The Saudi Arabian higher education sector is unique because it depends on an international workforce comprising mostly non-Saudi academics. This study examined the relationship between HRM practices, trust, knowledge sharing and academic research output in Saudi Arabian universities. The study design supports the application of both exploratory and explanatory (mixed-method) approaches in examining the relationship between HRM practices and academic research output. Although the results suggest a positive relationship between HRM practices and academic research output, trust and knowledge sharing act as mediators. This study adds to the literature on higher education management, particularly from the Middle East Region -- an under-researched area in education management research. Theoretically, this study contributes to understanding the relationship between HRM practices and academic research output in a higher education context. The findings have implications for advancing knowledge sharing and trust in Saudi Arabian universities.