Muscat – The Royal Academy of Management – established via Royal Decree 2/2022 on January 11, 2022, and having the honorary patronage of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik – unveiled its strategy and launched the first suite of its national programmes at a press conference held on Monday.

Highlighting the guiding principle of the academy’s work in developing and empowering existing and future leaders of Oman in both the public and private sectors, Dr Ali bin Qassim al Lawati, president of the academy, said it aims to become a “beacon in executive leadership and management” fulfilling Oman’s vision for the future.

“The academy’s fundamental pillars are Oman Vision 2040, the development of the state’s institutions, the economic requirements of the future, and adoption of modern learning tools and methods. The academy is a dynamic hub for executive learning and a centre for developing national leadership, managerial capabilities and future knowledge,” Lawati said.

He explained that the academy’s work philosophy is built upon an innovative lean model based on portfolio management to be carried out by independent teams. “These teams consist of graduates and professionals from the business community working together with the academy in a flexible structure. The guiding principle for the academy’s work is the ambitious vision of His Majesty in developing and empowering existing and future leaders in Oman,” he said.

The Royal Academy of Management has two boards – the International Advisory Board and the Alumni Board.

Lawati informed that the International Advisory Board consists of world-renowned experts ensuring that the academy follows the latest practices and highest global standards. “This board will also help enhance the international reputation of the academy. The Alumni Board will be responsible for bringing together the academy’s alumni, who will deliver some of its training programmes.”

Four centres of excellence

The academy operates through four independent centres of excellence, ensuring a rapid response to changes in its work priorities. These are the Centre for Government, Centre for Leadership in Business, Centre for Local Governance and Centre for Future Studies. “These centres follow the guiding principles of Royal Directives on state institutions, the importance of the private sector, local sustainable development and Oman’s national priorities,” Lawati said.

The Centre for Government is tasked with primarily equipping the senior cadre of public sector officials in Oman who are directly responsible for the realisation of Oman’s 2040 vision.

The Centre for Leadership in Business is mandated with providing cutting-edge innovations in private sector leadership at all levels, from middle management to CEOs.

The academy will also focus on development in governorates through the Centre for Local Governance. “This will include a wide range of programmes for governors, walis and director generals in governorates offering them best practices in local governance with an aim to stimulate economic growth and local sustainable development. In addition, the academy will develop a national index for measuring and tracking the quality of services provided by the governorates to citizens and businesses,” Lawati said.

The academy has already started delivering its leadership programmes, including the National Collaborative Leadership Programme and Train The Trainer.

“The next suite of programmes will be rolled out this year starting in the fourth quarter. The programmes are designed for undersecretaries, director generals, CEOs and future leaders in both the public and private sectors.”

During the press conference, the academy revealed its official brand identity with an emblem that symbolises the convergence of a  great legacy and a prosperous future. It was inspired by the ancient Sultanate Tughra, traditionally adopted by the sultans of Oman as a seal for their official documents and correspondence.