An Omani youth-led movement shaping tomorrow's leaders

Observer

4 days ago

Five Omani students came together not only as scholarship recipients but also as youth driven by a deep sense of responsibility. They believed the opportunities granted to them by their homeland were a call to give back.
Out of this belief, a dream came true, one that would transform their appreciation into a collective movement for national impact. That dream became Bawsala for Emerging Leaders, a growing initiative designed to guide, empower, and inspire young Omanis to become the leaders their country needs.
The founders named their initiative 'Bawsala', meaning 'compass', a word that symbolised more than direction. It stood for clarity, purpose and the shared desire to build a future rooted in vision and values.
'Bawsala is a symbol of direction for youth who seek clarity, purpose and a place where their voice can shape real change'. More young Omanis joined the effort, drawn by its authenticity and spirit; and together the team evolved into a vibrant collective driven by hope and determination.
The upcoming edition of the intensive leadership programme is scheduled to take place from August 24 to 28, at the Royal Academy of Management. It will feature a series of expert-led workshops focused on leadership, strategic thinking and decision-making. These sessions will be followed by field visits to various national institutions, providing participants with a firsthand understanding of real-world work environments and the challenges faced by different sectors.
The programme targets ambitious Omani youth aged between 19 and 25, including university students both inside and outside Oman, as well as recent graduates who completed their studies within the past two years.
The structure of Bawsala is built on three interconnected tracks. The first includes workshops led by experts in leadership, innovation and decision-making, focusing on developing the intellectual and behavioural foundations of future leaders.
The second track involves field visits to national institutions to expose participants to real work settings and help them understand the day-to-day challenges in various fields. The third and final track centres on personalised mentorship, which is considered a cornerstone of the programme.
These one-on-one mentorship sessions will take place throughout September and October. Each participant will be matched with a senior leader from either the public or private sector for three individual and interactive meetings.
These sessions will explore strategic topics such as leadership, critical thinking, decision-making and facing real-life challenges. The goal is to connect ambition with experience and to broaden each participant's perspective through guided discussions and professional networking.
At the heart of Bawsala lies a commitment to core values such as responsible leadership, strategic vision, innovation and teamwork. The programme is also designed to equip young people not only with knowledge but also with the tools to lead with awareness, adaptability and resilience.
The team behind Bawsala understands that the initiative is not a destination but rather a meaningful beginning. It is a space where emerging leaders can grow and contribute to their communities.