Oman is undergoing a significant transformation in its approach to national development, shifting from a focus on service management to a more strategic shaping of its economy. This pivotal change was underscored by the recent conclusion of the Governorates’ Planning and Economic Capacity Building Programme, held under the patronage of Dr. Said bin Mohammed Al Saqri, Minister of Economy, and organized by the Royal Academy of Management (RAM) in collaboration with the Ministry of Economy. The program represents a key step in realizing the ambitious goals of Oman Vision 2040 and fostering a new generation of capable national leaders.
A New Era of Economic Leadership in Oman
The Economic Capacity Building Programme isn’t simply about training; it’s a fundamental re-evaluation of how Oman approaches economic growth and development. It acknowledges the accelerating geo-economic shifts impacting the world and the need for leaders who can not only understand these changes but also proactively navigate them. This initiative marks a decisive move towards leadership models built on resilience, competitiveness, and sustainable value creation.
As Dr. Ali bin Qasim Al Lawati, Chairman of RAM, explained, the program is deeply rooted in the Royal vision of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik. This vision prioritizes the development of empowered leaders equipped for the challenges of the future. The current phase of Oman’s development demands a skillset that goes beyond traditional institutional management, requiring a comprehensive understanding of the global economic landscape.
Beyond Traditional Skill Development
The program’s focus extends beyond conventional skills. It’s a strategic investment in competencies that allow leaders to decipher the complexities of the new economy and engage with specialized economic sectors. This, in turn, is designed to enhance Oman’s comparative advantages and ensure long-term economic competitiveness. It’s about building a foundation for sustainable development pathways, rather than relying on short-term fixes.
Strengthening Decentralization and Governorate Development
A core tenet of the program is the reinforcement of economic leadership empowerment as a cornerstone of Oman’s national economic diversification strategy. This ensures alignment between various development initiatives, decentralization objectives, and the overarching national agenda. Dr. Nasser bin Rashid Al Maawali, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy, emphasized the integrated government approach to advancing decentralization and empowering governorates to define their own development priorities.
The program actively engaged 50 participants from across Oman’s governorates, utilizing a methodology that blended theoretical knowledge with practical application. This interactive approach fostered dialogue and the exchange of expertise, creating a collaborative learning environment. The positive evaluation results confirm the program’s quality and its impact on enhancing the knowledge and professional capabilities of those involved.
Focus on Practical Skills and Integration
Participants were equipped with vital skills in areas such as economic and development planning, budgeting, performance indicator formulation, and the application of best practices. The curriculum also covered local administration, economic decentralization, contract management, economic analysis, strategic planning, and investment promotion. This comprehensive training aims to enable leaders to develop robust frameworks supporting their governorates’ strategic objectives.
Furthermore, the program emphasized aligning initiatives with stakeholders to strengthen cross-sectoral integration. It also introduced project evaluation and selection frameworks tailored to the specific development priorities of each governorate. The delivery method combined specialized learning modules, field visits, collaborative team projects, and strategic presentations, ensuring a practical and measurable learning experience.
RAM’s Commitment to National Development
Through the launch of strategic initiatives like the Economic Capacity Building Programme, the Royal Academy of Management continues to play a pioneering role in empowering national leadership. These efforts are directly aimed at accelerating sustainable development and improving institutional efficiency, demonstrating RAM’s unwavering commitment to contributing to Oman’s comprehensive national development. The program’s success highlights the importance of investing in human capital to drive economic progress.
The changing global landscape demands a proactive and adaptable approach to economic development. Oman’s investment in building economic capacity within its leadership ranks positions the nation to not only respond to these changes but to capitalize on emerging opportunities. This program is a testament to Oman’s forward-thinking vision and its dedication to a prosperous future. The focus on leadership development will undoubtedly yield long-term benefits for the Sultanate.
To learn more about Oman Vision 2040 and the nation’s ongoing development initiatives, please visit the official websites of the Ministry of Economy and the Royal Academy of Management. Continued investment in programs like this will be crucial for Oman’s sustained economic growth and diversification.
