The Royal Academy of Management (RAM) recently concluded the Societal Communication Programme, a bespoke executive education initiative developed for Omani senior government officials. The programme brought together 44 high-ranking participants, including 20 Undersecretaries and 24 Directors General, representing a broad range of government administrative units.
Designed to hone national leadership capabilities in the area of community engagement, the programme centred on building trust between government and society, strengthening social cohesion, and enabling participants to communicate national priorities in a manner that is authentic to Oman’s cultural identity, heritage, and values.
Dr Fathiya Al Rashdi, Vice President for Programme Affairs, Royal Academy of Management said, “This programme represents a strategic milestone in the advancement of government leadership. It equips senior officials with the skills to engage in meaningful dialogue with the public and develop a more nuanced understanding of societal requirements. In doing so, it fosters trust and reinforces cooperation in support of Oman’s broader development objectives. The outcomes are expected to enhance institutional performance and cultivate an authentic partnership between government and society — a cornerstone of Oman’s future vision.”
Over the course of the programme, participants explored a wide range of themes including effective community engagement, adaptive management skills, and stakeholder involvement. Particular attention was given to strategic communication, governmental approaches to enhancing public trust, and methodologies for engaging public opinion during significant societal challenges in the country.
Sessions addressed the development of an integrated community engagement strategy and examined mechanisms for engagement through government communication and media. Part of the programme was a practical workshop dedicated to building the personal attributes of decision-makers in the local context, while the programme as a whole drew on a modern and integrated learning methodology. This included interactive workshops, case studies, and scenario-based simulations, complemented by contributions from distinguished local Omani experts who shared leading practices and experiences in community engagement and leadership communication.
Reflecting on the experience, H.E. Zahra bint Mohammed Al Lawati, Deputy Chairman of the State Financial and Administrative Audit Authority for Auditing Institutions, Investments and Companies, remarked:
“The programme provided a rich and well-structured learning experience, combining knowledge, practical application, and forward-looking perspectives in a single coherent framework. The calibre of the speakers and the relevance of the discussions added significant value, while the interactive format ensured active engagement with participants’ perspectives. Bringing together Undersecretaries from across government created meaningful exchanges that underscored the importance of equipping leaders to engage with society as a central driver of national progress.”
Ali Salim Al Rawahi, General Supervisor of the Citizenship, Identity, Heritage and National Culture Priority Support Team, Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-up Unit added:
“This programme offered an integrated model of community engagement covering planning, implementation, and evaluation. It introduced advanced methodologies for addressing public opinion, managing expectations, and strengthening dialogue with society. The frameworks for crisis communication and stakeholder engagement are particularly valuable tools for leaders seeking to build trust and advance national development objectives.”
RAM continues to deliver leadership development programmes and strategic initiatives across Oman, with the aim of honing the knowledge and skills of capable national leaders who are equipped to drive sustainable development and enhance institutional excellence in an increasingly dynamic environment.
