Sunday 28 / September / 2025
Muscat: The Royal Academy of Management (RAM), in collaboration with the Rising Omani Startups Programme, has announced the launch of the Startup Leadership Programme, one of its flagship initiatives for 2025.
The programme is designed to strengthen the capabilities of executive leaders across Omani startups, particularly in the areas of innovation and technology, supporting them in boosting growth and venturing into international markets.
Speaking at the launch, Dr Fathiya Abdullah Al Rashdi, RAM’s Vice President for Programme Affairs, said, “The Startup Leadership Programme is a direct embodiment of the Royal Directives that underscore the vital importance of nurturing entrepreneurship and the small and medium-sized enterprise sector in Oman. The bespoke programme has been carefully designed to hone the knowledge, skills and confidence of executive leaders of Omani startups, enabling them to accelerate growth and compete more effectively in local and international markets.”
She added, “Through this initiative, we aim to nurture a new generation of strategic leaders, supporting them to expand their businesses internationally, attract investment, and create lasting value for our national economy. The programme combines academic rigour with practical, hands-on learning, incorporating expert-led sessions and international field visits, designed to provide real-world insights and access to leading industry practices. We are confident this initiative will empower Omani startups to seize growth opportunities in regional and global markets, thereby enhancing Oman’s position as a leading hub for innovation and technology.”
In his turn, Said Qais Rashid Al Toobi, General Supervisor of the Rising Omani Startups Programme, said, “The Startup Leadership Programme is the result of our sustained efforts to build an integrated entrepreneurship ecosystem that strengthens Omani startups’ competitiveness regionally and internationally, positioning them as global success stories. It is the outcome of a strategic partnership between the Rising Omani Startups Programme and the Royal Academy of Management, providing pivotal added value by equipping innovation-driven founders with practical tools and advanced leadership skills to enter new markets, attract strategic investments, and pursue sustainable growth strategies.”
He added, “The programme stands out for its focus on developing a new generation of executive leaders who are capable of turning challenges into opportunities and forging global networks with investors and experts, opening new horizons for international expansion. It aligns with the vision of the Rising Omani Startups Programme to empower entrepreneurs as pioneers of transformation and innovation, and it reflects the aspirations of Oman Vision 2040 for a diversified, knowledge-based economy driven by innovation.”
Designed for founders and executive leaders of innovative, tech-based startups, the six-month programme currently admits 18 participants.
Running from August 2025 to January 2026, the programme combines workshops, case studies, structured dialogues with local and international experts, mentoring sessions, and applied projects.
The learning journey is delivered through four integrated modules addressing strategic leadership, financial planning and valuation, growth strategies, and talent management.
These enable participants to make the transition into senior leadership roles, identify new opportunities, negotiate effectively and confidently, build lasting relationships and leverage tools, including artificial intelligence, to drive sustainable growth. Participants will also focus on the financial and organisational foundations required to assess their companies’ readiness, navigate expansion risks, and align decision-making with long-term objectives.
The programme incorporates international field visits to reputed global accelerators, incubators and enterprises, alongside meetings with international experts and startup leaders. These experiences immerse participants in international best practices, expend their leadership outlook, and offer valuable opportunities to engage with potential investors and strategic partners.
Startup ecosystem
The Rising Omani Startups Programme, RAM’s strategic partner, was established to nurture Oman’s startup ecosystem by driving innovation, embedding an entrepreneurial culture within educational institutions, raising public awareness, and enabling startups to scale to regional and global levels.
Upon completing theStartup Leadership Programme, participants are expected to demonstrate enhanced leadership skills, well-developed growth strategies, improved organisational structures and team culture, and expanded international networks and experiences. -ONA
