MUSCAT: The graduation ceremony for 253 graduates of the second cohort of the national leadership programme to upskill and empower the potential Omanis for middle and senior management positions in the private sector ‘Etimad’, was held under the patronage of Dr Mahad bin Said Baowain, Minister of Labour, member of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Academy of Management, and in the presence of Dr Ali bin Qasim al Lawati, President of the Royal Academy of Management, their excellencies, CEOs, government officials and representatives from the private sector.
Dr Ali al Lawati stated that the Etimad programme has qualified Omani nationals as leaders and empowered them to work in an integrated institutional framework, which is one of the most prominent pillars of Oman’s future vision.
Dr Ali al Lawati added that this is one of the national priorities that Oman strives to achieve in collaboration with the private sector. Etimad has boosted the graduates’ leadership skills through a specialised programme that was designed in partnership with international and local institutions in the field of managerial skills and developing leaders, highlighting the Royal Academy of Management’s aspiration to lead this journey with renewed vision.
Shaikh Waleed bin Khamis al Hashar, member of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Academy of Management, said, “Etimad is a pioneering and ambitious programme, investing in and developing Omani graduates. It refined their skills, creating an ability to steer the private sector with leaders capable of assuming leadership positions in today’s economy.” The programme consisted of various aspects of training, including face-to-face and remote educational units, group projects, leadership camps, and development workshops. It also included follow up with graduates to assess their career development, as well as with those private companies who invested in the graduates.
Bodour bint Younis al Zadjali, graduate of Etimad, said, “This journey has been a rich experience that has been the highlight of my professional career.” An example of the success was that I was able to move to the Omani Investment Authority, widening my professional focus to eight sectors that are rich in knowledge and relationships and made possible with the motivation I gained from Etimad, especially in leadership skills,” she added.
Abdullah bin Sulaiman al Wahaibi also shared his own story emphasised the importance of leadership. “Etimad programme exceeded all our expectations, providing us with a solid foundation to achieve systematic development. It taught me an understanding of the responsibility we bear to empower those around us, extending beyond titles, to inspire, advance, and nurture other people’s capabilities to enhance work environments.”
Almost 100 graduates, 39 per cent of the cohort have already been empowered in their organisations and assumed new leadership positions. This is a strong indication of the commitment made by the private sector to provide opportunities to Etimad graduates.
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