The aim of the paper is twofold. First to examine the role of the board of directors in facilitating the adoption of AI and ML in Saudi Arabian banking sector. Second, to explore the effectiveness of artificial intelligence and machine learning in protection of Saudi Arabian banking sector from cyberattacks. A qualitative research approach was applied using in-depth interviews with 17 board of directors from prominent Saudi Arabian banks. The present study highlights both the opportunities and challenges of integrating artificial intelligence and machine learning advanced technologies in this highly regulated industry. Findings reveal that advanced artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies offer substantial benefits, particularly in areas like threat detection, fraud prevention, and process automation, enabling banks to meet regulatory standards and mitigate cyber threats efficiently. However, the research also identifies significant barriers, including limited technological infrastructure, a lack of cohesive artificial intelligence strategies, and ethical concerns around data privacy and algorithmic bias. Interviewees emphasized the board of directors’ critical role in providing strategic direction, securing resources, and fostering partnerships with artificial intelligence technology providers. The study further highlights the importance of aligning artificial intelligence and machine learning initiatives with national development goals, such as Saudi Vision 2030, to ensure sustained growth and competitiveness. The findings from the present study offer valuable implications for policymakers in banking in navigating the complexities of artificial intelligence and machine learning adoption in financial services, particularly in emerging markets.

The present study investigates the sustainable influence of human resources (HR) support on job satisfaction and work–life balance among female employees in Saudi Arabia, underlining its significance in advancing social sustainability within the workforce. It seeks to analyze the role of job satisfaction as a mediator and organizational policies as moderators in these relationships. This study analyzed data from a simple random sample of 145 employed women in different sectors in Saudi Arabia, utilizing exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, as well as inferential statistical methods for hypotheses testing. We conducted an evaluation of mediating and moderating effects in the investigated relationships using the PROCESS macro for SPSS. The findings show a strong positive relationship between HR support, work–life balance, and job satisfaction in Saudi Arabia’s female workforce. The mediation function of job satisfaction in the relationship between HR support and work–life balance emphasizes the critical role of positive working experiences in achieving work–life balance. Furthermore, this research highlights organizational policies as a crucial mediator, indicating that implementing supportive and progressive policies might amplify the beneficial impacts of HR practices on work–life balance and job satisfaction. The present study enhances the existing body of knowledge by offering empirical findings on the importance of culturally customized sustainable HR practices and the crucial function of organizational policies in advancing gender equality and achieving a healthy work–life balance.

HRMARS is well established journal publisher based in Pakistan. It is publishing prominent journals in social sciences since 2011.