Abstract

The paramount criterion in international university evaluations and rankings often centers on the substantive contribution of the institution and its academic constituents to the global scholarly discourse through effective engagement with international publishing. Universities' dedication to advancing scientific publishing and encouraging faculty to select reputable outlets underscores their commitment to academic excellence on the international stage. The pursuit of enhanced rankings thus becomes emblematic of the university's scholarly prowess and the tangible development of its research outputs. This research endeavors to provide a scholarly examination of the status of peer-reviewed Saudi journals within the framework of both international and Arab publishing standards, with a focus on evaluating their scholarly outputs for potential improvement. The study is structured into three primary sections: the first delineates the intricacies of international publishing, encompassing its definition, application, and standards, which are subsequently applied to a representative sample of peer-reviewed Saudi journals. The second section conducts a rigorous analysis of the state of publishing in Saudi journals, specifically scrutinizing the Arab Impact Factor (ARCIF). In the third section, the research explores the trajectory of Saudi scientific publishing towards internationalism, proposing quality mechanisms and developmental pathways that contribute to enhancing the global standing of local publications. Executed through a meticulous descriptive and analytical approach, the study concludes that Saudi scientific journals in the humanities manifest a commendable scientific approach, necessitating support and reinforcement from academic institutions to yield tangible benefits on the global academic landscape. Addressing the exigencies of these journals, such as content control, standard-setting, and the incorporation of publication rules and documentation tools, is imperative for alignment with international publishing requirements. The study advocates for the establishment of a controlling body within Saudi universities for scientific publishing, equipped with rigorous standards to adhere to global publishing requisites, ensuring continual improvement in local publishing standards.