This paper aims to evaluate the impact of environmental, social and governance (ESG) disclosure practices on the sustainability performance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Saudi Arabia. It adopts qualitative research methods to answer the research questions through interviews, using a sample of 30 interviewees, to direct and moderate the relationship between SMEs’ sustainability performance and their disclosure of ESG practices. The results indicated that SMEs in Saudi Arabia lack awareness of ESG practices and disclosures and, therefore, the extent of their importance to sustainability performance. The findings of this research have several practical implications for different stakeholders, internally and externally, such as managers, consultants, investors, credit agencies, lenders, policymakers, government, and the overall community in the context of the potential effects of ESG disclosure practices on SMEs.

This study examines the relationship between Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) disclosures and perceived financial performance within the context of Islamic finance, with a focus on Maqasid al-Shariah—the overarching goals of Islamic law. Using a quantitative approach, the study surveyed 350 stakeholders in Saudi Arabia’s Islamic finance sector, including corporate managers, investment professionals, and financial analysts, over a six-month period (May to October 2024). The findings indicate that stakeholders perceive a positive relationship between ESG disclosures and financial performance, particularly when companies align their ESG practices with Islamic finance principles. However, the study does not measure actual financial performance; rather, it assesses stakeholders’ perceptions of ESG’s influence on corporate governance, risk management, and investment attractiveness. Results suggest that companies integrating ESG principles with Maqasid al-Shariah foster greater stakeholder trust, enhance corporate responsibility, and promote long-term sustainability. However, variations in trust and investment decisions exist based on industry type, ESG disclosure levels, and demographic factors such as experience and familiarity with ESG practices. The study provides novel insights into how Islamic finance principles shape ESG disclosure practices, offering practical recommendations for improving corporate governance and sustainability. By emphasizing transparency, ethical investment, and regulatory alignment, these findings contribute to ongoing discussions on sustainable finance and the role of ESG in shaping Islamic financial institutions.

This study examines how Artificial Intelligence (AI) enhances Sharia compliance within Islamic Financial Institutions (IFIs) by improving operational efficiency, ensuring transparency, and addressing ethical and technical challenges. A quantitative survey across five Saudi regions resulted in 450 validated responses, analyzed using descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and regression models. The findings reveal that while AI significantly enhances transparency and compliance processes, its impact on operational efficiency is limited. Key barriers include high implementation costs, insufficient structured Sharia datasets, and integration complexities. Regional and professional differences further underscore the need for tailored adoption strategies. It introduces a novel framework integrating ethical governance, Sharia compliance, and operational scalability, addressing critical gaps in the literature. It offers actionable recommendations for AI adoption in Islamic finance and contributes to the global discourse on ethical AI practices. However, the Saudi-specific focus highlights regional dynamics that may limit broader applicability. Future research could extend these findings through cross-regional comparisons to validate and refine the proposed framework. By fostering transparency and ethical governance, AI integration aligns Islamic finance with socio-economic goals, enhancing stakeholder trust and financial inclusivity. The study emphasizes the need for targeted AI training, the development of structured Sharia datasets, and scalable solutions to overcome adoption challenges.

Purpose: This study aims to discuss and investigate the role of big data analytics (BDA) in promoting error detection and preventing fraud in accounting operations. Methodology: It uses a secondary method of data collection (desk study) to explore the potential impact of BDA in enhancing error and fraud prevention on six key considerations including data quality and integrity; data privacy and security; real-time monitoring and alerts; integration with internal controls; ethical implications; and human experience. Finding: The analysis shows that the BDA enhances fraud detection by integrating data from multiple sources, using sophisticated algorithms to identify anomalies. Reduces false positives and improves accuracy. However, human expertise is essential for ethical standards and transparency. Implications: It has significant implications for the accounting profession, as it provides an addition in both theoretical knowledge and practical applications, theoretical implications include developing accounting knowledge, developing data-driven models, establishing ethical frameworks, and promoting interdisciplinary insights. On a practical level, it provides guidance for improving financial accuracy, fraud prevention, regulatory compliance, data-driven decision-making, and professional development for accountants. Contribution: It contributes to bridging the research gap in the aspect related to the analysis of big data and its impact on the quality of accountants' work, as this topic is of high importance to researchers, governments, policymakers, industries, companies, investors, and regulators, bridging the gap between accounting and data analytics. This interdisciplinary approach is critical in understanding the evolving landscape of the impact of big data analytics on financial transparency and accuracy of financial reporting. Article Type: Research Paper.

This research aimed to provide insights into the green sukuk in Saudi Arabia regarding its challenges and potential of sustainability in the light of Saudi Vision 2030 for financing green projects. Moreover, it examines the current framework adopted by the Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) for facilitating transition to a low–carbon economy and circular economy, empowering communities, and enabling responsible business practices. Due to the nature of the topic, the research followed the descriptive research design. The results indicated that the issuance of green sukuk faces some challenges including lack of a clear definition, lack of awareness of its benefits, absence of a standard for measuring it, lack of institutional capacity, and the long time required to structure and legalize it. Consequently, a clear definition and measurement standard should be presented. Furthermore, the results of this research have implications for researchers, governments, policymakers, industries, businesses, investors and regulators regarding the development and raising of green sukuk.

This research addresses a vital aspect of corporate sustainability by exploring the impact of ESG disclosures on the performance of petrochemical companies listed on the Saudi Stock Exchange. Focusing on the period from 2020 to 2022, it provides critical insights into how ESG practices contribute to achieving organizational sustainability goals while enhancing financial performance. The study evaluates the relationship between ESG disclosures and key financial efficiency measures, including ROA, ROE, ROS, and ROI. A quantitative analysis was conducted on 153 observations using panel regression and descriptive statistics, incorporating control variables such as firm size, financial leverage, and audit quality to isolate the specific impact of ESG disclosure. The findings reveal a positive relationship between ESG reporting and financial performance, emphasizing the dual role of ESG practices in driving financial success and fostering sustainable development. The study highlights the importance of unified, standardized ESG reporting guidelines to enhance the validity and usability of ESG practices. It also underscores the need to educate investors about the financial implications of ESG, as informed investors are more likely to champion sustainable business strategies. Additionally, the research advocates for targeted workshops aimed at financial report developers to improve the quality and effectiveness of ESG reporting. It provides a valuable contribution to the evolving discourse on sustainable finance. It offers practical recommendations for policymakers, organizations, and investors, thereby fostering the integration of ESG principles into corporate strategies.