Capacity assessment framework to enhance disaster resilience within Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

As a result of growing urbanization and extreme nature of extreme events, threats from various man-made and natural disasters in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) are very real. However, recent evidence suggests that various levels of Government and emergency responders are insufficiently prepared to address the increasing demand for disaster response. With growing scale and complexity of disasters/emergencies, it is expected that first responders are highly skilled and equipped with sufficient capability to meet the expectations of quick and effective response. Thus, there is a need to better assess capacity of existing disaster response capabilities and provide a more effective and coordinated response to any scale and type of disasters that may occur. The aim of this research is to develop a capacity assessment framework to enhance disaster preparedness and response capabilities within Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Key objectives include a critical examination of global best practice in disaster capacity assessment methodologies, identification and evaluation of existing approaches and key challenges in disaster response capacity assessment methods used within Saudi Arabia, systematic identification of Critical Success Factors (CSFs) for effective disaster response capacity assessment and development of assessment framework as a comprehensive measure for assessing disaster response capability in Saudi Context. Research was split into four phases. In the review phase, a comprehensive review of state of the art within existing disaster capacity assessment approaches was undertaken. This was supported by data collected through focus groups and interviews. Within Needs Analysis phase, Critical Success Factors from global best practice review were identified. Also, comprehensive analysis of two disaster case studies was undertaken, supported by focus groups validation of key lessons learned. In the conceptualization phase of the research, multi criteria decision approaches were used to prioritize key factors with 21 experts. This was used as basis of developing a Disaster Response Capacity Assessment (DRCA) framework. DRCA framework developed as part of this research allows for evaluation of both qualitative and quantitative measures. Framework was validated using a three-pronged approach within Riyadh region including: a) Focus group to allow for self-assessment using DRCA framework. Collected responses were collated to provide an organizational wide picture of disaster response readiness; b) Interviews with key staff were held. c) Review of key documentation as provided by participants. Research results help establish that existing approaches used are not effective enough to mitigate the impacts of disaster nor is a formidable capacity assessment method being used. The conclusion is the development of a framework that can be used within Saudi context to assess capabilities for disaster response. Research has demonstrated a systematic approach to evaluate disaster response capacity.

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

Doctoral (Level 8)

Year dc:date.issued

2026

Author dc:creator

• Bin Ottai, NH

Language dc:language

en

Identifier

oai:salford-repository.worktribe.com:1390735

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:salford-repository.worktribe.com:1390735