Saudi Cultural Missions Theses & Dissertations
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Item Restricted Investigating cybercrime amongst female students in Saudi Arabia and identifying how social work can respond to the challenges(Univeersity of Birmingham, 2024) Aldoweekh, Tarfa; Fillingham, Joy; Cooner, Tarsem SinghExisting literature has suggested that there is a need for Saudi Arabia’s social work sector to address cybercrime against women as an emerging social issue. Cybercrime has been steadily rising in Saudi Arabia, and studies have shown that young women are more likely to be the victims. There are, however, this study is the first qualitative study that explore the issue of cybercrime in Saudi Arabia from the perspective of both social workers and the people that they support. This study therefore offers a contribution to the existing literature by critically investigating the role social workers in the university context play, in supporting female students with cybercrime. The research used an interpretative qualitative approach, conducting 30 semi- structured interviews with 15 female social worker participants, and 15 female student participants. The results of the study found that cybercrime against young women was very common, yet few of the students had sought out the help of social workers. The research identified that one of the most significant barriers to young female students seeking out the help of social workers in cybercrime related issues, was a fear of shame or familial punishment. The study also explored how the nature of social work in Saudi Arabia is shaped by the culture and origins for the country This has implications for both young women encountering cybercrime and highlights limitations of ethical and effective social work practice as it is experienced in Saudi Arabia at present. The study also sought to explore how these findings could be applied to wider Saudi Arabian society, particularly in relation to the topic of female agency and gender norms in Saudi Arabia. and how this information could be used to improve and solidify the social work profession in Saudi Arabia.15 0Item Restricted 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 2030.19 0Item Restricted Investigating the Green Supply Chain Management in Saudi Arabia(University of Essex, 2024-09-11) Alkhaldi, Mazyad Mohammed; Moushouttas, NicosGreen supply chain management is a collection of eco-friendly management techniques designed to make businesses run more effectively and sustainably. Each good and procedure along the supply chain, from obtaining raw materials to manufacturing, packaging, and delivering it, is assessed for sustainability and ecological impact. Green supply chain management (GSCM) seeks methods to limit waste and environmental impact, preserve resources, and lower the carbon footprint of goods and services. In this context, finding out how well Saudi Arabian companies can apply sustainable supply chain management techniques is the main purpose of this study. Additionally, it discusses the obstacles and constraints that affect the adoption of green practices as well as the level of environmental supply chain management knowledge within these organisations. The study will assess the present practices of GSCM in Saudi Arabia as well as the understanding or consciousness of Saudi Arabian companies regarding environmentally friendly supply chain management. The findings of the research revealed that in contemporary Saudi Arabian businesses, green supply chain management approaches are becoming increasingly intricate and nuanced. Delays in projects and other associated challenges related to the adoption of technology have prompted concerns about the trend towards digitisation in the industries. Briefly, the study demonstrates that the application of blockchain technology, along with great communication and creativity, may effectively handle the issues in a more focused way.19 0Item Restricted EVALUATING THE IMPACT OF ONLINE TRAINING ADDRESSING CHALLENGING BEHAVIORS OF CHILDREN WITH AUTISM AND OTHER DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES IN SAUDI ARABIA: A PILOT MIXED-METHODS STUDY(University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 2024) Alqunaysi, Rayan; Meadan-Kaplansky, HeddaProfessionals working with individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities in Saudi Arabia have identified limited professional development opportunities related to autism as a persistent challenge. They also report insufficient use of data to inform decisions regarding plans and instructions for autistic individuals. To address these needs, I culturally and linguistically adapted online training modules that cover strategies based on the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to address challenging behaviors exhibited by individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. Originally designed for English-speaking caregivers, these training modules were adapted for Arabic-speaking caregivers and, in the current study, further adapted for professionals in the Saudi context, resulting in a total of seven training modules. I employed a convergent mixed-methods design to investigate the correlation between participants' knowledge and self-efficacy regarding ABA-based strategies, to assess the impact of the training modules on their knowledge and self-efficacy, and to evaluate the social validity of the training modules. I collected quantitative data using various scales to assess knowledge and self-efficacy, and gathered qualitative data via semi-structured interviews and a social validity questionnaire. The results indicate that the culturally and linguistically adapted online training modules had a positive impact on the participants' knowledge and self-efficacy and were perceived as socially valid, although participants identified areas for improvement. Limitations and implications for practice and future research are discussed.20 0Item Restricted Exploring Digital Self-Management Support for Chronic Knee Pain in Physiotherapy Clinics in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: A Two Phased Sequential Mixed Methods Study(Cradiff University, 2024-04) Aljahdali, Shaima; Latchem-Hastings, Julie; Button, Kate; Hamana, KatyBackground and study aim: Chronic knee pain is a widespread issue globally, affecting individuals of all ages worldwide. This challenge is intensified by an aging population, sedentary lifestyles and increasing obesity rates. There is an international shift towards promoting active management approaches in line with clinical guidelines, including physical activity, dietary changes and the support of self-management. This shift has led to an evolution of digital initiatives designed to support people to self- manage their chronic knee pain. However, despite the high prevalence of chronic knee pain in Saudi Arabia, relevant research in the region remains scarce. This study aims to explore digital self-management support for knee pain within the current physiotherapy practices in Jeddah, a prominent city in Saudi Arabia. Methods: This study employed a sequential exploratory mixed-method design. It started with qualitative interviews involving 29 participants (15 physiotherapists and 14 individuals with knee pain), analysed using reflexive thematic analysis (Phase 1). The aim was to explore how existing physiotherapy practices for knee conditions align with self-management support principles and to explore the perceptions of potential users towards digital self-management support initiatives. Part of the findings informed the adaptation of the digital intervention "TRAK" into a Saudi-specific platform named "TRAK-Saudi". In Phase 2, 12 participants (6 physiotherapists and 6 individuals with chronic knee pain) participated in remote usability testing sessions for evaluating the usability of TRAK-Saudi. The perceived usability was assessed using the Arabic System Usability Scale (A-SUS), with usability issues identified through a concurrent think-aloud approach and analysed via quantitative content analysis. Additionally, the likelihood of substituting face-to-face sessions was assessed using a 5-point Likert scale. Qualitative and quantitative data from both phases were integrated at various points to address the study's overarching aim. Findings: In Phase 1, the findings highlighted a discrepancy between current physiotherapy practices and the foundational principles of self-management support, underscoring an essential transition towards patient-centred care. Participants generally favoured digital self-management support initiatives, advocating for their role as supplementary to in-clinic therapy rather than as replacements. TRAK-Saudi was rated highly for usability, with A-SUS scores of 77.5 by individuals with chronic knee pain and 83.3 by physiotherapists. During the navigation of TRAK-Saudi, participants initiated 53 inquiries, primarily seeking guidance and assurance. Participants also expressed strong willingness to substitute in-clinic sessions with TRAK-Saudi, reflected in median ratings of 4.5 for individuals with chronic knee pain and 5 for physiotherapists, with a mode of 5 for both type of participants. Conclusion: Both physiotherapists and individuals with chronic knee pain demonstrated competence and openness to digital solutions. While TRAK-Saudi was user-friendly for Saudi users, current physiotherapy practices lack the clinical foundation to fully embrace digital self-management support initiatives. Significant changes in current practices are necessary to promote patient-centred care. At this stage, it is advisable for Jeddah’s physiotherapy clinics, if interested, to integrate TRAK-Saudi or similar initiatives as supplement to existing practices. This strategy aims to elevate the quality of knee care by enriching individuals’ knowledge, strengthening patient-provider relationship and improving self-management skills.4 0Item Restricted The impacts of Saudi Arabia’s hosting of football famous players on European football fans’ intention to visit the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia(University of Surrey, 2024-09) Alalwi, Taleb; Ribeiro, Manuel AlectorThis research looks at the relationship between destination image, visitor motivation, and behavioural intentions, using Saudi Arabia as an example of an expanding tourism destination. With the Kingdom's increasing efforts to diversify its economy and promote itself as a worldwide tourism hub, understanding what motivates tourists to pick Saudi Arabia as a destination becomes critical. Using the Stimulus-Organism-Response (S-O-R) framework, this study investigated how external stimuli, such as tourist motivations and destination qualities, impact interior cognitive and emotional processes, hence shaping tourists' behavioural reactions. The study used quantitative approaches, including a survey of European tourists. The primary variables investigated are cognitive and affective destination visions, intrinsic and extrinsic motives, and behavioural intents. The study investigated seven hypotheses, each focussing on a distinct element of the relationship between these variables. The findings shed light on how cognitive and emotional evaluations of a destination, together with motivating variables, influence tourists' intentions to visit, recommend, or return to a destination such as Saudi Arabia. Tourism is a major engine of economic growth, and it is an important component of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 strategy. The Kingdom has made significant investments in infrastructure, cultural preservation, and entertainment to attract international visitors. However, understanding what inspires tourists to visit Saudi Arabia is critical for developing efficient marketing techniques that appeal to potential visitors. The presence of known football celebrities in Saudi Arabia, such as players in the Saudi Pro League, has a moderate impact on tourists' trip plans. While football celebrities were not the major motivators for most tourists, their presence helped to increase Saudi Arabia's overall visibility as a destination. This study uses the S-O-R framework, a well-known paradigm in psychology and marketing, to explain how external stimuli affect human behaviour. In the tourism context, this framework aids in understanding how tourists process information about a destination (stimulus), how this information influences their cognitive and emotional responses (organism), and how these internal processes lead to behavioural outcomes such as the intention to visit a destination (response). The data were collected and analysed using a quantitative research approach. A systematic survey was distributed to 252 European tourists, with questions meant to assess their cognitive and affective assessments of Saudi Arabia, motivations for going, and behavioural intentions. The survey was divided into three sections: demographics, intrinsic and extrinsic motivations, cognitive and affective destination pictures, and behavioural intention. The data was analysed with both descriptive and inferential statistics. Multiple regression analysis was used to test the correlations between variables and determine the strength of the hypotheses. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) was used to assess the underlying structure of the components, and reliability tests were conducted to guarantee the internal consistency of the measures. This study's findings give significant empirical support for the presented hypotheses, showing numerous crucial links between goal image, motivation, and behavioural intention. The cognitive and emotive images of Saudi Arabia had a substantial impact on travellers' behavioural intentions. The cognitive image relates to tourists' knowledge and awareness of Saudi Arabia's attractions, which include cultural landmarks, natural beauty, and safety. According to the study, tourists who have a strong favourable cognitive image of the country are more inclined to plan a visit. Furthermore, the emotive image, which refers to tourists' emotional responses to the site, was discovered to have a considerable favourable impact on their propensity to visit. Tourists who connected Saudi Arabia with pleasant feelings, such as exhilaration or relaxation, were more likely to plan a visit. The study also found that intrinsic and extrinsic incentives influence tourists' cognitive and affective assessments of the place. Tourists who were driven by internal motives such as adventure, discovery, and personal improvement were more likely to form a positive mental image of Saudi Arabia. Tourists driven by extrinsic reasons, such as luxury, social standing, and recognition, were found to have a greater emotive image. These findings show that Saudi Arabia's marketing tactics should address a variety of motivational elements in order to attract a wider range of tourists. Both cognitive and emotive destination representations strongly influenced behavioural intentions. Tourists who had positive cognitive views of Saudi Arabia's attractions and infrastructure, as well as strong emotional connections to the nation, were more likely to visit, suggest, and return. This finding emphasises the need of boosting Saudi Arabia's informational and emotional appeal in its marketing campaigns. Moreover, the study discovered that cognitive image has a considerable influence on affective image, supporting the theory that tourists' awareness of a destination's characteristics shapes their emotional responses to it. This emphasises the role of cognitive and emotional processes in affecting visitor behaviour.16 0Item Restricted The use of social media and its impact on the mental health of the Saudi Arabian community.(Queen’s University Belfast, 2024-09-08) Almabdi, Adel; McLaughlin, DerekAbstract Background: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) is a nation with unique cultural, geographical, and economic features, predominantly characterized by a young Muslim population. In recent years, significant modernization and urbanization have influenced Saudis' lifestyles and mental health. Cultural attitudes and economic factors shape these mental health issues, with social media playing a pivotal role in societal interactions and mental well-being. Objectives: This study systematically reviewed the current peer-reviewed literature on the impact of social media on the mental health of the Saudi Arabian community. The goal was to synthesize key findings on both the positive and negative effects of social media use, offering insights for individuals, educators, policymakers, and healthcare systems to encourage healthier technology usage and enhance mental healthcare access. Search Strategy: A systematic search was conducted using keywords and Boolean operators across MEDLINE, PubMed, CINAHL, and PsycINFO databases to identify relevant peer-reviewed literature. The inclusion criteria focused on articles published between 2018 and 2024, written in English, and conducted in Saudi Arabia, specifically cross-sectional studies. Results: Thirteen articles met the inclusion criteria and were critically assessed using the appraisal tool for cross-sectional studies (AXIS). The studies were generally of acceptable quality, with well-defined research questions and appropriate methodologies. The findings were categorized into seven themes: prevalence of mental health issues, social media addiction and psychological distress, gender disparities, impact on adolescents, misinformation, the complex relationship with well-being, and family dynamics within the cultural context. Conclusion: This review highlighted that while social media fosters communication and information sharing, it also correlates with addiction, psychological distress, and misinformation. High rates of mental health issues, particularly among healthcare professionals and adolescents, underscore the need for targeted interventions and policies. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies and interdisciplinary collaborations to effectively understand and address these impacts.19 0Item Restricted BUSNIESS PLAN(University of surrey, 2023-09-07) ALarfaj, Maryam; lee, jasonThe concept of "Royal Arabian Flavours" is to create a restaurant that combines the cultural wealth of Saudi Arabia with a gastronomic adventure across the world. Our restaurant business plan details our painstaking efforts to create a dining experience that is both delicious and memorable. At its location in the centre of Riyadh, "Royal Arabian Flavours" will create an atmosphere that is authentic to Saudi Arabia and will appeal to both residents and tourists. Our goal is to provide a delicious fusion of time-honoured recipes and cutting-edge techniques that will leave our diners with a lasting impression. We are starting this business with an eye towards sustainability, and we are aware of the significant initial investment required. Our dedication to sound financial management, however, guarantees that these expenditures will be matched by income opportunities of comparable size. With an inventive menu and a marketing approach that emphasises our culinary storylines, we expect our sales to rise. We've assessed the marketplace and understood the value of standing out. Our unique decor, first-rate customer service, and cuisine, which features Saudi Arabian flavours with a modern twist, position us to succeed where others have failed. Attracting new consumers is important, but we also want to build a dedicated following. We want to integrate technology into all aspects of our business to boost customer satisfaction and boost productivity. When a restaurant's POS system communicates with online ordering and reservation systems, it streamlines business and improves the customer experience. The people of Saudi Arabia are the backbone upon which "Royal Arabian Flavours" rests. Our dedication to finding and developing the best chefs and wait staff in the industry is unrelenting. The goal of our extensive training programme is to develop a committed staff that really represents the spirit of Saudi hospitality and excellence. Our legal and licencing preparations cover all the bases, making the transition from idea to operation as smooth as possible. By emphasising compliance, we want to demonstrate our commitment to creating a company that abides by all applicable laws and ethical guidelines. In sum, "Royal Arabian Flavours" offers a tempting investment opportunity that brings together culinary mastery, cross-cultural understanding, and astute financial management. This overview provides an overview of our mission, strategy, and dedication to providing a memorable dining experience. We're looking for savvy backers to join us on this adventure and help us create a world-class restaurant that does justice to Saudi Arabia's gastronomic legacy while also satisfying diners' cravings.24 0Item Restricted Investigating the Factors Influencing the Performance of Tour Guides in Heritage Sites: A Case Study of Tour Guides in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.(Saudi Digital Library, 2023-10-18) Alharbi, Ruba Saud Naif; Ladkin, AdeleThis study offers an in-depth investigation of the various factors that impact the performance of tour guides in heritage sites, with a specific emphasis on tour guides operating within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The study presents findings pertaining to the fundamental attributes that contribute to the efficacy of tour guides, ascertained through the conduction of 10 comprehensive interviews with seasoned tour guides hailing from the country. The emergence of passion for their role serves as a fundamental component, driving their capacity to generate captivating and engaging experiences for visitors. Furthermore, the research emphasises the significance of cultural differences in influencing the competence of tour guides, allowing them to effectively engage with a wide range of tourist populations. The study highlights the significance of proficient communication abilities, endurance, and knowledge of the site as essential qualities that augment the overall tour experience. These insights provide significant contributions to the tourism industry by informing training programmes and empowering tour guides to deliver exceptional tours of heritage sites in Saudi Arabia.24 0Item Restricted The Veil and its Representation in the Work of Three Contemporary Women Artists of the Middle East(2015-07-12) Qirwan, Hind; O'meara, SimonThis study is focused on investigating the notion of veiling in Islamic culture and how it is connected to women. The suggested contextualising will extend to examining the prescriptive veil in Saudi Arabia and Iran to further theorise the political and social impacts arising from the practice of veiling. Drawing on some selected sources within Orientalism and ranging from the colonial era up to contemporary times, the study demonstrates how the veil became an icon. It also explains how veiling became the framework in which the woman’s image is represented. The different approaches used by female artists discussed in this study highlight the complexity of the veil as a signifier in contemporary art. Discussions on the artwork illustrate how artists’ definitions of the veil are not consistent with the conservative society in which they live. The artists used the veil to signify multi-layered messages that questioned women’s identity in the light of the social and political perceptions of what a woman should be. Despite the artists’ involvement in that dialogue, their criticisms remained far from provocative or transgressive. Ultimately, the study offers a framework that allows an objective visual interpretation of the veil as a signifier by contextualising its representation in contemporary art within its original culture.20 0