Saudi Vision Research Articles

Telehealth in Saudi Arabia: Its Evolution, Present Infrastructure, and Forward-Looking Implications

Telehealth, the utilization of digital technologies for remote healthcare, has seen significant growth in Saudi Arabia. Historically used to bridge the healthcare gap between urban and rural regions due to the vast desert terrains of the country, its adoption has been bolstered by initiatives like the ‘Telemedicine Project’ and Saudi Vision 2030. Despite challenges including connectivity issues, hesitations among healthcare professionals, and patient skepticism, the COVID-19 pandemic accentuated its importance. With technological advances, a shift in societal needs, and strategic policies, telehealth’s prospects in Saudi Arabia appear promising, but vigilance against potential pitfalls remains essential.

Socio-Economic Factors and Women’s Empowerment: The Mediation Role of Training/Skill Development

The Saudi Vision 2030 has a view that women’s participation in the workforce not only helps to shift the prevailing attitudes and economic structures within a region but also significantly impacts the economic well-being of their families. Women can supplement their family’s income by earning a wage, leading to an improved standard of living and better overall health outcomes. Therefore, this study tries to find the relationship between socio-economic factors and women’s empowerment and investigate the mediating role of training/skill development between socio-economics factors and women’s empowerment among Saudi women. This study collected the data with authentic and well-developed questionnaires from renowned areas of Saudi Arabia. The sample size for the analysis consisted of 327 participants and used Smart PLS for data analysis. The results of this study found that socio-economic factors have no significant direct impact on women’s empowerment. In contrast, socio-economic factors positively impact training/skill development as well as training/skill development impacts women’s empowerment. Therefore, training/skill development mediates the relationship between socio-economic factors and women’s empowerment. This study found that the women participating are essential for the development of overall society. The study revealed the crucial role played by women in contributing to the household economy, as reflected by the income generated by them is comparable to that of male workers. This can be attributed to the significant drive exhibited by housewives to assist their husbands in easing the financial burden, along with the favorable opportunities presented by natural resources. The training/skill development program positively and significantly enhances the chances of women’s empowerment in Saudi Arabia.

Utilization of the dimensions of learning organization for enhanced hospital performance

BackgroundThe healthcare system of Saudi Arabia has evolved radically into an institution that is adaptive to global change and is abreast with new advances in medical field to meet Saudi Vision 2030. The concept and practice of the dimensions of learning organization could provide a framework to significantly improve organizational performance. This study explores the practice of the seven dimensions of LO and determines their utilization toward enhanced performance at hospitals in Hail, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The findings of this study will help improve organizational (hospital) performance.MethodThis cross-sectional study included 117 nurse respondents from various government and private hospitals in the Hail region. Staff nurses were surveyed using the Dimensions of Learning Organization Questionnaire (DLOQ), and supervisors and managers were interviewed.ResultsCreation of continuous learning opportunities, team learning and collaboration, and strategic leadership in learning were perceived to be very satisfactorily utilized. Promotion of dialogue and inquiry, systems to capture and share learning, and empowerment and connection of the organization to the community were perceived to be satisfactorily utilized. Furthermore, the dimensions were found to be directly correlated, evidently signifying a strong relationship.ConclusionOverall, hospitals in the Hail region were found to be learning organizations. The dimensions of learning organization were utilized very satisfactorily, and the culture of learning was strongly embedded in the hospitals' systems and practices.

Developing a sustainable water conservation strategy for Saudi Arabian cities

Water scarcity is a global issue posing significant challenges for sustainable water management. Saudi Arabia, due to its arid conditions, limited freshwater resources, and high evapotranspiration rates, faces water scarcity. Factors such as rapid population growth, urban expansion, industrial development, and unsustainable water management practices contribute to increased municipal water demand and per capita water consumption. This trend is evident in the Jubail Industrial City (JIC), the largest industrial city in the Middle East. Although JIC heavily relies on desalination and groundwater extraction to meet growing water needs, it lacks a strategic vision for water conservation. The objective of this paper is to identify the causes of water scarcity, assess the sustainability of current water management practices, and develop a sustainable water conservation strategy using JIC as a case study. The study adopts a mixed-method approach, involving a comprehensive review of literature and official documents, along with an analysis of successful case studies of water conservation practices in arid regions worldwide. The proposed strategy encompasses demand management, adoption of water-efficient technologies, water reuse and recycling, public awareness and education, and policy and governance frameworks. Strategic water conservation, optimization and reuse hold significant relevance to industry settings. The study’s findings can contribute to the enhancement of the municipal water supply sector and support decision-makers in achieving the sustainable water resource management goals outlined in Saudi Vision 2030.

Awareness, Knowledge, and Attitudes Regarding Health Coaching Among Umm Al-Qura University Public Health Students.

In response to the growing burden of chronic diseases on the healthcare system and in pursuit of the health sector goals of Saudi Vision 2030, the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Health implemented an initiative known as health coaching, which helps patients with chronic diseases adopt a healthier lifestyle. This study aimed to assess awareness, knowledge, and attitudes towards the initiative for health coaches among public health students at Umm Al-Qura University in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Data were collected using an online, cross-sectional survey between March 8, 2022 and April 4, 2022. Students from the Health Promotion and Health Education (HPHE) department were compared to students from other public health departmentsat Umm Al-Qura University. The questionnaire collected data on demographics and awareness, knowledge, and attitudes towardhealth coaching. Surveys that were at least 80% complete were retained for analysis. A total of 311 students participated, of which 275 (88.4%) were unaware of health coaching and 156 (50.2%) had insufficient health coaching knowledge. However, 233 (74.9%) had a positive attitude about it. HPHE students scored significantly higher on most items than students from other public health departments. The students showed positive attitudes but had low scores on awareness and knowledge of health coaching. It is advisable to introduce health coaching into undergraduate medical school curricula. Future research should evaluate students from other health colleges and investigate the effectiveness of health coaching on cost and long-term outcomes of chronic diseases.

Critical Success Factors and Challenges in Adopting Digital Transformation in the Saudi Ministry of Education

Many countries are using digital transformation to increase their productivity and organizational performance. In Saudi Arabia, digital transformation is a crucial part of their Saudi Vision 2030 plan, but it is still in its early stages. To understand the factors that affect the adoption of digital transformation. The study used a qualitative interview to identify the critical success factors and challenges in adopting digital transformation at the Ministry of Education of Saudi Arabia. The main results of the study show, first, the seven main success factors include technology, employee engagement, vendor partnerships, budget, top management support, culture, and strategy. Second, the main seven challenges include organizational and strategic stakes, resistance to change, governance, data, cost, and IT infrastructure. The study developed a framework that shows the main success factors and challenges that affect adopting digital transformation in the Ministry of Education. These findings can benefit many individuals and groups, such as academics, business people, and the public, and can apply this research in other contexts. This research aimed to determine the primary factors contributing to the success of digital transformation in the Ministry of Education and the challenges that arise when implementing it, specifically within the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Education.

AEO MRA의 중동지역 확대에 관한 연구

Purpose - This study analyzes the Middle Eastern market through qualitative analysis through SWOT analysis and STP strategy, solves the difficulties of Korean companies currently exporting to Saudi Arabia, and expands the MRA effect through mutual promotion between the two countries to other countries in the Middle East.
 Design/Methodology/Approach - This research aimed to establish 3C, PEST, SWOT, STP strategies by conducting market environment analysis in the Middle East through the theoretical background and preceding research on the AEO system and AEO MRA, It focused on Saudi Arabia, which has a future national vision in the Middle East.
 Findings - The result showed that Saudi Arabia is Korea’s 7th largest trading partner. In order to handle the difficulties of non-tariff barriers and delays in customs clearance in the Middle East and Saudi Arabia, it is necessary to actively conclude an AEO MRA. This is a good chance for Korean companies to create a second boom in the Middle East.
 Research Implications - Saudi Arabia has yet to sign an AEO MRA with Korea. However, as part of the Saudi Vision 2030, Korean companies need to enter various fields such as civil engineering, construction, and energy. There are yet many non-tariff barriers and logistics flow delays in the Middle East. It is time to enter into the AEO MRA system with Saudi Arabia.

Enhancing EFL students' critical thinking skills using a technology-mediated self-study approach: EFL graduates and labor market in perspective.

This research project bridges the gap between Saudi Vision 2030 and labor market needs by strengthening English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students' critical thinking skills. The increasing unemployment rates may not be due to insufficient vacancies in the labor market, but graduates' lack of the general abilities deemed vital to meet the labor market needs. With employability in mind, this study reiterates that graduates should ideally be advanced specialists, critical researchers, creative initiators, and active communicators to be more competitive and contribute to the prosperity of their nation. Therefore, this research employs a quasi-experimental design (time series design) to investigate how effectively students' critical thinking skills are enriched using a video-mediated self-study program through Telegram. Studies in this respect, regarding the Saudi EFL context, are limited. Therefore, this research employed a video-mediated self-study program through Telegram on learning critical thinking skills for EFL students majoring in English or Translation. The data collection included a pre-and post-test on critical thinking skills and a semi-structured interview. The findings showed that students improved their critical thinking skills due to the training program compared to their performance before the treatment at a low level. Besides, the participants evaluated learning critical thinking skills from thinking ways, feelings, benefits, motivation, challenges and problems, and suggestions. In light of the findings, recommendations were presented.

Integration of Telehealth in Routine Perinatal Care: A Model of Care for Primary Healthcare Clinics in Saudi Arabia.

This study aims to introduce a new model of antenatal/postnatal care that integrates virtual clinics with the current model of care, including a discussion on the current model, pre-existing barriers, and prenatal framework, and the need for transition to telehealth beyond the pandemic. In antenatal primary health care centers, such as King Abdulaziz Medical City (KAMC), low-risk antenatal/postnatal care receives clinical care through complete physical attendance in antenatal/postnatal clinics in primary care clinics for pregnancy follow-up and in tertiary hospitals for fetal ultrasound and invasive procedures if needed. Pregnancy is confirmed through a regular family medicine (FM) clinic where risk assessment through history, physical examination, and investigations are carried out. If the pregnant woman is at low risk, she will be started on folic acid, 1 mg or 5 mg based on the risk assessment (if it was not received before). Pregnant women will be given a telehealth appointment for the lab results. Concomitantly, the pregnant women will receive an appointment in the antenatal clinics, which board-certified family physicians run. High-risk patients will be referred to the hospital for further care. Current postnatal care is delivered through regular booking with the FM clinic through physical attendance sometimes, and virtual care is provided upon physican/patientrequest. Current care meets the past quality care and patient expectations. However, with the current Saudi Vision 2030 and after the experience with virtual care during the COVID-19pandemic, the current services need to move a step forward to meet the rapidly developing medical care/needs in Saudi Arabia. Various challenges must be addressed, and new models must be included in clinical care for pregnant and postnatal women. Introducing virtual antenatal/postnatal care to the current care could be a new era in maternity primary health care; this model will move the clinical care provided to pregnant/postnatal women a step forward that meets the excellence of high-quality, evidence-based medical care.

Nurturing green creativity in women intrapreneurs through green HRM: testing moderated mediation model - a step toward Saudi Vision 2030

PurposeIn 2016, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) initiated Saudi Vision 2030, an ambitious plan to lessen the country's dependency on fossil fuels and increase economic diversification. The Vision 2030 framework strives to establish a thriving economy, a vibrant society and an ambitious nation. This study aims to investigate the role of green service innovation (SI) and green work engagement (WE) in mediating the nexus between green human resource management (HRM) and green creativity (GC) under conditional role of spiritual leadership (SL).Design/methodology/approachA survey was done of 300 female intrapreneurs working in the organization within Saudi Arabia. This study has collected data via stratified random sampling technique. The framework was tested using PLS-SEM software.FindingsThe findings reveal that WE fully intervenes the nexus between green HRM and GC. Moreover, SL positively moderates the nexus between green HRM and SI.Originality/valueThus, based on findings, it is recommended that female intrapreneurs prioritize environmentally responsible operations to gain and sustain competitive edge over rivals in Saudi competitive market.

Public perspective toward extended community pharmacy services in sub-national Saudi Arabia: An online cross-sectional study.

In many developed countries, the scope of community pharmacy services has extended to include advanced applications. Unlike traditional practices that focus on pharmaceutical sales, extended community pharmacy services (ECPSs) are patient-centred and typically offered by specialised healthcare centres, which improve public health, reduce pressure imposed on healthcare professionals, and rationalise health system expenditures. However, based on the findings of several studies, community pharmacies (CPs) only provide marginalised services. Public reviews are thus crucial to effectively utilise such services. This study explored CPs use among the Saudi public in terms of knowledge, attitudes, and barriers to ECPSs. We conducted a cross-sectional web-based survey of a non-probability sample between October and December 2021. Numerical and graphical descriptive statistics were employed with an additional analytical assessment using binary logistic regression to determine the association between participant characteristics and the barriers to ECPSs use. A total of 563 individuals participated in this study, approximately 33% of which revealed CPs as the first place they visit for medication concerns. Most individuals were not aware of medication therapy management and health screening services (77% and 68%, respectively). Pharmacy clinics offering private counselling and receiving patient electronic medical records were unknown to the participants (78% and 63%, respectively). A substantial proportion of the cohort considered lack of privacy (58%) and inadequate communication with community pharmacists (56%) as key barriers to the use of ECPSs. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the underdeveloped infrastructure of CPs was significantly associated with almost all factors. Most services and facilities were found to be underutilised. Positive public attitudes were associated with concerns regarding privacy and cost of services. Consistent with Saudi Vision 2030, supporting CPs and increasing the public awareness of ECPSs have significant implications on public health.

Factors Associated with Access to the Saudi Primary Healthcare in Light of Vision 2030

Objective: Primary healthcare is a comprehensive approach to ensuring universal access to essential healthcare services. The Ministry of Health in Saudi Arabia has developed health-related objectives to enhance the accessibility of healthcare services and refining its policies. However, certain obstacles may impede the delivery and accessibility of healthcare, particularly to primary healthcare centers. The current study explored the variables associated with the accessibility of primary healthcare services in the context of Saudi Vision 2030. In particular, the research focused on examining the organizational and doctor-patient communication factors that are linked to primary healthcare accessibility. Methodology: In this cross-sectional study, an electronic questionnaire is used to collect data from patients visiting the primary healthcare facilities located within the second health cluster in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Results: The findings indicate that the organizational factors that have the greatest influence on primary healthcare accessibility are the proximity of the primary healthcare centers, the rapid and convenient nature of the registration and payment procedures, the cleanliness, design, and clarity of the facility, and the availability of up-to-date technologies and equipment. As for the factors affecting access to primary healthcare in doctor-patient communication, the most notable factors include the provision of respectful treatment by the doctor toward patients, attentive listening to patients’ concerns and questions, and clear explanation of treatment plans and outcomes. Conclusion: The findings of this study demonstrated the effect of several factors on primary healthcare accessibility, which will benefit the policymakers in healthcare planning in Saudi Arabia to improve the quality and accessibility to primary healthcare centers.

Implementing AIRM: a new AI recruiting model for the Saudi Arabia labour market

One of the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 is to keep the unemployment rate at the lowest level to empower the economy. Prior research has shown that an increase in unemployment has a negative effect on a country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This paper aims to utilise cutting-edge technology such as Data Lake (DL), Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to assist the Saudi labour market by matching job seekers with vacant positions. Currently, human experts carry out this process; however, this is time-consuming and labour-intensive. Moreover, in the Saudi labour market, this process does not use a cohesive data centre to monitor, integrate or analyse labour-market data, resulting in several inefficiencies, such as bias and latency. These inefficiencies arise from a lack of technologies and, more importantly, from having an open labour-market without a national data centre. This paper proposes a new AI Recruiting Model (AIRM) architecture that exploits DLs, ML and AI to rapidly and efficiently match job seekers to vacant positions in the Saudi labour market. A Minimum Viable Product (MVP) is employed to test the proposed AIRM architecture using a labour market dataset simulation corpus for training purposes; the architecture is further evaluated against three research collaborators who are all professionals in Human Resources (HR). As this research is data-driven in nature, it requires collaboration from domain experts. The first layer of the AIRM architecture uses balanced iterative reducing and clustering using hierarchies (BIRCH) as a clustering algorithm for the initial screening layer. The mapping layer uses sentence transformers with a robustly optimised BERT pre-training approach (RoBERTa) as the base model, and ranking is carried out using the Facebook AI Similarity Search (FAISS). Finally, the preferences layer takes the user’s preferences as a list and sorts the results using the pre-trained cross-encoders model, considering the weight of the more important words. This new AIRM has yielded favourable outcomes: This research considered accepting an AIRM selection ratified by at least one HR expert to account for the subjective character of the selection process when exclusively handled by human HR experts. The research evaluated the AIRM using two metrics: accuracy and time. The AIRM had an overall matching accuracy of 84%, with at least one expert agreeing with the system’s output. Furthermore, it completed the task in 2.4 min, whereas human experts took more than 6 days on average. Overall, the AIRM outperforms humans in task execution, making it useful in pre-selecting a group of applicants and positions. The AIRM is not limited to government services. It can also help any commercial business that uses Big Data.

From EFL to ESL in the Eye of Saudi Vision 2030

Aims: Starting with the definitions of EFL and ESL, this paper aims to explore the transformation from teaching English as a foreign language to a second language in the context of Saudi Arabia to cope with the promising Saudi Vision 2030. At all levels, teaching in the Saudi context is inclined to be EFL teaching. However, English language proficiency has become an emergent need to determine the employment value in the competitive job market, nationally and internationally. Therefore, the transformation to ESL teaching is a focus nowadays for modulating the evolution of English Classroom Teaching in Saudi Arabia.
 Study Design: This study is a qualitative one that uses a semi-structured interview has been conducted at the participants' convenient time and venue. 
 Place and Duration of Study: The study has taken place at one of the languages Institute (ELI) at King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, during the second semester of the academic year 2021 – 2022.
 Methodology: The participants who took part in this study are six female English teachers, Saudis, and non-Saudis, holding Ph.D. and master's degrees in different fields of language teaching with teaching experience varying from 5 years to more than 10 years. 
 Results: The study sought to investigate the university English language teachers' beliefs about the transformation of teaching English from a foreign language to a second language in line with SAV 2030. Data analysis has brought a variety of issues considering the benefits of shifting from EFL teaching and learning to ESL, the obstacles related to such a transit, the challenges that may be encountered throughout the transition process, and the adaption readiness of all stakeholders, educational policymakers, teachers, and students. Looking at participants' responses to the research questions, it was found that they were in agreement with the transformation from EFL to ESL. The study's findings were categorized according to the responses to the four research questions.
 Conclusion: Since the declaration of VAS 2030, higher institutions in the kingdom have obliged their educational policies to an influential reformation that drives improvements in higher education to reach the successes intended by VAS 2030. The study results have provided substantial evidence that teaching the English language as an ESL rather than an EFL will conclusively add to Saudi English learners' skills and proficiency levels.

The Impact of a Sustainable Economic Development Focus on the Real Exchange Rate in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has launched its vision for the next decade, which is branded Vision 2030. Sustainable economic development is the core of the Saudi Vision 2030, which has seventeen sustainability programs covering a wide range of Saudi economic sectors. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of the sustainable economic development focus on the real exchange rate in Saudi Arabia. The ARDL cointegration method was used to assess the existence of the long-run relationships among the variables. The Sustainable Development Index (SDI) was used as a measure of sustainable economic development. Sustainable economic development was found to have a negative impact on the real exchange rate in terms of both the long- and short-run dynamics. Moreover, the GDP was found to have a positive impact on the real exchange rate in the long run and to have the highest coefficient of the model. However, the money supply was found to have no impact on the real exchange rate, while oil rent was found to have a negative impact on the real exchange rate in terms of both the long-run and the first-moment short-run dynamics. Government expenditure was found to be insignificant in the long run and to have a positive significant impact on the real exchange rate in the short-run dynamics. Furthermore, the sustainability impact on the real exchange rate in Saudi Arabia has not been discussed due to the economic structure that relies on oil and the change toward a sustainable economy that occurred in the recent decade. The results provide insight into the potential future challenges faced by the Saudi economy as sustainability programs progress in Saudi Arabia.

Implementation of New English Language Policy in Saudi Context: Perceptions, Challenges, and Remedies

With the advent of Saudi Vision 2030 implementation, the internationalization of the Saudi education system has invigorated significant alterations in teaching and learning practices specifically concerning English language teaching. Since the beginning of 2021, under the new language policy, English has been taught from Grade 1. The aim is to meet the persisting global educational, job, business, and linkage challenges by educating and training the youth in English as the focal tool for future advancement. However, the realization of these objectives depends on various sociocultural factors. The perceptions of the important stakeholders such as teachers, the suitability of the EFL curriculum, and the professional training of EFL teachers can perform a pivotal role in achieving or undermining these goals. Also, teaching practices in real contexts can pose multiple unforeseen challenges and hurdles. This research intended to explore the perceptions of EFL teachers in introducing English as early as grade 1, their practices, and the practical challenges this new policy poses in its effective implementation. To achieve the said objectives, a tailored-made questionnaire comprising quantitative and qualitative items was administered. The detailed analysis highlighted many aspects of concern such as the lack of professional training for EFL teachers, unsuitable and incompatible curriculum, neglection of communicative skills, etc.

A Review of Policy Analysis: Gender Equality in Saudi Arabia’s Mental Health Policy

This study employs the Walt and Gilson Policy Triangle Method to analyse the mental health policy in Saudi Arabia and explore the position of gender equality within the content context, process and development of mental health. Four relevant articles were reviewed, focusing on policy development, legislation, human rights, financing, organisational integration, and women's mental health challenges. The national mental health policy in Saudi Arabia highlights access to care, quality of services, awareness, prevention, and family support, with 4% of the healthcare budget allocated to mental health services. However, gender-specific needs and experiences of women may need to be adequately addressed. Contextual factors such as cultural norms, religious beliefs, and gender segregation shape mental health policy in Saudi Arabia. The process of policy development involves collaboration between the Ministry of Health and various stakeholders, incorporating international guidelines. The study also underlines the Transformational Plan of Saudi Vision 2030 and its influence on mental health policy. However, gender equality actions are not explicitly addressed in the current policies. The research shows the need for comprehensive policy improvements to ensure gender equality in mental health care and provide appropriate support for women's mental health needs in Saudi Arabia.

A comparative analysis of the health services indicators distribution in public hospitals:guide for nursing transformation plan in Saudi Arabia

Healthcare in Saudi Arabia (SA) is a national system in which the government provides free universal coverage through public health services to meet the increasing demand for healthcare due to population growth. Saudi Vision 2030 is a national transformation program that translates into a system-wide transformation involving expanding healthcare services focusing on value-based healthcare. This translates into a system-wide transformation involving expanding healthcare services focusing on value-based healthcare. This contributes to a series of developments in the health delivery systems fields and nursing services. This study aims to explore the four selected indicators of health services and to provide a plan for nursing transformation in SA. The study employs the data of 4 selected indicators and data of the total population extracted from the statistical yearbooks of the last five years (2017- 2021). Descriptive statistics, normality distribution using the Shapiro-Wilk test, and Homogeneity of variance applying Levene’s test were employed. In the analysis of health distribution, the proportion between the total population as the independent factor and the total of health services as the dependent factor was conducted. The major total of the population was located in three main regions, with 66.3%. The spatial distribution of the selected health indicators was related to the population distribution in three main regions, with 43.7% of the hospitals, 51.6% of the hospital beds, 57.3% of the physicians, and 55.4% of the nurses. The abnormality of total population distribution with a p-value of 0.001 at the freedom degree of 13 was noticed. In addition, the analysis shows an abnormally distributed total of the selected health indicators with a p-value of 0.001-0.026 at a freedom degree of 13.

Corporate Sustainability and Financial Performance: The Moderating Effect of CEO Characteristics

This study aimed to investigate the effect of corporate sustainability on financial performance as well as examine whether CEO characteristics influence the association between corporate sustainability and the financial performance of listed firms in the Saudi Stock Exchange. In this vein, this study is the first to utilize multiple CEO characteristics as a moderating role influencing the association between corporate sustainability and financial performance. In addition, the study focuses on the developing country of Saudi Arabia, which is one of the top oil producers in the world and is targeting to invest billions of dollars in renewable and sustainable energy projects according to Saudi Vision 2030. We primarily focused on ESG activities (environmental, social, and governance) and their impact on the return on assets and return on equity (employed as a proxy of financial performance). This study used the ordinary least squares (OLS) model to examine these associations as well as the system GMM to test for endogeneity problems. Using a sample of 1143 observations to represent the non-financial firms listed on the Tadawul All Share Index (TASI) for 9 years from 2014 to 2022, we found a negative and significant relationship between the activities of corporate sustainability and financial performance. Furthermore, we demonstrated that CEO characteristics (CEO busyness, CEO ownership, CEO education, CEO gender, and CEO tenure) exerted influence on the association between corporate sustainability and financial performance; that is, CEO busyness, CEO ownership, and CEO gender mitigated the negative influence of corporate sustainability on financial performance, whereas CEO education and CEO tenure made it worse. The results of this study have implications for regulators, firms, and stakeholders.

The Newfound Status of English in 21st-Century Saudi Arabia

To keep pace with Saudi Vision 2030, the status of English in Saudi Arabia has undergone rapid changes over the past few years and will continue to change and grow in the future. This article is intended to portray an accurate picture of the contemporary indomitable prominence of English in present-day Saudi Arabia on a variety of fronts. In particular, it identifies the prevalence of English in the overall landscape of Saudi Arabia in light of Saudi Vision 2030, especially in the Saudi education system, in the public perception, in the Saudi workforce, and in Saudi media outlets, as well as its function as the primary language of communication between Saudi citizens and expatriate residents. To this end, this in-depth discussion contributes to a better and deeper understanding of the central role English plays and its prestigious position in Saudi Arabia’s national setup and highlights Saudi Arabia’s newfound appreciation for English as a vital tool to meet its ambitious advancement plans.