Saudi Cultural Missions Theses & Dissertations
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Item Unknown The Impact of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 on Intellectual Property(City, Univeristy of London, 2024) Alsamman, Mohammed; Masiyakurima, PatrickIntellectual Property (IP) is defined as legal protection given to creations of the human mind in the form of inventions, literary and artistic works, designs, symbols, names, images and other identification used in business and trade. Patent law is an important sub-discipline of law and could be said to be a field of law that deals with the protection of the interests of the creators of new works and inventions.1 Global IP filings have reached a total of 3.5 million worldwide in 20222. Additionally, countries like China have seen substantial growth in IP filings, driven by strong innovation cultures and flexible legal frameworks3. It is against this background that a more detailed analysis of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and its potential impact on the nation’s IP profile is conducted.10 0Item Unknown POLITICAL REFORMS AND WOMEN’S RIGHTS IN THE KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA(Florida Atlantic University, 2024-12-16) Abuhasabo, Sama Khalil; Rabil, Robert GThe Arabian Peninsula was under the influence of the Ottoman Empire from 1517 until its collapse in 1918. During this time, three attempts were made to establish a Saudi state, the last of which began in 1902 and ended with the unification of the third Saudi State in 1932. During this period, three Saudi States were formed. The first Saudi State was established in 1745 when the al-Diriyah Agreement was introduced. This landmark agreement was achieved when Imam Mohammed Ibn Saud formed an alliance with Sheikh Mohammed Ibn Abdul Wahhab, a religious and rebellious man who advocated for the pure interpretation of Islamic principles. This alliance enabled Ibn Saud to govern the state, but he left the religious and cultural aspects of the society under the authority of Ibn Abdul Wahhab. As a result, throughout centuries, the religious establishment has greatly influenced the affairs of all three Saudi States. However, following the seizure of the Grand Mosque by religious zealots in 1979, Saudi Arabia underwent changes that viii radicalized the religious establishment, causing myriad detrimental effects for Saudi women. Oppressed by the weight of unfair laws and obstacles, Saudi women challenged the status quo and fought for equal rights through various methods. While King Abdullah al-Saud introduced some reforms, more significant change was still to come. After King Abdullah’s death, King Salman and his son Mohammed Bin Salman—the Crown Prince and Prime Minster—initiated a series of sweeping reforms under the Vision 2030 initiative to empower women, diversify the economy, and modernize the Kingdom of Saudi. Some key aspects of these reforms were abolishing the Male Guardianship System and removing the ban on women’s driving. This dissertation explores the sociopolitical reforms in Saudi Arabia, culminating with Vision 2030 and their impact on Saudi culture. Through vivid narratives and compelling examples, it offers a nuanced perspective and sheds light on the challenges and opportunities that have resulted from these reforms, particularly through the lens of Saudi women’s experiences. Ultimately, this dissertation demonstrates that Saudi Arabia’s moving away from the extreme religious principles that emerged after 1979, dismantling of the Male Guardianship System, and lifting of the ban on Saudi women driving have all positively impacted the day-to-day lives of Saudi women as well as Saudi society as a whole.24 0Item Unknown An Examination of the Integration of Visual Arts within Vision 2030: Art Cultural Transformation in Saudi Arabia(Queen's University Belfast, 2025-01-08) alghamdi, Asmaa Mohammad A; Spence, Kim-MarieThis paper examines the role Vision 2030 has played in Saudi Arabia's visual arts sector development. The study examines the impact of the ambitious national plan on cultural policies and the integration of the visual arts as a driver of economic diversification and cultural diplomacy. Through a comprehensive review of historical and contemporary developments, this research identifies how Vision 2030 initiatives, including the efforts of the Ministry of Culture and the Visual Arts Commission as well as the establishment of new institutions such as the King Abdulaziz Centre for World Culture (Ithra), Misk Art Institute and Diriyah Biennale as well as the Islamic Arts Biennale, have contributed to the development of a dynamic visual arts landscape. This dissertation examines the UAE's strategy for economic diversification through the promotion of culture and the arts. With initiatives such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Sharjah Biennial, the UAE has developed its cultural infrastructure, which has contributed to its positioning as a global cultural hub, and cultural projects can support national economic objectives in a variety of ways. Lastly, the findings indicate that Vision 2030 has significantly impacted Saudi Arabia's visual arts sector, promoting cultural exchange, enhancing global recognition, and contributing to economic diversification. While emphasising the importance of integrating modern art practices with the Kingdom's rich cultural heritage, the dissertation offers recommendations for expanding arts education and for ensuring sustained cultural growth beyond 2030.31 0Item Unknown Integrating Thinking for Stakeholder Engagement and Decision-Making in Implementing of TAAKAD Periodic Check-Ups and Preventive Screening Services(University Collage London, 2025) Alharbi, Hisham Hommoud; PaolaABSTRACT The implementation of the TAAKAD periodic check-ups and preventive screening services in Saudi Arabia faces significant challenges related to stakeholder engagement and decision-making. These challenges are exacerbated by power dynamics and the lack of integrative approaches to reconcile diverse stakeholder interests. This study explores how integrative thinking, which synthesizes opposing ideas to create innovative solutions, can enhance stakeholder engagement and ensure informed decision-making in the TAAKAD project. Methodology: A mixed-methods approach was employed, including semi-structured interviews and questionnaires targeting key stakeholders. The research utilized the Power-Interest Matrix and Salience Model to analyze stakeholder dynamics and applied thematic analysis to identify challenges and strategies for effective engagement. Findings: The study revealed that integrative thinking significantly improves stakeholder engagement by balancing conflicting interests and fostering inclusive decision-making. However, the success of TAAKAD is hindered by operational and strategic gaps, data fragmentation, and the dominance of high-power stakeholders. The findings underscore the need for governance structures that ensure equitable participation and the use of digital technologies to enhance communication and collaboration. Research limitations: The study’s scope was limited to internal stakeholders within the TAAKAD project, and future research should include external stakeholders to provide a more comprehensive analysis. Practical implications: Healthcare organizations can adopt the recommendations from this study to enhance stakeholder engagement and decision-making processes, ensuring the successful implementation of preventive health initiatives like TAAKAD, which align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.25 0Item Unknown Saudi University Teachers and Students Navigating Curriculum Change in Academic Writing: A Complex Adaptive System Perspective(Lancaster University, 2024-12) Alzahrani, Maha; Tusting, Karin; Pill, JohnThis research focuses on an academic English Language Program for preparatory year (PY) university students in Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the academic writing component. Prompted by educational changes in Saudi Arabia and within the study context, the study examines the impact of curriculum changes introduced in 2020 to improve students’ academic writing skills. The study aims to: (1) examine factors leading to curriculum changes, (2) explore teachers’ perceptions of writing instructional practices, (3) understand preparatory year students’ experiences in learning academic writing, and (4) highlight educational and contextual factors influencing teachers and students at a Saudi university. Through the framework of a complex adaptive system (CAS), the study highlights interactions among agents and elements within the system. Data were obtained through semi-structured interviews with teachers and students, and through materials analysis. Findings emphasized the interconnectedness of the national and institutional contexts, influenced by Vision 2030, which promote English as the Medium of Instruction (EMI) at Saudi higher education. The English Language Center (ELC) has adapted its curriculum to improve writing instruction, driven by EMI policies. Leadership dynamics, influenced by KASP experiences, have been crucial in driving these changes. At the agent level, some teachers have demonstrated qualities of being agents of change, showing adaptability and innovation in their classes; however, the top-down policy to curriculum changes at the ELC has limited the clarity of the English course and affected teacher agency. Students’ prior experiences with English writing vary, impacting their readiness for university-level writing. The Preparatory Year demand and curriculum are seen by students as both beneficial and challenging due to its intensive nature. The main implications of the study point out the importance of aligning educational policies with national goals such as Vision 2030 to ensure effective contributions from higher education institutions to national reforms. Empowering teachers by involving them in curriculum changes enhances their professional agency and autonomy. Establishing systems for continuous evaluation and feedback can ensure curriculum changes remain relevant and effective, supporting ongoing professional development.23 0Item Unknown How Saudi Arabia, which was before solely dependent on oil, has significantly expanded its economy through tourism.(SHEFFIELD HALLAM UNIVERSITY, 2024) Alquwayi, Abrar; DANIEL JOHN, Peter WhalleyThe economic fall of the global petroleum market hit Saudi Arabia hard because of its reliance on oil. The Saudi government unveiled Vision 2030 in 2016 with the goal of weaning the country's economy off of its reliance on oil profits. To increase the tourist industry's contribution to GDP from 3% to 10% by 2030, one goal of the Vision 2030 is to launch many tourism projects such as the Red Sea Project, NEOM, and Royal 2030. This thesis gives the evaluation that is required to comprehend the function and impact of tourism on the Saudi sector and to ascertain whether the expansion of the sector is heading in the correct direction. To further assess whether Saudi Arabia's economy can stably rely on or augment its earnings from tourism, this research compares and contrasts the two industries' growth trajectories and revenue creation. The case study and its assessment were better understood via the use of mixed methodologies, which included an analysis of time series and a rigorous qualitative literature research. The study examines five key aspects of tourism: Hajj pilgrimage, business tourism, leisure activities, food and drink, and cultural heritage sites. Data collection uses both secondary and primary strategies. Secondary data helps to understand what other researchers have studied about the topic, providing a foundation for further assessment. Primary data focuses on time series analysis, which involves studying data collected at regular intervals like monthly, yearly, or daily. Time is crucial because it shows how data changes over these intervals (like using Tableau software). Time series analysis is widely used in finance, economics, engineering, and environmental sciences to understand trends and patterns in data over time. It helps to uncover underlying causes and factors that influence economic trends, making it valuable for this study focused on the economic impact of tourism in Saudi Arabia. The most crucial takeaway is that Saudi Arabia's economy may be strengthened in the long run by including tourist spending, which can augment oil's impact. The government refocused its efforts on tourism after accomplishing many of the objectives of Vision 2030 far in advance of the 2030 deadline. The data study also showed that Saudi Arabia is becoming less reliant on oil and that its economy is becoming more diversified, with tourism making a larger contribution to GDP.56 0Item Unknown Role of Risk Assessment and Management in Crowd Control in the Context of Cultural Events in Saudi Arabia(University of Surrey, 2024-10) Chadhary, Abeer; Chen, JasonAs Saudi Arabia transitions towards a diversified economy under Vision 2030, cultural events have become a cornerstone of its tourism strategy. However, the rapid expansion of these events introduces unique challenges, particularly in crowd management and risk assessment. This study explores the current practices, barriers, and opportunities for enhancing safety measures during cultural events in Saudi Arabia. Using a combination of theoretical frameworks—such as Classic Risk Theory and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM)—and data collected through an online survey of event organizers, the research identifies critical risks, including overcrowding, adverse weather, and resource limitations. Findings reveal that while event organizers recognize the value of adopting advanced technologies like real-time tracking and drones, factors such as training gaps and financial constraints hinder their implementation. Additionally, the study highlights the disconnect between existing crowd management protocols and the dynamic needs of large-scale events. By providing actionable recommendations, including leveraging innovative technologies and improving stakeholder collaboration, this research aims to contribute to safer, more efficient cultural events in Saudi Arabia. Ultimately, it underscores the need for continual improvement in risk management strategies to align with the Kingdom's ambitious cultural and economic goals.12 0Item Unknown Exploring Cultural and Institutional Drivers of Saudi Women's Labor Force Participation(King's College London, 2024) Lowloh Sharbatly, Dalyah Hasanain; Jayal, NirajaThis paper investigates the cultural and institutional factors influencing Saudi women's participation in the labor market, particularly focusing on leadership roles, within the framework of Vision 2030. The main research question addressed is how the nature of the work/care regime in Saudi Arabia affects policies and initiatives aimed at empowering women. The study employs Pocock's work/care regime framework to analyze the interplay between work and care responsibilities, alongside cultural and institutional contexts that shape women's work-life outcomes. Data was collected through exploratory cultural and institutional analyses, focusing on sociocultural norms, legal constraints, and labor market reforms. Key findings reveal that while recent reforms under Vision 2030 have increased women's workforce participation, significant barriers remain due to entrenched cultural norms and inadequate institutional support. Women face challenges such as limited career advancement opportunities, unequal pay, and a lack of respect and decision-making authority compared to their male counterparts. The study concludes that achieving genuine empowerment requires addressing these structural and sociocultural barriers. Policy recommendations include the development of advanced training programs, regulatory reforms to promote gender equality, and culturally tailored work-life balance policies to support women's dual roles in society. This research contributes to the ongoing discourse on women's empowerment in Saudi Arabia by providing insights into the effectiveness of Vision 2030 initiatives and offering strategic recommendations for enhancing female participation in the labor market.15 0Item Unknown The Effect of Oil Prices Fluctuations on Stock Markets: Evidence from Saudi Arabia(University of Essex, 2024-10-04) AlJuaid, Sultana; Smith, EricThis paper explores the dynamic impact of crude oil price changes on the Saudi stock market using monthly data. The study utilizes both a univariate GARCH model and a multivariate GARCH model (BEKK GARCH). The advantage of using the BEKK GARCH model is its ability to estimate the time-varying dynamic effect of crude oil price fluctuations on the Saudi stock market. The empirical findings from the GARCH model support a significant positive effect of crude oil price changes on the Saudi stock market over the study’s sample period. Additionally, the BEKK GARCH model confirms the dynamic relationship between crude oil price changes and the Saudi stock market. Furthermore, the BEKK GARCH model also identifies a contagion effect from the US stock market to the Saudi stock market.21 0Item Unknown Impact of public sector privatization in Saudi Arabia: An Economic Perspective(university of essex, 2024-09-06) Alnafisah, Abdulrahman; Zhang, KaiThis paper examines the economic impact of privatization in Saudi Arabia, focusing on key sectors such as energy, telecommunications, transportation, healthcare, and education within the framework of the Vision 2030 initiative. The study uses a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative analysis of GDP contributions, employment trends, and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows with qualitative assessments of sector-specific outcomes. The findings reveal that privatization has led to significant improvements in efficiency, innovation, and global competitiveness across various sectors, contributing to the Kingdom's broader economic diversification goals. Notably, the analysis shows a substantial increase in FDI inflows, particularly in sectors like transportation, manufacturing, and trade, indicating that privatization has made Saudi Arabia a more attractive destination for global investors. However, challenges such as job displacement, market concentration, and potential social inequalities have also emerged, highlighting the need for robust regulatory frameworks and careful management to ensure equitable growth. The paper concludes that while privatization has largely succeeded in reducing the government's economic role and fostering private sector development, ongoing efforts to balance economic efficiency with social equity will be critical for the long-term success of Saudi Arabia's economic transformation under Vision 2030.13 0