Monday 16 / February / 2026
Muscat: The Royal Academy of Management (RAM), in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, concluded the “Leadership in Cultural and Creative Industries Programme.”
The concluding ceremony was held under the auspices of Sayyid Said Sultan Al Busaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth for Culture.
The programme targeted a select group of leaders from Oman’s cultural and creative sector, aiming to equip them with the knowledge and leadership capabilities necessary to transform the cultural landscape into a sustainable economic driver. This initiative reflects the objectives of Oman Vision 2040 in empowering national leadership and shaping the future.
The Cultural and Creative Industries Leadership Programme engaged 30 leaders from Oman’s cultural and creative sector and was delivered through ten days of executive learning, including interactive workshops and a subsequent implementation phase during which participants designed and applied initiatives within their organisations.
These organisation-specific initiatives addressed key areas including the creative economy, strategic governance, policy and regulatory frameworks, innovation enablement, intellectual property, and investment and financing mechanisms. The programme concluded with participant-led presentations of their initiatives, highlighting the application of innovation, governance, and investment principles, and also provided a forum to share experiences and best practices.
Dr. Fathiya Abdullah al Rashdi,RAM’s Vice-President for ProgrammeAffairs, described the programme’s conclusion as a significant milestone in RAM’s mandate to develop national leadership capacity, stating that it “reflects our commitment to developing leaders who can translate cultural ambition into measurable economic value, while creating lasting impact that supports the growth of Oman’s creative economy.”
She added, “The bespoke Cultural and Creative Industries Leadership Programme was designed to bridge strategic insight with practical application, enabling participants to transfer learning directly into their work environments and lead initiatives that enhance the competitiveness of the cultural and creative industries in alignment with Oman Vision 2040.”
Hilal Al Sabti, Supervisor of the Cultural and Creative Industries Leadership Programme, said, “The initiative undertook an important role in strengthening participants’ leadership capabilities and expanding their knowledge and understanding of policy, regulation, and investment opportunities within the cultural and creative sector. The collaborative learning environment added significant value as it facilitated the exchange of knowledge and expertise and cultivated a leadership community focused on developing practical solutions. The programme’s commitment to impact measurement and post-programme follow-up, ensuring sustainable outcomes and tangible results at both institutional and sectoral levels.”
In this context, Maryam Nasser Al Kharbooshi, Director of cultural identity department at the Ministry of Culture, Sport and Youth, affirmed that the cultural and creative industries represent a core pillar of Oman Vision 2040 and the national cultural strategy. She noted that the sector is a promising driver of economic development, particularly in light of global transformations that have positioned knowledge and innovation as fundamental pillars of the contemporary economy. She added that investment in the cultural and creative industries extends beyond contributing to gross domestic product, serving instead as a strategic instrument for preserving national identity and cultural heritage by presenting Omani cultural products, in their diverse forms, to global audiences.
She further explained that the delivery of the Cultural and Creative Industries Leadership Programme, implemented through collaboration between the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth and the Royal Academy of Management, reflects a shared conviction in the importance of building leadership capacity, developing national competencies, and creating an integrated platform for knowledge exchange and exposure to best practices in policy development, investment opportunities, and innovation within the sector.
Reflecting on his experience as a participant, Eng. Ibrahim Hamoud Al Waili, Executive Director of Oman National Spacial Strategy, said, “The programme offers a thoughtful approach to integrating culture and creativity in a way that responds to societal requirements. Oman’s emphasis on creativity, firmly rooted in our country’s cultural heritage, remains a key driver of long-term progress and prosperity.”
Another programme participant, Badriya Al Siyabi, Executive Director of the Oman Adventures Centre, said, “The experience provided a valuable opportunity to expand professional horizons and explore cultural innovation through a practical, engaging learning experience. The exchange with peers from diverse institutions, alongside engagement with a distinguished group of experts and speakers, was among its most enriching aspects.”
Delivered through a structured executive learning pathway, the Cultural and Creative Industries Leadership Programme combined specialised learning modules with applied projects to strengthen governance across the cultural and creative industries. The curriculum focused on developing environments that support talent, enhancing investment frameworks, and increasing institutional readiness. The programme is part of RAM’s broader efforts to support the growth and sustainability of Oman’s cultural and creative industries.
