Muscat: In its commitment to developing future leaders who will contribute to Oman Vision 2040, the Royal Academy of Management has launched a new version of the National Leadership Programme for Omani Middle Management in the Private Sector, called Etimad.
Implemented in partnership with Emeritus and in collaboration with Columbia Business School, Tuck Executive Education at Dartmouth, and MIT Management Executive Education, this programme demonstrates the Academy's dedication to empowering middle leaders and enhancing their ability to drive excellence in performance. It goes beyond achieving goals and aims to revolutionize management practices in line with market trends, future prospects, and rapid transformations.
By collaborating with esteemed national and international experts, the programme incorporates global best practices, enriching its framework with valuable insights and innovative approaches.
This year, the programme will welcome 202 participants from diverse private sector and entrepreneurial backgrounds, divided into two cohorts.
Over the course of 7 months, participants will embark on a rewarding journey consisting of four comprehensive learning units. These units will include specialized orientation sessions, interactive simulation workshops, and valuable insights into emerging trends.
Furthermore, the participants will actively engage in leader-meet sessions, collaborative learning initiatives, and interactive virtual modules.
The curriculum of the program is tailored to enhance the skills of participants in various areas such as digital business strategies, financial statement analysis, creative problem-solving, leadership at individual and organizational levels, as well as innovation and change management.
Dr. Yasmeen Al Bulushi, the Head of the Center of Leadership Development, highlighted that the Etimad program has showcased exemplary Omani leadership models.
Over the course of previous cohorts, the program has played a vital role in empowering national leaders with enhanced skills within a comprehensive institutional framework. This framework not only enhances the participants' abilities but also provides them with a strong sense of efficiency and leadership to navigate through dynamic changes.
She stated, "The Etimad program is at the forefront of investing in and nurturing national talents, with the goal of preparing individuals to lead the private sector and contribute adept leaders to the evolving Omani economy." She emphasized the unique training elements of the program, which include in-person and remote learning modules, group projects, leadership retreats, and development sessions.
The program is designed for employees with intermediate leadership experience, particularly those who have led departments or teams in the private sector.
Out of more than 3,400 applicants, individuals were chosen after a thorough multi-phase selection process. They first completed evaluations to gauge their competencies in different administrative and practical areas, such as English proficiency, cognitive skills, leadership simulations, and a personal survey. Those who passed this stage moved on to a sequence of interviews, which is a crucial step in the selection procedure.
Etimad has made a significant impact on the local landscape by training numerous individuals from private organizations and entrepreneurial ventures. Their efforts have raised the bar for management practices in different development and economic initiatives throughout the Sultanate of Oman, aligning closely with the goals of Oman Vision 2040. This notable accomplishment highlights the program's effectiveness in fostering skilled individuals who play a key role in driving Oman's economic growth and advancement.
