Strategic Integration of Digital Transformation and Accreditation in Saudi Higher Education

The digital transformation of higher education institutions is reshaping quality assurance paradigms worldwide. In Saudi Arabia, universities have embraced a broad range of digital technologies in alignment with Vision 2030, raising critical questions about the readiness and adaptability of traditional academic accreditation systems. This study examines the extent to which digital transformation initiatives align with accreditation frameworks in Saudi public universities. Drawing on a structured survey of 384 faculty members and quality assurance professionals from Umm Al-Qura University and the University of Jeddah, the research reveals high levels of integration of learning management systems, data analytics, and digital documentation tools in accreditation processes. While digital adoption appears robust, institutional barriers—particularly limited training and fragmented policies—continue to hinder full integration. Notably, findings show strong strategic foresight and institutional coherence, with no significant perceptual differences across gender or experience levels. The study contributes a contextualized empirical model that links digital transformation to accreditation reform, offering strategic implications for policy development and educational innovation in data-intensive academic environments.