Muscat – The Royal Academy of Management (RAM), in partnership with the Ministry of Education, launched the Zad Initiative for Promising Omani Leaders on Friday to prepare students for the academic, personal and cultural challenges of studying abroad.

The initiative aims to equip students with practical skills, sound judgement, self-awareness and leadership capabilities to help them adapt confidently to international university environments while maintaining a strong connection to Omani identity and values.

Zad is open to government-sponsored students, scholarship recipients and self-funded students, providing a wider support framework for young Omanis preparing to pursue higher education overseas.

 Dr Ali bin Qassim Al Lawati, President of RAM, said the initiative reflects the Royal Directives of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik on investing in young people as a vital national resource and foundation for Oman’s future.

“Studying abroad is far more than an academic undertaking. It is a formative experience that calls for personal maturity, leadership readiness and cultural awareness,” Al Lawati said.

He informed that Zad was designed as an integrated development experience to help students make informed decisions, adapt to changing global environments and engage confidently with new academic and cultural settings while remaining grounded in Omani values.

“Investing in young national talent is fundamental to Oman’s long-term development,” he added. “Through this initiative, we aim to support a new generation of Omanis who can lead with judgement, innovation and responsibility, and translate their international learning experiences into meaningful contributions at home.”

Dr Abdullah bin Ali Al Shibli, Undersecretary for Higher Education in the Ministry of Education, said the programme goes beyond academic preparation by developing leadership capabilities, practical life skills and personal readiness.

“Studying abroad is both an honour and a responsibility, and represents a valued national trust,” he said, stressing that Omani students “carry the name, identity and heritage of Oman wherever they go”.

Salma bint Ibrahim Al Wahibi, Supervisor of the initiative, said Zad would support students during the transition from school to university, helping them develop independence, confidence and effective study habits.

The initiative begins with a three-day in-person programme at the German University of Technology in Oman (GUtech), followed by virtual sessions and activities over 11 months.

Its key areas include leadership, self-management, financial literacy, communication, student engagement, national identity, support networks and navigating diverse academic and cultural environments.

The initiative is part of wider efforts to strengthen national support for Omani students studying abroad and develop young talent capable of contributing to Oman’s future and the goals of Vision 2040.