MUSCAT: The Royal Academy of Management has successfully concluded its 'Elmam' programme, an initiative aimed at enhancing the skills and capabilities of new government employees. The programme, held under the auspices of HH Sayyid Dr Kamil bin Fahd bin Mahmood al Said, Secretary-General of the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers, is a key part of the Academy's efforts to strengthen the administrative efficiency of the Sultanate of Oman’s government sector. The 'Elmam' programme, organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour, saw the participation of 200 newly recruited government employees with less than a year of experience.
The programme focused on developing essential competencies in leadership, ethics and modern government management, all in line with Oman Vision 2040, which aims to drive sustainable development across the country. Dr Fathiya bint Abdullah al Rashdiyah, Vice-President for Programme Affairs at the Royal Academy of Management, explained that the participants were divided into five groups, with 25 members each, to ensure focused and effective learning.
The five-day training covered a broad range of topics, including leadership, critical thinking, self-development, innovation, and digital transformation, all designed to equip new employees with the skills necessary to excel in their roles within the public sector. The programme also placed a strong emphasis on institutional loyalty, teamwork, and effective communication, crucial elements for improving the overall performance of government institutions.
Additionally, participants were introduced to the latest developments in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and performance indicators, with a special focus on the digital transformation currently reshaping government operations. Dr Fathiya noted that the training not only aimed to build technical and leadership skills but also fostered a deeper understanding of national trends and policies. The curriculum included modules on ethical work conduct, the fundamentals of government service and the importance of innovation and creativity in achieving strategic objectives.
The 'Elmam' programme aligns with the Academy’s broader mission of preparing the Sultanate of Oman’s public sector for future challenges, a vision outlined by His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik. As the latest addition to the Academy's initiatives, the programme reflects a commitment to integrating international best practices, ensuring that the Sultanate of Oman’s government sector is equipped to adapt to the rapidly changing global landscape.
Abdulaziz al Raisi, Assistant President for Studies and Development, stated that such training programmes for new employees are of great importance, especially in light of the technological changes we are witnessing today. He emphasised that preparing these young people is essential for them to become the future leaders of the Sultanate of Oman. He added that one of the key objectives of the programme is to provide participants with a general understanding of Oman Vision 2040 and future directions in specific technological areas such as artificial intelligence, as well as focusing on the ethics of government employees' duties. "We aim to hold these training sessions regularly while developing the programme to address other aspects that concern young men and women in the future," he said.
Munira al Balushi, from the National Centre for Statistics and Information, said: "The 'Elmam' programme for new employees in the government sector comes in line with the rapid advancements the world is witnessing in fields such as artificial intelligence, modern technologies, and machine learning. The programme aims to transition from traditional government models to modern digital governments, in pursuit of keeping up with the paths of advanced countries and achieving Oman Vision 2040. We are fully prepared to train these young Omanis, who are capable of overcoming the challenges we face today, to collectively reach our goals by 2040."
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