Disasters are always local in their impact, and therefore approaches towards their
alleviation need to be designed and implemented based on this certainty. Since the
1960s there has been a constant evolution in the common understanding of
international disaster management. Various measures and structures were created to
plan for emergency relief and the management of a disastrous event. Despite
international efforts which aimed to reduce the impact of natural and anthropogenic
hazards on humankind, very little progress was made. Loss of life, property,
infrastructure and economic livelihoods are on the increase without any indication of
improvement. Developmental activities can in most instances be blamed for the high
level of disaster risk present in communities. On the other hand, very little has been
done in the international arena (through a multi-disciplinary approach) to ensure a
developmental focus on disaster risk. This study investigates the current state of
disaster management practices in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) by
benchmarking its activities against established frameworks applied in the developed
world for disaster management.
The aim of this thesis was primarily to provide a comprehensive framework for
disaster risk management in KSA. Such a framework will serve as a guideline for all
spheres of government on a strategic level in order to implement disaster risk
management.
Conclusions to the research demonstrate the importance of linking government
policy and practice on disaster risk management across different stakeholders
involved in managing disaster risk. This study proposed an integrated model for
disaster management by introducing the dual paradigm of disaster management
(proactive mindset and reactive mindset).
In a nutshell, this thesis aimed to develop a comprehensive multi-disciplinary
disaster risk management framework that would be tailor-made for the strategic
management arena in Saudi Arabia¿s Ministry of Interior (Directorate of Civil
Defence). The research provides the reader with a background study on the
international development of the concept of disaster risk management and its
components. It focuses on disaster risk management within the Saudi Arabian
context. Four international disaster risk management frameworks are analytically
compared and aligned with international best practices. Subsequently, the proposed
Framework for Disaster in Saudi Arabia is analysed
