Sunday 18 / May / 2025
MUSCAT: The Royal Academy of Management (RAM) celebrated the achievements of 35 C-suite executives, all private sector leaders, who recently completed the National CEO Programme. Held under the auspices of Sayyid Khalid bin Hilal Al Busaidi, Minister of the Diwan of the Royal Court and Chairman of the Board of Trustees at the Royal Academy of Management, the graduation ceremony reflected Oman’s ongoing commitment to enhance leadership capabilities at the national level, which is in line with the priorities of Oman Vision 2040 and the directives of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to invest in human capital and strengthen institutional excellence.
The National CEO Programme is a flagship initiative designed to equip private sector executives with the tools to lead effectively in today’s complex and dynamic work environment.
The participants undertook an eight-month immersive learning journey consisting of five core modules, interactive workshops, coaching sessions, field visits, and exposure to global business trends. Delivered in partnership with the reputed London Business School (LBS) in the United Kingdom,the curriculum focused on strategic leadership, digital transformation, innovation, talent development, and building agile and resilient organisations
Hiba Yasser Al Henai, Programme Manager at the Royal Academy of Management, emphasised the national significance of the National CEO Programme and its alignment with Oman’s ambition to empower future-ready leaders.
She noted that since the launch of the programme in 2014, The National CEO Programme underscored the requirement for continued investment in executive talent to boost the private sector’s competitiveness and inspire future generations.
Helen Kerkentzes, Associate Dean for Executive Education at LBS, praised the fruitful collaboration with RAM, enabling the delivery of a truly distinguished learning experience.
She expressed her pride in the partnership and commended the joint efforts that contributed to the programme’s success. Kerkentzes also highlighted the comprehensive and multifaceted nature of the learning journey, which blended academic theory with practical application. She emphasised the value of site visits and engagement with global experts, allowing participants to benefit from diverse perspectives on leadership, innovation, and business strategy.
Delivering remarks on behalf of the graduates, Eng. Hamad bin Abdullah Al Maamari, Executive General Manager, Technical Services and Decarbonisation Executive, Oman LNG, reflected on the transformative nature of the experience he shared with his fellow participants. He highlighted several key moments during the programme that significantly shaped their leadership development and broadened their strategic perspective. In his closing remarks, he extended his appreciation to the teams at RAM and LBS, as well as the subject matter experts, speakers, and facilitators who enriched the programme with global insights and international best practices.
The National CEO Programme incorporated a diverse mix of learning methodologies to ensure deep understanding and effective applications of theory. Individual coaching sessions helped participants explore their leadership styles and develop new ways of thinking by simulating real-life executive environments. These scenarios challenged participants to build high-performing teams and lead organisations capable of adapting and competing in an ever-evolving landscape.
Reflecting on his experience, Adnan Ahmed Hamed Al Shuaili, Co-founder and CEO of eMushrif, said, “The programme offered a series of enriching hands-on experiences, including in-depth case studies of leading global corporations and insights into how strategic decisions are made. It also featured immersive field visits that introduced us to international business cultures, making it an exceptional executive programme.”
Dukhan Abdullah Matar Al Foori, Corporate Planning Manager at CCED, added, “It was a privilege to join this inspiring community of national leaders. Beyond the skills and knowledge gained, the programme transformed my understanding of leadership and its impact on my organisation, sector, and country.”
Yousuf Ahmed Dawood Al Busaidi, Senior Legal Counsel, Co-Founder, and Deputy Manager at Asyad, commented, “The National CEO Programme was a defining moment in my career. Its rigorous academic content and diverse practical experiences have equipped me with the mindset and tools required to contribute actively to Oman’s development and long-term prosperity.”
Maha Saud Abdulaziz Al Raisi, AGM, Head – Retail Products at National Bank of Oman, added, “Through this programme, I came to realise that leadership is not merely about making decisions and giving directions, it is about creating an environment that allows others to innovate and grow. The most challenging form of leadership begins with the self; a leader must first transform from within before seeking to change the world around them.”
Delivered in partnership with LBS, one of the world’s top-ranked business institutions with over five decades of experience in delivering executive education programmes, the National CEO Programme reflects RAM’s strategic vision to hone executive leadership styles across all sectors. Through this and other national initiatives, RAM continues to cultivate a new generation of transformative and impactful leaders capable of shaping Oman’s future and positioning the private sector as a catalyst for sustainable economic growth.
