On Wednesday, the 11th of December 2024, Abdulrhman Alsayel will defend his PhD entitled "From Oil to Identity: Place Branding for Urban Transformation in a Top-Down Society (A Case Study of Saudi Arabia)".
- Date
- Wednesday 11 Dec 2024, 13:00 - 14:30
- Type
- PhD defence
- Spoken Language
- English
- Space
- Education Center
- Building
- Senate Hall
- Location
- Campus Woudestein
More about his research
In the heart of Saudi Arabia's transformation lies a bold vision—Vision 2030, a roadmap designed to turn cities like Riyadh into thriving global hubs of culture and innovation. My PhD research dives into this ambitious journey, exploring how place branding in a top-down governance system reshapes cities and redefines identities. This study sheds light on the complex dynamics at play: how Saudi Arabia’s centralized approach seeks to balance rapid urban growth with the preservation of cultural heritage, positioning cities to compete on the global stage while honouring their unique legacies.
Comprising four interconnected papers, this research unpacks the challenges and opportunities within place branding. From the creative versus inclusive city debate, which explores the risks of social exclusion amidst economic growth, to the role of multi-level governance in branding success, each paper contributes to a comprehensive understanding of Saudi Arabia’s evolving urban landscape. By comparing Riyadh’s transformation with cities like Barcelona and Tokyo, the study reveals the benefits and social costs of large-scale rebranding, emphasizing that true success requires integrating global ambitions with local authenticity and social equity.
More about Abdulrhman
- Supervisor: Prof. Dr. J. Edelenbos & Prof. Dr. W. M. De Jong
- Co-supervisor: Dr. J. Fransen
Join Abdulrhman's PhD defence to hear more about his research.
- Date: 11th December, 13:00
- Place: Woudestein Campus, Erasmus Building, Senaatszaal
