The landscape of leadership in Saudi Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) has been undergoing significant transformation, within the role of emotional intelligence. This study investigated the relationship between emotional intelligence and leadership effectiveness within Saudi HEIs. The study was done to identify the key factors that link emotional intelligence and leadership and explore how they influence leadership outcomes in Saudi Arabia's higher education sector. An extensive literature review analysed 42 studies on emotional intelligence, leadership effectiveness, and the Saudi higher education context. Through this method, these studies were synthesized to identify common themes, patterns, and insights. The analysis revealed that emotional intelligence significantly affects leadership effectiveness in Saudi HEIs. Key factors, such as self-awareness, empathy, interpersonal relationships, and adaptability, were essential in mediating this relationship. Moreover, the findings showed that institutions prioritizing emotional intelligence competencies, particularly in leadership roles, experience better organizational outcomes and staff morale. This study offers a nuanced understanding of the interplay between emotional intelligence and leadership within Saudi HEIs, a topic that, despite its relevance, has seen limited exploration in the existing literature. By focusing on Saudi context, this research provides valuable insights for policymakers, educators, and institutional leaders, emphasizing the strategic importance of cultivating emotionally intelligent leadership in the nation's higher education sector.