Sunday 06 / September / 2026
Muscat: The Royal Academy of Management (RAM), in partnership with the Ministry of Education, has launched The Zad Initiative for Promising Omani Leaders, designed to prepare Omani students for the academic, personal and cultural demands of studying abroad.
The initiative supports students before and throughout their transition into international higher education by developing the practical capabilities, judgement and self-awareness needed to navigate new academic and social environments with confidence. It also places particular emphasis on strengthening students’ connection to Omani identity and values as they represent the Sultanate of Oman overseas.
Zad is open to students sponsored by government entities, scholarship recipients and self-funded students, creating a broader framework of support for young Omanis preparing to begin their studies abroad.
His Excellency Dr Ali bin Qassim Al Lawati, President of the Royal Academy of Management, said the initiative reflects the Royal Directives of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik; on the importance of investing in young people as a vital national resource and a foundation for Oman’s future.
He noted that Zad also advances RAM’s mandate to invest in human capital and support the development of a generation of Omani leaders equipped to respond to future opportunities and challenges with confidence and capability.
“Studying abroad is far more than an academic undertaking. It is a formative experience that calls for personal maturity, leadership readiness and cultural awareness,” His Excellency said.
He added: “Zad has therefore been designed as an integrated development experience that equips students with the practical tools and capabilities to make informed decisions, adapt effectively to evolving global environments and engage confidently with new academic and cultural settings, while remaining grounded in the values and identity of the Sultanate of Oman.
“Investing in young national talent is fundamental to Oman’s long-term development. 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.”
H.E. Dr Abdullah bin Ali Al-Shibli, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education for Higher Education, said that Zad for Promising Omani Leaders , delivered in partnership with the Royal Academy of Management, is designed to prepare Omani students for studying abroad and strengthen their readiness to adapt to new academic and cultural environments with confidence and awareness.
He noted that the initiative extends beyond academic preparation, supporting students’ broader personal development by equipping them with essential knowledge, leadership capabilities and practical life skills. “Studying abroad is both an honour and a responsibility, and represents a valued national trust,” he said, adding that Omani students “carry the name, identity and heritage of Oman wherever they go.”
H.E. Dr Al-Shibli added that the Ministry remains committed to supporting Omani students studying abroad through targeted programmes that strengthen their academic, intellectual, practical and personal capabilities. He also highlighted the importance of engaging with different cultures while remaining firmly grounded in Omani identity, helping to develop well-rounded national talent capable of contributing meaningfully to Oman’s future and advancing the objectives of Oman Vision 2040.
Salma bint Ibrahim Al Wahibi, Supervisor of the initiative, stated that Zad represents a valuable addition to the wider support ecosystem for Omani students preparing to study abroad, particularly during the transition from school to university, when students are required to take greater responsibility for both their academic progress and personal wellbeing.
She added that initiative combines knowledge with practical application, enabling students to build the habits, awareness and confidence needed to manage university life independently and to develop a more balanced academic, personal and leadership experience.
Zad begins with a three-day, in-person programme at the German University of Technology in Oman, followed by a series of virtual sessions and activities delivered over 11 months, providing students with continued development and support beyond the initial programme.
The initiative covers key areas essential to a successful study-abroad experience, including leadership readiness, effective university habits, self-leadership, financial literacy, student engagement, national identity, communication skills, support networks, and navigating diverse academic and cultural environments.
Financial literacy forms an important part of the programme, equipping students with practical knowledge of personal budgeting and day-to-day financial management. This helps them take greater responsibility for their living and study-related expenses and develop the independence needed for life abroad.
The initiative forms part of wider efforts to strengthen coordination between national institutions and create a more integrated support framework for Omani students pursuing international education.
Through Zad, the Royal Academy of Management and the Ministry of Education aim to strengthen students’ readiness for university life, support their personal and leadership development and enable them to represent the Sultanate of Oman with confidence and distinction across international academic environments.
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