MUSCAT : The initiative was officially inaugurated under the patronage of His Excellency Sayyid Khalifa Al Mardas Al Busaidi, Secretary General at the Ministry of Interior.

The programme is designed to enhance the administrative and leadership skills of municipal council members and empower them to contribute more effectively to the development of their respective governorates.

Dr. Fathia bint Abdullah Al Rashidi, Assistant President of RAM for Programs Affairs, emphasised that the initiative continues academy’s ongoing efforts to promote administrative and economic decentralization. It aims to provide members with the best practices in local administration, boosting the competitiveness of the governorates and fostering their sustainable development.

She explained the programme will play a key role in enabling municipal council members to perform their duties in an innovative and effective manner. It focuses on building skills in leadership, project management, data analysis, and decision-making—competencies essential for advancing local development.

Over the course of five days, the programme will provide 148 members from municipal councils across Oman with training in a variety of areas, including emotional intelligence, strategic thinking, and designing and evaluating development projects. Participants will engage in interactive workshops, dialogue sessions, and practical case studies aimed at enhancing their skills in local governance.

The programme’s objectives include equipping council members with advanced leadership skills, enabling them to propose innovative initiatives, and improving their ability to follow up on development projects. It also seeks to improve their capacity to contribute to infrastructure development, sustainability, and the overall economic development of the Sultanate.

The program will also include advisory sessions with government officials and private sector representatives, fostering the exchange of expertise and enhancing cooperation between institutions. Additionally, two dialogue sessions will focus on smart cities and project design and evaluation, further aligning the program with national priorities.

As part of the Royal Academy’s continued commitment to strengthening the local administration system, this program follows previous initiatives such as the National Initiative for the Development of Local Administration, the Governors Program, and the Walis Program. These programs aim to build the capabilities of local leaders and empower them to support Oman’s ongoing development goals.
By investing in the professional growth of municipal council members, the program aims to promote the development of sustainable service projects, enhance the quality of life in Oman’s governorates, and support the nation’s broader economic and governance reforms.

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