HH Sayyid Bilarab graces concluding ceremony for Murtakaz Programme

Muscat: HH Sayyid Bilarab bin Haitham Al Said, Minister of State and Governor of Muscat graced the concluding ceremony for the Murtakaz Programme, which was organized by the Royal Academy of Management (RAM).

Reflecting an ongoing commitment to strengthening the government leadership ecosystem and enhance institutional performance, the Murtakaz Programme brought together 68 participants from across Oman's civil, military and security sectors.

The Murtakaz Programme enabled heads and directors of executive offices supporting ministers and undersecretaries to serve as strategic partners in strengthening leadership, informing decision-making, and enhancing institutional cohesion.

The immersive and bespoke programme included a leadership camp in Al Jebel Al Akhdar, in-person learning modules, and specialist dialogue sessions, along with exposure to best-in-class practices via study visits to entities in Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands, aimed at fostering institutional cohesion, embedding a one-team culture, and developing leadership-enabling practices. It also featured engagements with ministers, senior officials, and experts, covering topics including leadership, national security, institutional integration, decision-making support, and leveraging of national expertise, enriching participants' experience and strengthening their readiness to perform their roles even more effectively.

At the closing ceremony, Dr Ali bin Qasim al Lawati, RAM’s Chairman, said that the Murtakaz Programme embodies RAM’s approach to developing the government leadership ecosystem through investment in roles that serve as a bridge between leadership and execution. He emphasised that the empowerment of heads and directors of executive offices supporting ministers and undersecretaries is a cornerstone of enhancing institutional performance, accelerating public service delivery, and improving the quality of decision-making.

He underscored that a programme's worth is ultimately measured not by what participants learn, but by what they apply afterwards, and the impact this has on institutional performance and society at large.

Al Lawati emphasised the importance of embedding sustainable practices that sharpen institutional performance, foster a culture of cohesion, and enhance the readiness of the public sector to meet future challenges.

Maha bint Mohammed al Habsi, the Murtakaz Programme Supervisor, explained that the learning journey was designed on the basis of a thorough needs assessment of the target group. As a result, it offered a well-rounded and immersive learning experience that brings together knowledge, practical application, and both local and international insights. She added that the programme concluded after an enriching learning journey that strengthened participants' capabilities in leadership, decision-making support, and effective communication, reinforcing their role in supporting senior leadership and improving institutional performance.

Reflecting on her experience, Iman al Siyabi, one of the participants, said, 'Murtakaz was a distinctive leadership experience that deepened our understanding of the strategic role that we play in supporting and enhancing institutional performance. It also helped build professional relationships grounded in collaboration, complementarity and the exchange of expertise among participants.'

Ahmed al Khatri, another participant, said, 'What set Murtakaz apart was its seamless integration of academic content, applied learning, and exposure to international expertise. The overseas study visits gave us the opportunity to explore best practices in governance, government coordination, innovation, and digital transformation, broadening our professional horizons and strengthening our readiness to keep pace with rapid change.'

Murtakaz is embedded within RAM's broader and ongoing commitment to building the leadership capacity and impact Oman will need to deliver on Oman Vision 2040. RAM continues to develop programmes that move beyond training for its own sake, towards measurable impact and lasting transformation in how government functions and delivers public services.