenges in terms of balancing economic development with cultural preservation and environmental sustainability. The conclusion developed is therefore that, while Vision 2030 has improved public understanding of the benefits of tourism, there is a critical need to address various environmental challenges to ensure the long-term sustainability of the tourism sector. This leads to the development of recommendations focused on equitable economic distribution and the integration of sustainable practices in public transport and SME support.3 0Item Restricted Understanding the role of branding in shaping perceptions of Saudi Arabia as a tourist destination(University of Leeds, 2024-09) Alharthi, Dalia Talal; Papadopoulou, ChristinaThis dissertation aims to understand the role of branding in shaping perceptions of Saudi Arabia as a tourist destination from the citizens’ point of view and to highlight the Vision 2030 goals and how they have affected these perceptions. Given that Saudi Arabia is the second most popular destination for tourists in the Middle East and that the leisure tourism industry is rapidly growing and expanding, it is important to examine the impact of this growing industry local culture. This study is significant as it provides valuable insights into the real perceptions of Saudi Arabian citizens and how these perceptions may shape their future. It also highlights the goals of the promising Vision 2030 and how it will impact the economy and reduce the dependence on oil as an alternative source of revenue. The study used a quantitative research approach, collecting data through a questionnaire survey of 194 Saudi Arabian citizens from different ages and backgrounds, including both the general population and experts in the tourism industry. The results were analysed using the SPSS, and it was concluded that there is significant relationship between variables studied in Saudi Arabia. Overall, the study provides valuable insights into understanding the role of branding in shaping perceptions of Saudi Arabia as a tourist destination and highlights the the potential outcomes.10 0Item Restricted Enhancing Innovation and Entrepreneurship through HR Practices: A Study on the Tourism Sector in Saudi Arabia in Alignment with Vision 2030(Swansea University, 2024) Alrafaie, Hind; Greening, LeanneThis study examines the formats in which Human Resource (HR) practices would be able to enhance innovation and entrepreneurship in Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector in alignment with the country's Vision 2030 goals. Vision 2030 seeks to diversify Saudi Arabia’s economy by promoting sectors like tourism as well as reducing reliance on oil to enhance global competitiveness. The research utilises a qualitative approach in which semi- structured online interviews were conducted with 10 HR managers from various tourism- related organisations to gather data on current HR practices and their effectiveness. Thematic analysis of the transcripts reveals that several HR practices of teamwork, 360- degree feedback, performance-based rewards, and strategic recruitment manifest an essential role in embracing innovation and entrepreneurial thinking within the sector. Despite these positive influences, the study identifies significant challenges hindering the full potential of HR practices. These challenges include limited adoption of advanced technologies, diversity issues, and inadequate training and development programs. The lack of technological integration mainly in recruitment and talent management might prevent organisations from fully capitalising on innovative and entrepreneurial talent. Moreover, diversity gaps and insufficient continuous employee training programs limit the scope of innovation in the tourism sector. The study emphasises the need for strategic HR interventions aligned with Vision 2030 by concentrating on inclusive policies, the adoption of advanced technologies, and continuous employee development. These measures would leverage innovation as well as contribute to building an entrepreneurial environment within the sector. The research provides key recommendations for HR professionals through suggesting improvements in recruitment, training, and performance management systems to support the broader goals of economic diversification. As such, this research offers comprehensive thoughts into the role of HR in driving sustainable growth and innovation in Saudi Arabia’s tourism industry, which would be deemed useful for the country to achieve its Vision 2030 objectives.4 0Item Restricted A Review and Appraisal of Saudi Arabia’s Health and Oral Health Strategies(University College London (UCL), 2024-08) Alanazi, Alanoud; Tsakos, Georgios; Heilmann, AnjaAbstract Background: Oral health is a critical component of overall health, yet oral diseases like dental caries and periodontal diseases remain prevalent globally, including in Saudi Arabia. Despite their preventability, these conditions contribute significantly to the disease burden. Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 aims to reform healthcare, including oral health, aligning with global health initiatives such as the WHO's Global Oral Health Action Plan (2023–2030). Aims: This study aims to review and evaluate Saudi Arabia's health and oral health strategies, assessing their design, implementation, and alignment with global health policies. The goal is to identify strengths, gaps, and opportunities for enhancing policy effectiveness within the context of Vision 2030. Methods: The study employs the Health Policy Triangle (HPT) framework to analyse key health policies in Saudi Arabia. Document analysis was used to systematically identify and evaluate relevant policies, focusing on the interaction between policy content, context, processes, and actors. Results: The analysis revealed that Saudi Arabia has made strides in aligning its health policies with global standards, particularly in tobacco control, sugar taxation, and water fluoridation. However, gaps still need to be in fully integrating oral health into primary healthcare and in systematically evaluating these policies. Conclusion: While progress has been made, Saudi Arabia's health policies would benefit from a more integrated and comprehensive approach to oral health. Enhancing policy coherence, improving access to care, and strengthening monitoring mechanisms are crucial for aligning with global health standards and achieving Vision 2030's objectives. Future efforts should focus on bridging identified gaps and fostering innovation through public-private partnerships to improve oral health outcomes in the Kingdom.9 0Item Restricted A Comparative Study of the Legislation governing Arbitration in Saudi Arabia and English Law(University of Leicester, 2024) Aldosari, Mohammed; Ahmed, MasoodArbitration has become one of the most attractive methods of dispute resolution between two parties to resolve disputes. This is an alternative to litigation, which is more costly and can take longer to resolve. As a substitute means to resolve international commercial disputes, arbitration has grown significantly, particularly at the international level. Although, parties in certain situation agreed to involve national courts in order to enforce foreign awards; however, it also undermine the party autonomy mechanism. This study investigates the fundamental characteristics of international commercial arbitration within the national courts and its impact on the autonomy of parties. Further, the study also assess the impact of Saudi Vision 2030 in the arbitration legislations in the Kingdom particularly the national courts involvement and party autonomy. A comparative study between Saudi Arabia and English law was conducted to understand both jurisdictions and explain party autonomy and court involvement in the international arbitration process. The study revealed that both jurisdictions have features and strengths regarding their legislation of arbitration and how it promotes their economy through aligning with the international legal system. However, weaknesses and challenges, particularly in Saudi Arabia. The study revealed that while the Saudi Arbitration Law 2012 promotes party autonomy and limits the courts’ involvement, the laws of arbitration are still influenced by Sharia law, and courts are still involved. To support the country’s national development plan, such as Saudi Vision 2030, there is a need to improve the prospect of court involvement and party autonomy and limit the influence of Sharia law. From the study’s findings, there are recommendations suggested to improve Saudi arbitration law and mechanism, which include establishing a Quasi-judicial committee, learning from the arbitration law of England and Wales, employing a hybrid court and arbitration model, and limiting judges’ capacity in arbitration cases. Finally, this research also presented research limitations and future work recommendations.5 0Item Restricted Analysing Factors Influencing Low Attendance in the Saudi Pro League: Strategies for Revitalization(Loughborough University London, 2024-09) Abulqasim, Uthman; Mighten, EddieThis dissertation investigates factors that influence attendance at Saudi Pro League (SPL) matches, with the primary aim of identifying key determinants and proposing strategies to enhance fan engagement and increase matchday attendance. Importantly, increasing matchday attendance is part of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's strategy for diversifying its economy through investment in sport as a vital pillar of its Vision 2030 program. The study is grounded in a comprehensive literature review that identifies nine central themes: team loyalty, superstar effect, stadium atmosphere, fan experience, game competitiveness, ticket prices, team performance, transportation and traffic, and weather conditions. A survey-based methodology was employed, collecting data from SPL fans and utilising correlation and regression analyses to determine the relationship between these factors and match attendance. The findings reveal that team loyalty and team performance are the most significant predictors of match attendance, underscoring the importance of fostering strong emotional and behavioural ties with fans. While the presence of superstar players attracts additional spectators, more is needed to ensure consistent attendance, highlighting the need for a more holistic matchday experience. Contrary to expectations, factors such as stadium atmosphere, fan experience, and game competitiveness showed weaker correlations with attendance. This study also identifies challenges posed by transportation, traffic, and weather conditions, which, while not the strongest predictors of attendance, warrant attention. The research fills a critical gap by providing localised insights into fan behaviour within the SPL, which is a rapidly developing football market with unique cultural and environmental contexts.22 0Item Restricted Reassessing Rentier State Theory(Newcastle University, 2024-08-15) Alahmadi, Yasir; Ka Ming, ChanThis thesis critically evaluates the relevance and limitations of Rentier State Theory (RST) in explaining the Gulf states’ social, political, and economic structures, with a particular focus on Saudi Arabia. The study challenges two key assumptions of RST: first, that there is an intrinsic link between oil wealth and the development of authoritarian governance, and, second, that economic prosperity and diversification are impossible without a transition to democracy. These assumptions, influenced by the theory’s Eurocentric bias, overlook important factors. Specifically, RST fails to account for the historical, social, and political contexts that shaped the Gulf states, particularly the role of tribal systems before the formation of modern nationstates. Furthermore, RST alone does not adequately explain the contemporary transformations in Gulf monarchies and requires the integration of additional theoretical frameworks to provide a deeper analysis. To address these gaps, this study examines the historical socio-political structures of Saudi Arabia to highlight the enduring influence of tribal governance on the country’s modern political system. It also investigates how incorporating good governance principles – such as accountability, transparency, and the rule of law – under Vision 2030 offers a more comprehensive appreciation of the recent social, political, and economic changes in the Kingdom. The findings suggest that while RST offers valuable insights, it must be adapted to include local contexts and complementary theoretical perspectives. This research contributes to a broader understanding of how Gulf monarchies, especially Saudi Arabia, have managed to achieve significant economic progress and maintain political stability through governance models that are tailored to their unique historical, social, and political realities. The study underscores the need to reconsider the application of Western theories in non-Western contexts and advocates for a more context-sensitive approach to political and economic analysis.8 0Item Restricted A study of perceptions of Saudi Arabia as a tourism destination, and the implications for the development of incoming tourism.(University Of Reading, 2024-09-04) Alsanie, Alhanouf; Bebek, GayeSaudi Arabia has undertaken several efforts and projects to improve the tourism sector and establish a desirable destination among international visitors, in line with its new vision 2030 to become the primary player in the industry. This research paper examines Saudi Arabia's existing image as an international vacation spot in the eyes of international travellers and pinpoints the variables affecting the growth of the industry. Examining this subject will provide the opportunity to better understand, explore and find answer to the main aim of this research which is, how the world currently perceives Saudi Arabia and how its image is currently perceived by people on the global stage. This research will be done through a qualitative approach by conducting a virtual interview with 12 international travellers from different backgrounds in a way that will allow to have a valuable insights and deep understanding of various people’s perceptions regarding Saudi Arabia. The outcomes of this research will show different perception of Saudi Arabia as a destination for tourism, formed by the influencing factors which could be positive or negative. With these valuable insights and data, we will be able to assess the efficacy and limitations of government efforts and strategies to promote tourism, enhance the image to set ourselves apart from competitors. The finding of this research plays a significant role in transforming and developing the future of tourism industry in Saudi Arabia to become an appealing global destination for tourists.3 0Item Restricted Sustainable Practices in the Hotel Industry: A Case of the Saudi Arabia Mega Project(Leeds Beckett University, 2024-10-07) Alsudani, Ahmed; Orighomisan, JekhineThis study investigates the integration of sustainable practices in the hotel industry within Saudi Arabia’s mega projects, including NEOM, AlUla, Albalad Development Company, and The Red Sea Project, under the framework of Vision 2030. With sustainability gaining importance in the global tourism industry, this research explores how large-scale developments can serve as models for sustainable tourism, especially in developing countries. The theoretical framework draws on the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) to assess economic, environmental, and social impacts, Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) to analyze the adoption of new practices, and Ecotourism Theory to understand responsible travel in nature-focused projects. The methodology employs secondary data analysis, using peer-reviewed articles, industry reports, and government documents, allowing for a systematic review of existing practices without requiring primary data collection. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were utilized to assess the environmental, social, and economic effects of sustainable tourism practices. Key findings highlight the use of renewable energy, water conservation technologies, waste management systems, and sustainable construction techniques across various projects. The analysis also reveals how integrating local culture and providing community employment contribute to cultural and social sustainability. Despite challenges such as high initial costs and cultural resistance to change, the study concludes that Saudi Arabia’s hotel projects provide a successful model for balancing economic growth with environmental conservation, offering valuable insights for other regions aiming to implement sustainable tourism practices. These findings underscore the importance of adopting global best practices to drive responsible tourism development in large-scale projects. Keywords: sustainable tourism, Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia, hotel industry, NEOM, secondary data analysis, sustainable practices, Triple Bottom Line, diffusion of innovation, ecotourism, BDC Albalad Development Company9 0Item Restricted RESOURCE MANAGEMENT IN SAUDI ARABIAN MEGA PROJECTS(University of Kent, 2023) Alanazi, Abdulrahman; Badewi, AmgadThis thesis investigates the challenges and strategic solutions for effective resource management in Saudi Arabian mega projects, specifically focusing on projects such as NEOM, the Red Sea Project, and Mukaab. These mega projects, integral to Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, require extensive resources and present unique management challenges. The study aims to identify these challenges, evaluate the effectiveness of current management practices, and develop a comprehensive framework for resource management. This framework is intended to improve the administration of current and future large-scale projects in Saudi Arabia. The research methodology includes a literature review, qualitative data collection through semi-structured interviews with project managers and stakeholders, and thematic analysis. Key findings highlight the importance of strategic planning, stakeholder collaboration, technological advancements, and sustainability in resource management. The study concludes with policy recommendations for stakeholders and practitioners to enhance the success of mega projects in Saudi Arabia.14 0