Royal Academy of Management

Under the patronage of H.E Sayyid Khalid Hilal Al Busaidi, Minister of the Diwan of Royal Court and Chairman of the Board of Trustees, forty participants graduated from the National Collaborative Leadership Programme. The programme, which includes leaders from both the government and private sectors, equips participants with advanced and modern leadership experiences that embrace new developments in business in the Sultanate of Oman. The graduation ceremony was held in the presence of H.E Dr. Ali bin Qassim Al Lawati, President of the Royal Academy of Management, as well as a number of Their Highnesses, Excellencies, CEOs, and officials from both sectors.

In his speech, H.E Dr. Said bin Mohammad Al Saqri, Minister of Economy and Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Academy of Management, congratulated the graduates of the National Collaborative Leadership Programme, which, he said, the government views with great interest as it promotes building partnerships between the government and private sector in planning and implementation. This approach aligns with modern global developments that prioritise partnership to achieve sustainability in line with the radical transformations in business economics. These transformations emphasise the role of data, models, and scenarios to create the desired economic development impact. To achieve a balanced transformation in both government and private institutions, it is necessary to empower and integrate the capabilities of administrative and executive leadership in both sectors, driven by the needs of economic development and aligned with the new development model.

His Excellency added that realising Oman 2040, the national vision, requires an application of the knowledge acquired from the National Collaborative Leadership Programme, working tirelessly, and perceiving challenges as incentives rather than obstacles. He also stated that, “Momentum of collaboration between government and private sector leaders must be maintained as we are all one team on the same path, working towards the same goal. Integrating the efforts of both sectors is crucial to improving the business environment and achieving national goals. It is also important to build practical bridges to ensure that development plans reflect the aspirations of the private sector and provide solutions to the challenges it faces.”

H.E Dr. Ali bin Qassim Al Lawati, President of the Royal Academy of Management, stated that as global transformations in business become more profound and reliant on technology, data, information, artificial intelligence, and business innovation, it is essential to be guided by real market needs and satisfy beneficiaries.

He also added that the National Collaborative Leadership Programme was implemented in partnership with leading international institutions, including Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford and the International Institute for Management Development (IMD). The Royal Academy of Management is committed to localising and consolidating the latest international experiences to provide participants with the leadership skills required to advance their professional and personal lives. The programme consisted of three educational units that were implemented both inside and outside the Sultanate of Oman. Education and training methods varied between physical and virtual sessions, as well as a range of educational and practical activities, residency programmes, and guidance and counseling sessions for each participant. The programme also included field visits to learn about global experiences, tools, and practices in leadership, as well as related scientific fields in accordance with the data of the new economy and the foundations of competitiveness.

Eleanor Murray, Associate Dean for Executive Education at Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford, stated during her speech, “I would like to thank the Royal Academy of Management for its collaboration with Saïd Business School in designing and presenting the National Collaborative Leadership Programme for both government and private sectors. Through this collaboration, both sectors can experience real transformation. The programme is a true testament to this collaboration on several levels: the collaboration between the University of Oxford and the Royal Academy of Management, between the Said Business School and the participants, and between participants from both sectors, who with their diverse knowledge and experience can achieve a positive and bright future.”

Dr. Al Fadhal bin Abbas Al Hinai, CEO of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, delivered a speech on behalf of the graduates, stating that the Sultanate of Oman has adopted a unique model in its economic development based on creating a true partnership between the government and private sector.  This has enabled the country to face the challenges of global crises. He emphasised that the National Collaborative Leadership Programme aligns with the development goals of Oman Vision 2040 and the government’s five-year plans to move towards a flexible and sustainable economy.

Dr. Al-Fadl Al-Hinai added that from day one, the graduates were determined to acquire the knowledge and leadership skills offered by the programme as well as innovative work tools and inspiring work models. All of these are based on the principles of collaboration between the government and private sectors, moving towards horizons of innovation based on Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies and seeking to achieve the highest levels of competitiveness. The ultimate goal is to position the Sultanate of Oman among the developed countries.

At the end of the speech, Dr. Al Fadhal expressed gratitude on behalf of his colleagues to His Majesty the Sultan for establishing the Royal Academy of Management, which is considered to be a pillar for building the future of the Sultanate of Oman. He also extended thanks to the Academy team, partners, and all those who contributed to the success of the programme.

Aisha Al Saifi, Vice President of the National Investment & Export Development Programme (Nazdaher), shared her success story after graduating from the programme. She said, “We have completed this journey, with all its ups and downs, not just to celebrate our graduation, but to confirm that the most valuable aspect of this programme are the human experiences that continue to prosper and grow beyond the end of the programme.”  She emphasised that the success story is embodied in the human relationships that share the passion and lead the future of investment, institutional work, openness to the world, utilisation of technology, sustainability efforts, and all elements which will lead to the success of Oman Vision 2040. The vision is based on young, passionate leaders and a creative human society.

The National Collaborative Leadership Programme was developed, designed, and implemented in partnership and collaboration with several leading international institutions. Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, one of the most prestigious and prominent institutions concerned with preparing and empowering leadership skills, played a key role in this programme. It provides academic and executive education on a global level and blends modernity and tradition in the content provided and the educational methods used. The programme was also conducted in partnership with the International Institute for Management Development (IMD), one of the world’s leading institutions in business administration, which focuses solely on executive education.