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Thesis advisor: Kathleen Bailey / My thesis will be analyzing the politics of education in the Gulf in order to understand why education performance remains low. The problem extends beyond Islamic culture and rentierism. These are merely factors. The problem of education stems from the government itself in mismanaged bureaucracy and the ruling family that dominates politics. My thesis will be looking closely at Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Qatar. My approach is looking at how the Ministry of Education or other departments responsible for implementing and enforcing education policy and how they function within the state and impact education performance for students. My thesis will cover a number of themes, such as; rentierism, culture (political, traditional, etc.), and other factors that impede education and development. My conclusion is that bureaucratic mismanagement with emphasis on rentier and cultural factors are the cause of generating the mismatch of skills making students ill prepared for the globalized world. The problems of education has differed since the 1960s to the present due to how oil shape politics and development. In addition, rentierism has changed and developed and forcing the Gulf to address more societal needs than previously before. The government is the main cause and will be discussed is how this mismanagement and centralized control over education does not prepare students for the workforce in a technologically advanced world.! / Thesis (BA) — Boston College, 2015. / Submitted to: Boston College. College of Arts and Sciences. / Discipline: Departmental Honors. / Discipline: Islamic Civilization and Societies.

Airports projects, amongst other construction projects, are considered very complex as they face a number of challenges that inevitably cause them to become exposed to risks. In Saudi Arabia, the sector of aviation is considered an important sector owing to the fact that, on an annual basis, it is recognised as the first destination for Muslims. However, it has been found that projects continue to be delivered with a significant number of time and cost overruns. Moreover, the absence of a risk allocation framework has been identified. Hence, the aim of the research underpinning this thesis is to develop a framework detailing how such risks can be allocated properly in the specific context of aviation construction projects in Saudi Arabia. A robust methodology that been designed and outlined in the research—which notably includes the use of semi-structured interviews and questionnaires with highly experienced senior project managers representing GACA, their contractors and consultants. The aim of conducting the interviews was twofold. Firstly, to identify risks associated with GACA construction projects. Secondly, to examine the risk allocation practice that is been carried by GACA. While, the questionnaire method was adopted to identify the importance of the risks identified, based on quantifying each risks’ probability of occurrence and impact. In addition, to test the perception of risk allocation within GACA construction projects. As a result, Fifty-four risks are associated with the construction of aviation projects in Saudi Arabia, with the decision on such an allocation of risks within GACA found to be based on a number of criteria that are subjective in nature, such as the authority of project managers, experience from different projects and so on, coupled with the absence of well-defined principles of risks allocation. Importantly, a number of risks have been found to have undecided allocation, with no allocation on any risk found to be shared amongst parties. A framework of risk allocation was developed in an effort to replace the current practice applied within GACA and their projects. This framework is presented in flow chart to make it easy to follow its steps. It incorporates a well-defined strategy that imposes GACA, as a client, to perform a solid risk management practice, taking into consideration the best practice of risk- allocation principles. It further allows GACA contractors to make their decision on whether the allocation made by GACA should be accepted, or alternatively whether to withdraw from the bidding otherwise. As a means of validating the framework, a number of interviews were carried out with professionals representing GACA, contractors and consultants. The research is the first of its nature to focus on an existing problems of risk allocation practice within the aviation sector in the country and accordingly solving these problems by introducing a framework for a proper allocation of risks. In this sense, the study is believed to make a contribution to knowledge as it provides a tool from which GACA can benefit with regards their current issue of risks-allocation.

The tremendous increase in the use of digital devices has led to their involvement in the vast majority of current criminal investigations. As a result, digital forensics has increasingly become one of the most important aspects of criminal investigations. The digital forensics process involves consideration of a number of important phases in order to achieve the required level of accuracy and to reach a successful conclusion of the investigation into the digital aspects of crimes; through obtaining acceptable evidence for use in a court of law. There have been a number of models developed and produced since 1984 to support the digital investigation processes. In this submission, I introduce a proposed model for the digital investigation processes which is based on the scope of the Saudi Arabia investigation process, which has been integrated with existing models of digital investigation processes and has produced a new phase to deal with a situation where there is insufficient evidence. In this research, grounded theory has been adopted as a research method to investigate and explore the participant’s perspectives and their opinions regarding the adoption of a method of a digital forensics investigation process in the absence of complete evidence in the Saudi Arabian context. The interaction of investigators with digital forensics processes involves the social aspect of digital investigation which is why it was suitable to adopt a grounded theory approach. A semi-structured data collection approach has been adopted, to enable the participants to express their visions, concerns, opinions and feelings related to factors that impact the adoption of the DF model for use in cases where there is an absence of sufficient evidence in Saudi Arabia. The proposed model emerged after conducting a number of interviews and analysing the data of this research. The researcher developed the proposed model based on the answers of the participant which helped the researcher to find a solution for dealing with cases where there is insufficient evidence, through adding a unique step in the investigation process, the “TraceBack” Phase. This study is the first in Saudi Arabia to be developed to enhance the accuracy of digital forensics in the absence of sufficient evidence, which opens a new method of research. It is also the first time has been employed a grounded theory in a digital forensics study in the Saudi context, where it was used in a digital forensics study, which indicates the possibility of applying this methodology to this field.

In the light of falling oil prices, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has launched a multifaceted vision for 2030 that seeks to modernise the country's economy and diversify its revenue base. A key goal of this vision is developing the country's education system in general and higher education in particular (Reardon, 2016; Vision2030, 2016). The government is determined to achieve inclusive and equitable quality education for all its citizens. Within this context, there is an increased focus on improving the quality of English language teaching and learning in higher education institutions and in the education system generally. However, the lack of essential linguistic and pedagogic skills amongst many Saudi graduates remains a major concern (Albaiz, 2016; British Council, 2016). The aim of this thesis is to investigate students' learning experiences in an undergraduate English as a Foreign Language (EFL) programme at City University (CU), KSA from three different perspectives. The first viewpoint draws on Bourdieu's notions of field, capital and habitus to examine the influences that CU as an institution has on teaching and learning in the EFL programme. The second perspective uses the concept of cultural capital to analyse the influence of family educational background on students' learning. The third perspective provides insights into the teaching approaches adopted by EFL lecturers and the effects these approaches have on students' learning. Thus, this study is guided by one main research question: How do students experience learning in the undergraduate EFL programme at CU? The study uses a qualitative case study approach. Data was gathered from multiple sources: namely, semi-structured interviews with students and lecturers, observations, and a documentary review. The analysis is based on the three research sub-questions that guide this inquiry. The key findings related to the first perspective highlight the ways in which CU's institutional policies and practices impact teaching and learning in the EFL programme. The analysis reveals that CU defines its capital as ‘accessible higher education', which translates into large numbers of students enrolling in its colleges and departments each year. As a result of this open admissions policy, the College of Arts and Humanities (CAH) has been forced to lower its entry requirements to the EFL programme in order to accommodate the number of students. This has resulted in the admission of students who do not possess the minimum entry requirements, and has adversely affected the quality of education in the EFL programme, as manifested in relation to class size, student-teacher relations, the use of English in teaching, and assessment practices. The second set of findings analyse the influence of family educational background on students' learning experiences. The findings indicate that this background plays an important role in students' success in the EFL programme. It was found that families with higher education backgrounds use their learning experiences and resources to support their children's education. The findings further demonstrate that students from families with no higher education background and a lack of cultural capital have low levels of English language competency. As such, many of them struggle with the linguistic and academic demands of the programme. The third set of findings reveal the influence of teaching approaches on students' learning experience. The findings show a distinction between native English speaking (NES) and non-native English speaking (NNES) lecturers in relation to their teaching approaches and interactions with students. It was found that NNES lecturers adopt a teacher-centred approach in their teaching which minimizes students' interactions. Many students were critical of such practices and felt that it denied them the opportunity to develop their language skills. In contrast, NES lecturers use a student-focused approach and integrate communicative practices into their teaching. These lecturers emphasise the importance of building positive relationships with the students in order to facilitate their learning. Generally, students reacted positively to such practices and were more encouraged to participate in the classroom. This study provides important insights into students' learning experiences in higher education in general and EFL programmes in particular. It contributes to existing debates and literature on EFL teaching and learning in higher education, particularly in KSA. The study also provides important suggestions for policymakers to consider, and recommendations to CU and its faculty members, and for further research.

Thesis (M. Arch.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Architecture, 1981. / MICROFICHE COPY AVAILABLE IN ARCHIVES AND ROTCH. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 114-116). / The objective of this report is to explore the application of the support concept in the Saudi Arabian context, as a result of the author's interest in the concept of user participation. To do so, the following steps were followed. First; an analysis and observations were made for both traditional and contemporary houses. Second, twenty-four patterns were developed to explain the possible relationship between various patterns in the Saudi culture, and in order to clarify the capacity of the courtyard house. Third, a support for courtyard house type was designed by using the S.A.R. methodology. This report deals only with design aspects on the level of the individual dwelling. / by Jamel A. Akbar. / M. Arch.

Saudi Arabia is the largest country in the Arabian Peninsula and about 65% of the landscape is comprised of deserts. The country is located in arid regions where renewable water resources are limited and the annual rainfall is less than 150 mm in most of the country except for the south western region. The country is rich in petroleum resources, and petrochemicals, and oil exports account for much of the nation's prosperity. Saudi Arabia is a country that enjoys several economic booms, with urban expansion continuing years in the future. The country witnessed comprehensive developments accompanied by rapid population growth during the last three decades after the increase in oil profits in 1975. This has resulted in a large increase of domestic, industrial and agricultural demands. The agricultural demands are satisfied by groundwater pumping from local aquifers. The country relies on costly sea water desalination plants in producing about 50% of its domestic water supplies because the groundwater quality is not suitable for domestic purposes in most of the country. Saudi Arabia has, for several years now, been experiencing domestic water shortage problems in some major cities especially in the summer season. As things stand, the water industry in Saudi Arabia remains under the government's control and until the last year, there are no clear rules and regulations to open the door for private companies to come in and operate the water sector with the aim of providing a better quality of water service. This picture has changed during the last two years after the establishment of the Ministry of Water and Electricity (MOWE). The Ministry has shown strong indication for involving the private sector in water and sanitation services. This thesis, therefore, represents an attempt to provide comparative and analytical studies on the question of whether privatisation of the water industry could provide a better water system to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), and whether such a system would be better able to satisfy the water requirement in terms of quality and quantity. Some other countries have already gone through privatization process, and have found better solutions for water supply, which surmount different cultural, geographical and even legal environments. England is one of such country which has successfully privatized its water services. This thesis will therefore attempt to examine the existing regime for water regulations in Saudi Arabia and compare it to the English system. We will then analyze whether there are lessons for KSA to learn from the English system of water privatization. This will involve a critical review on the backgrounds of Saudi Arabia and England in respect of the legal and economical basis for privatization. The research consists of seven chapters. In Chapter One, I will introduce my research topic, providing the general background of that topic and addressing the issues I hope to raise in my research. I will also seek to justify my research topic and introduce the research methodologies that underpin my research. Chapter Two is concerned with the economic background of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This chapter sets out the importance of inter-relationship between the national economy and the water situation in the country. Chapter Three will then turn to an assessment of Islamic perspective on water matters as well as looking at how that law is interpreted in KSA. This chapter thus sets out the general framework of Islamic Law and the way in which it addresses the issues of water ownership in Saudi Arabia. Chapter Four gives an analysis of the successful English model of privatization in water industry. The chapter starts with a summary of the historical evolution of the issues of privatization in the water sector, and then looks at the evolution of the regulatory regime in England. This chapter also mentions the main issues for a private water industry and focuses specifically on the role of the regulator in this sector. Chapter Five will compare and contrast the Saudi Arabia system with the English model, with particular relation to matters of regulation, the regulator, contracts and ownership in the water services. Following this chapter. Chapter Six offers policy model and recommendations to the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia based on the experience of the English model, with the hope of finding a course of action for privatization of the Saudi water sector in an attempt to tackle the ongoing challenges faced by the water services in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Saudi recommended model can be followed by other arid countries especially the Muslim States. The concluding Chapter Seven will then summarize the results and findings of my research.

This is a qualitative research study that investigated the understanding of the concept of “critical consciousness” by female teachers teaching Arabic in Saudi Arabia’s high schools, the opportunity they have to develop critical consciousness, and how and why they develop it. The researcher engaged in semi-structured interviews with 25 female teachers who have at least nine years teaching experiences. The findings revealed that these teachers: (a) have a collective sense of the importance of critical consciousness skills to better themselves and Saudi Arabian society; (b) they are interested in and motivated to develop their critical thinking skills; (c) they develop critical consciousness in informal ways; and (d) the teaching practice in Saudi Arabia mostly relies on “banking education.” This is an unprecedented study in the field of students’ critical consciousness development in Saudi Arabia. The results have a number of important implications for future work and research in Saudi Arabia, as well as in neighboring countries that share similar complications related to the role and status of women in society.

Spatial and temporal characteristics of dust storm activity in Saudi Arabia has been established using coarse-particle (PM10) dust concentrations recorded by the KACST monitoring network during the 2000-2003 period, backward trajectory analysis and satellite imagery. Thirty three major dust episodes impacted Riyadh city during the 2000-2003 period. The majority of these intense dust episodes are experienced during the March-August period with interannual and monthly variability in both intensity and frequency. Using TOMS images in conjunction with the backward trajectories corresponding to these 33 major episodes, the dust source regions have been identified. The most vulnerable dust source areas within these identified source regions have also been determined by compiling satellite images of dusty days from the true color SeaWiFs and high resolution MODIS archives over a six-year period (2000-2005). In total 45 dust-source areas have been identified in 9 local source regions and 4 external ones. Furthermore, 38 episodes of high fine-particle (PM2.5) and PM10 dust concentrations were observed at Riyadh city and 16 and 6 episodes of elevated PM10 dust concentrations were observed at Dammam and Jeddah cities, respectively, during March-September 2006, corresponding to the dust season in Saudi Arabia. During these episodes, Riyadh city was significantly impacted by dust from the southern Iraqi source areas and the eastern source areas located to the north and to the northeast of the city, respectively. Moreover, Dammam city was also significantly impacted by dust from the southern Iraqi source areas whereas Jeddah city was evenly impacted by dust from northeastern-northwestern sources to the city, with somewhat higher PM10 concentrations from African dust source areas, located to the northwest of the city. Analysis of meteorological maps of surface pressure as well as upper air data associated with high airborne dust concentrations in Saudi Arabia was successfully performed. This analysis revealed seven common types of dust storms, triggered by a clear seasonal distribution of meteorological conditions: (1) frontal, (2) Haboob, (3) jets convergence, (4) jet streak, (5) Shamal, (6) cyclonic, and (7) gap. The majority of dust episodes that impacted Riyadh city during the study period were triggered by Haboob (~ 42 %) and Shamal (~ 37 %). Additional analyses, including elemental, ionic and biological analyses as well as model analyses were used to further characterize the airborne dust in Saudi Arabia.

Medina, as the second holy city for Muslims around the world and a place where the Prophet (peace be upon him) lived and is buried, has a distinctive identity. On the contrary, however, the central part of the city, the area where the old city was located, has lost its traditional identity in favour of globalization and modernization. One major factor that affects a location’s sense of place is the absence of public space and green space. In other words, the negligence of the public space’s role in reviving and restoring the identity of a place results in a sense of non-place. For many visitors to Medina, the current state (the contemporary urban setting) of the central city fails to match their expectations. Inserting an urban park (public space) within the area will enhance and help conserve the place’s identity, meet visitors’ visions, and allow more social interactions among visitors and locals. My design proposal is to create an urban park and a public space located at the periphery of the Prophet’s Mosque. The park will offer visitors a quiet place of refuge within the busy surrounding urban context and will demonstrate the location’s identity through shading structures. The program will consist of shading structures, mobile eateries, seating areas, public space, and vegetation.