Saudi Cultural Missions Theses & Dissertations
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Item Restricted The Role of Blockchain Technology in Enhancing Transparency in Government Procurements in Saudi Arabia(Saudi Digital Library, 2025) Baajajah, khadijh; Christidis, ArisPublic procurement is one of the most legally significant spheres of state activity. It accounts for a substantial proportion of public expenditure and serves as a central mechanism through which governments deliver goods, services and infrastructure. Beyond its fiscal importance, procurement is also a governance tool, as it directly shapes public trust in state institutions and serves as a benchmark for accountability and integrity. In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, procurement reform has been elevated as a cornerstone of Vision 2030, the country’s national strategy for socioeconomic transformation. A well-functioning procurement system is considered essential to achieving transparency, accountability and efficiency in public resource management, thereby supporting both fiscal discipline and governance modernisation. Within this framework, the Government Tenders and Procurement Law (GTPL) provides the principal legal architecture for regulating tendering and contracting. Its objectives include securing value for public funds, promoting fair competition, ensuring equal opportunities for bidders and embedding transparency across all stages of the procurement cycle. Transparency, in particular, is the decisive principle: it is recognised internationally – through instruments such as the World Trade Organization Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA), the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) Model Law on Public Procurement and the recommendations of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) – as the primary safeguard against corruption and the precondition for fair competition and accountability. Weaknesses in transparency create systemic vulnerabilities that can be exploited for corrupt practices, a challenge Saudi Arabia has sought to address through legislative reform and international cooperation. However, despite these advances, Saudi procurement processes continue to face practical and institutional challenges. Gaps in consistency, oversight and accessibility risk undermining fiscal stability and public trust. These concerns are especially acute given their implications for alignment with Vision 2030, which expressly prioritises procurement reform, digitalisation and integrity in public administration as foundations of sustainable development. Against this backdrop, the integration of blockchain technology has emerged as a potential mechanism for strengthening transparency in procurement. It is increasingly viewed as a tool that could mitigate entrenched risks and foster greater accountability. Yet, the technology also raises unresolved legal questions that require careful regulatory consideration. Therefore, this research examines the impact of blockchain technology on enhancing transparency within Saudi Arabia’s procurement framework by analysing the GTPL and related regulations and then identifying structural gaps and practical vulnerabilities and assessing how blockchain may be leveraged to address them. The paper further argues that Saudi Arabia’s digital maturity and reform trajectory position the Kingdom as a particularly significant case study for exploring how emerging technologies may be embedded into procurement law and governance. To the best of the researcher’s knowledge, no dedicated legal scholarship in Saudi Arabia has examined blockchain technology’s potential to enhance transparency within the framework of the GTPL. Although the principles of procurement transparency and integrity have been extensively addressed in the international literature and blockchain’s application to procurement has been analysed in other jurisdictions, Saudi legal research has not yet explored this intersection. Thus, the current study contributes to domestic legal discourse by situating blockchain within the Kingdom’s procurement framework while also adding to comparative scholarship by examining an under-researched jurisdiction and offering insights relevant to both national reform and the broader development of international procurement governance.7 0Item Restricted Female entrepreneurship in Saudi Arabia Bricolage, resilience, and sociocultural context under Vision 2030(Faten Mohsen Alotaibi, 2025) Alotaibi, Faten Mohsen; Cotterell, Dafydd; Jones, Paul; Pickernell, DavidIn recent years, Saudi Arabia has undergone major economic and social reform under Saudi Vision 2030, which targets greater inclusion of women in the entrepreneurial landscape. Despite these shifts, female entrepreneurs, particularly those managing low-resilience resource-constrained small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), continue to face challenges. This thesis explores the experiences of 20 female entrepreneurs in Saudi Arabia to examine the challenges, opportunities, and institutional support mechanisms shaping their experience of running a business. Drawing on culture theory, institutional theory, and resource bricolage theory, the thesis investigates how women mobilise cultural capital, informal networks, and adaptive strategies to navigate financial, regulatory, and sociocultural constraints. The analysis is based on qualitative methodology, with semi-structured interviews and reflexive thematic analysis used to uncover themes across participants’ experiences. The findings indicate that cultural and network bricolage are critical for female entrepreneurs to overcome systemic limitations. Informal support systems, including family and community networks, are identified as essential for access to finance, mentorship, and operational resilience. However, challenges remain in accessing formal capital, navigating bureaucratic processes, and overcoming entrenched gender norms. The thesis also reveals the inadequacy of current policy frameworks. In response, several practical and social implications of this research are highlighted. On a practical level, gender-sensitive financial instruments, structured mentorship programmes, and inclusive regulatory reforms are proposed as solutions. These elements are crucial to foster resilience and sustainability among female-led SMEs. On a social level, the thesis shows the importance of these measures for ensuring that Saudi Arabia achieves its Vision 2030 goals, not only by increasing women’s economic involvement but also by changing their social prospects within this unique sociocultural and economic context. Ultimately, this thesis contributes to understanding how entrepreneurship is embedded in the Saudi sociocultural context. Moreover, it offers a framework for empowering female entrepreneurs to become key agents of economic diversification and national development under Vision 2030. In presenting its findings and implications, this thesis offers a valuable and original in-depth discussion of the challenges, drivers, and unique features of this specific type of entrepreneurship, with potential ramifications that extend beyond the chosen developing-country context of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under Vision 2030.13 0Item Restricted The Role of the Private Sector in Delivering Sustainable Economic Development in Rentier States (The case of Saudi Arabia)(Saudi Digital Library, 2025) Almabadi, Tahani; Bradshaw, MichaelThe energy system transformation presents challenges for all countries, but rentier states face a unique vulnerability, as their entire economic structure depends on resource rents. While these states are accustomed to economic volatility and have experience in managing it, the energy transformation represents a long-term existential threat to the sustainability of their current economic model, effectively imposing a deadline for economic diversification efforts. The rentier state’s response to the energy system transformation presents challenges to many oil- and gas- producing countries in terms of their current domestic rentier arrangements and their path toward sustainable future economic growth. Despite the challenges associated with the energy system transformation, it presents Gulf rentier states with an opportunity for policy reform and economic diversification—an objective they have pursued for decades with only limited success. The response of these countries to the energy system transformation is crucial not only for the sustainability of their own development but also because of their role as major players in global oil and gas markets, particularly as demand begins to fall and the implications that has for global energy security. This study examines the role of the private sector in encouraging economic diversification to promote a more sustainable economic development model in a specific category of non-Western economies: the rentier states of the Gulf. Drawing from a range of qualitative data, including documentary analysis, business interviews, questionnaires, and focus groups with young Saudis, the findings of this study exemplify the critical role of the state in shaping economic transformation. The findings indicate that slower progress in fiscal diversification reflects the continued reliance of both the economy overall and the private sector on government expenditure. This means such states continue to be highly vulnerable to the risks posed by the global energy transformation. The emergent model is likely to be a mixed economy that remains engaged with hydrocarbons through the Circular Carbon Economy model while incorporating elements of private sector development alongside a degree of state control. While the state appears aware of the demographic pressures and associated risks, its current policies and the top-down imposition of a new social contract have yet to deliver meaningful employment that meets the aspirations of the large, young, educated population. This study deepens our understanding of how resource-abundant economies navigate the challenges posed by energy system transformation. It provides a broader perspective on the transformation of economic systems and the potential emergence of a distinct model of state capitalism in rentier states. It also provides an understanding of youth perspectives, social implications and the aspirations and attitudes of job seekers toward private sector employment and entrepreneurship.12 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.19 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.30 0Item Restricted The Influence of AI-Literate Leadership on AI Adoption in Healthcare Organizations(Saudi Digital Library, 2025) Almuhrij, Abdullateef; Chipidza, WallaceThe adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare has the potential to revolutionize patient care, optimize operations, and advance diagnostic precision. However, successful adoption depends on AI-literate leadership capable of addressing ethical, technical, and organizational challenges. This study examined how healthcare leaders in Saudi Arabia perceived and engaged with the role of AI in healthcare, addressing a critical gap in understanding leadership competencies within the framework of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. Using a qualitative case study design, the research explores leadership perceptions and their influence on AI adoption through semi-structured interviews with 22 healthcare leaders across diverse institutions. Thematic analysis is employed to identify patterns in the data, revealing how leadership demographics, organizational context, and varying levels of AI literacy influenced adoption strategies, perceived barriers, and readiness for digital transformation. The findings contribute theoretically to the understanding of leadership in the context of digital transformation and provide practical strategies to support AI adoption in healthcare organizations. By highlighting the role of AI-literate leadership in navigating challenges such as workforce resistance, ethical concerns, and infrastructural limitations, the study offers insights to guide sustainable and strategic AI adoption within Saudi Arabia’s evolving healthcare system.35 0Item Restricted An Investigation on the Influence of Digital Transformation on Organisational Project Management in Saudi Arabia's Tourism Sector(Saudi Digital Library, 2025) Albalawi, Amal; Tomasz, ArkadiuszThis research investigates the role of Digital Transformation(DT) on Organisational Project Management (OPM) within Saudi Arabia's tourism sector, a key area for Vision 2030 development. A significant gap exists in scholarly understanding of digital transformation's specific role and consequences for OPM in this context. The study aimed to address this gap by exploring key hindering and facilitating factors as well as the benefits and challenges of DT for OPM, ultimately offering recommendations for the enhancement of DT’s integration in OPM in Saudi Arabia’s tourism industry.51 0Item Restricted Smart Online Education Platform(Saudi Digital Library, 2025-05-16) Alhotan, Zyad; Christine, KeriganThis thesis presents FHM, an innovative online design education platform tailored for Saudi and Arab learners. Bridging a critical gap in the regional e-learning landscape, FHM integrates four core elements: Arabic-first bilingual instruction, structured mentorship and community engagement, project-based learning with feedback loops, and adaptive pathways aligned with industry needs. The project combines cultural relevance with modern technology to empower Arab creatives through personalized, skill-driven education. Research, branding, UX/UI, motion design, and print deliverables were strategically developed to create a cohesive educational ecosystem. FHM directly supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 by fostering local creative talent and enhancing access to world-class design learning rooted in cultural identity.21 0Item Embargo The Effectiveness of Communication Formats within Nation Branding: A Case Study of Saudi Arabia as a Global Tourism Destination(Loughborough University, 2025-06-16) Ghulman, Salma; Torrens, George; Downs, SimonPurpose: This thesis examines the role of communication formats in shaping Saudi Arabia’s nation brand under Vision 2030, by focusing on Generation Z’s perceptions and engagement with professionally generated content (PGC) and user-generated content (UGC). It also evaluates the effectiveness of biometric tools (eye tracking, EEG, and facial expression analysis) in assessing emotional and cognitive responses to nation branding strategies. Methodology: A multiphase mixed-method approach was employed, it integrates quantitative, qualitative, and biometric data. Study One used an online questionnaire to establish baseline perceptions of Saudi Arabia’s nation brand. Study Two conducted semi-structured interviews with policymakers to assess strategic implementation challenges. Study Three explored tourism service providers’ perspectives through an online survey. Study Four implemented a multimodal experiment using biometric measures to examine Generation Z’s engagement with different communication formats. Findings: The research identified key challenges in Saudi Arabia’s nation branding efforts, including fragmented messaging, the evolving role of digital platforms, and the impact of stereotypes. The findings revealed that Generation Z engages more with PGC than UGC, they established higher emotional arousal and cognitive engagement, as captured through biometric measures. Policymakers and service providers acknowledged the need for a cohesive, data-driven approach to branding, and leveraging modern communication tools. The integration of biometric tools provided novel insights into audience responses, and emphasises the role of emotionally driven content in nation branding. Contribution: This research bridges critical research gaps by comparing PGC and UGC effectiveness, introducing biometric methodologies in nation branding research, and providing empirical insights into the communication strategies shaping Saudi Arabia’s global image. The findings offer strategic recommendations for policymakers and stakeholders, it reinforces Vision 2030’s objectives of positioning Saudi Arabia as a competitive tourism destination. Keywords: Nation branding, Saudi Arabia, Vision 2030, Communication Strategies, Professionally Generated Content, User-Generated Content, Biometric Measures, Schema Theory, Generation Z.28 0Item Restricted Investigation into the Environmental Improvement of Passive Solar Design for Cooling (Comfort) in Residential Buildings in Saudi Arabia(Saudi Digital Library, 2025-01) Albalawi, Abeer; Grant, JohnThis dissertation investigates the environmental improvement of passive solar design for cooling residential buildings within Saudi Arabia’s unique climatic and cultural context. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, incorporating case studies and surveys, to evaluate the integration of passive solar techniques and renewable energy technologies, such as photovoltaic systems and heat pumps. Key findings reveal that hybrid systems combining passive solar design with photovoltaics can reduce energy consumption by up to 70.7%, while ground-source heat pumps achieve a 34% reduction in CO₂ emissions compared to air-source systems. The study also highlights the feasibility and cultural compatibility of integrating traditional architectural elements, like Mashrabiya, with modern sustainable solutions. These results underscore the potential of passive solar design and hybrid systems to align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 sustainability goals. However, challenges such as high initial costs, limited public awareness, and expertise gaps necessitate targeted policy interventions, capacity building, and public education initiatives. This research provides valuable insights into sustainable housing practices, offering actionable recommendations for enhancing energy efficiency, reducing carbon emissions, and advancing environmentally responsible construction in extreme climates.24 0