The Royal Academy of Management (RAM), in partnership with the Ministry of Education, has launched the ZAD: Promising Omani Leaders Initiative, a national leadership and readiness initiative designed to prepare Omani scholarship students before departure and support them throughout their first year of overseas study.
Supporting the Sultanate of Oman’s commitment to investing in national talent and advancing the aspirations of Oman Vision 2040, the initiative strengthens the intellectual, cultural, and personal readiness of Omani scholarship students, equipping them with the leadership capabilities, practical life skills, and confidence needed to thrive academically, adapt to new environments, and represent the Sultanate of Oman with pride throughout their overseas study journey.
The initiative is founded on an integrated vision that redefines overseas scholarship as a comprehensive investment in promising Omani leaders. It is not limited to academic achievement or the attainment of qualifications; rather, it is a transformative experience that builds leadership character, strengthens independent decision-making, develops cultural and communication intelligence, and deepens participants’ sense of national identity and responsibility.
The inaugural edition of the initiative will support approximately 550 Omani scholarship students preparing to begin their studies overseas through government-sponsored scholarships, other scholarship programmes, and approved self-funded study pathways. Participation forms a core component of the national readiness programme, ensuring that Omani scholarship students develop the leadership, self-management, and practical skills needed to succeed throughout their overseas study experience.
The initiative is delivered through a blended learning model that begins before departure and continues throughout participants’ first year abroad. The learning journey starts with an intensive two-day orientation programme hosted at the German University of Technology in Oman (GUtech), where Omani scholarship students will participate in interactive workshops, practical simulations, and experiential learning activities designed to prepare them for the academic, cultural, and day-to-day realities of studying and living overseas.
Following the in-person programme, participants will continue their development through virtual workshops, digital learning modules, and interactive coaching sessions delivered throughout their first year of overseas study. This extended learning journey provides continuous support as Omani scholarship students transition into university life abroad, reinforcing key learning outcomes while encouraging ongoing leadership development, personal growth, and resilience.
The ZAD: Promising Omani Leaders Initiative reflects the shared commitment of the Royal Academy of Management and the Ministry of Education to investing in promising Omani leaders by supporting Omani scholarship students throughout their overseas study journey. By preparing participants to lead with confidence, embrace new cultures, make informed decisions, and proudly represent the Sultanate of Oman abroad, the initiative seeks to maximise the long-term impact of the Sultanate’s investment in overseas scholarships and ensure participants return equipped with the knowledge, perspectives, and leadership capabilities needed to contribute meaningfully to Oman’s continued development and the aspirations of Oman Vision 2040.
