MUSCAT: Alizz Islamic Bank, represented by the Learning and Development Department, celebrated the graduation of the first batch of the Ruwad Alizz programme. The course conceptualised in collaboration with Harvard ManageMentor, an e-learning platform from the prestigious Harvard University, aims to enhance the skill and knowledge of middle management, enabling them to become future leaders. The ceremony was graced by Sulaiman bin Hamad al Harthi, CEO of Oman Arab Bank, Ali bin Saif al Mani, General Manager of Alizz Islamic Bank, and other members of executive management.
A group of 28 participants successfully completed the Ruwad Alizz programme that focuses on developing leaders from both the government institutions and private sector establishments. The programme looks to equip participants with the necessary skills required to meet future job market demands by providing a comprehensive and rapid development journey for future leaders. The program which spanned six months included a group of local and regional exceptional leadership guest speakers, including members of the bank's executive management team. This provided a unique opportunity for participants to learn from diverse leadership styles and experiences, which is essential for future success. The programme's philosophy is based on the belief that personal growth is driven by the accumulation of experiences, whether from individuals, societies, or different organisations.
In his speech, Ali al Mani, the General Manager of Alizz Islamic Bank said, “We emphasise the importance of collectively serving our beloved country and continuously striving to develop middle leaders in alignment with Oman's Vision 2040. We appreciate the significant praise that the Ruwad Alizz programme has received in the past, highlighting its exceptional nature due to the quality of its teaching programs, instructors, and affiliation with Harvard ManageMentor, a distinguished e-learning platform associated with Harvard University. As a result, the programme welcomed a second batch of participants, and the third batch is currently undergoing the assessment process to select the most qualified individuals.”
Al Mani added “The concept of Ruwad Alizz programme originated from the CEO of Oman Arab Bank, Sulaiman Al Harthi, during his tenure as the CEO of Alizz Islamic Bank. Al Harthi was passionate about developing a professional programme that would equip those next in line with the skills needed to take on senior leadership roles, both within Alizz Islamic Bank and other organisations. After implementing the programme on ground, and presenting it to the Board of Directors, it was approved and launched under the name Ruwad Alizz.”
The goal of the programme is to train 60 employees every year in two groups of 30. The programme which lasts for six months is not limited to Alizz Islamic Bank employees only. It is a community programme in which other institutions are also invited to participate to maximize its benefits. The participants' progress is closely monitored through a specific system that evaluates their performance and ensures they complete their tasks on time. The bank's training and development department provides direct follow-up, and each employee enrolled in the programme is assigned a mentor from senior management.
The programme does not take a classroom lecture-based approach. Instead, it is a comprehensive programme that encompasses various stages of leadership education. The programme includes exploring and self-inquiring on specific topics related to leadership. To ensure a high level of professionalism in the educational process, we have enlisted the expertise of third-party human resources specialists. They provide guidance on how to apply the knowledge gained during the two-week self-inquiry period in face-to-face educational sessions that take place within one day.
Alizz Islamic Bank also celebrated the enrolment of the second group in the Ruwad Alizz programme in December 2022. The Training and Development Department is dedicated to equipping programme participants with the essential skills and knowledge required for leadership roles at various levels. The department has implemented a diverse range of training programmes, both internally and externally.
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