Muscat, 7 July 2026 – The Serdal Leadership and Skills Development Programme, one of OQ’s social investment programmes, the global energy investment group, continues its activities in collaboration with the Ministry of Education represented by the Career Guidance and Student Counseling Center and implemented by Oman Sail, to develop a generation equipped with the leadership qualities and life skills needed for the future. This follows the successful completion of the programme’s first phase in the North Al Batinah and South Al Batinah Governorates, which demonstrated a positive impact on participants’ personal development and leadership capabilities.
To this day, 48 students have participated in an intensive learning and development programme held at Al Sawadi Beach Resort in Barka, as part of a national initiative that aims to engage 188 students from across Oman. The programme combines practical learning with interactive activities through an integrated approach designed to encourage active participation and experiential growth.
The programme has focused on developing leadership, communication, teamwork, problem-solving and decision-making skills, while reinforcing self-confidence, independence, national identity and the values that define authentic Omani character. The first phase also recorded high levels of engagement among participants, reflected in their performance and interaction throughout the activities and challenges included in the programme.
The next phase of the journey is scheduled to begin on 7 July, targeting government school students in Ash Sharqiyah North Governorate, while next phases will continue to include Ad Dakhiliyah Governorate.
“I never realised how much I could achieve until I was challenged by the Serdal activities. It taught me that leadership isn't just about giving orders, but about supporting your team and playing an active role in building success,” shared Mohammed Younis Al Ghassani from Ghassan bin Abdullah Al Kharousi School in North Al Batinah Governorate, a student participating in the programme.
"We have seen a remarkable shift in the students' attitudes. They are more proactive and engaged, and really showing their creativity, ingenuity and determination to complete the tasks, which is exactly what we hoped to achieve through this partnership” added Bader Al Mahrouqi, one of the trainers supervising the program.
Said Al Badaai, Head of Social Investment at OQ, said: "The Serdal Programme reflects OQ's commitment to developing impactful initiatives that help Omani youth strengthen their leadership and personal capabilities through hands-on learning experiences that inspire growth and broaden their perspectives. The positive outcomes achieved during the programme's first phase reaffirm the value of these initiatives in unlocking students' potential and preparing them to face future challenges with confidence and capability."
He added: "The programme also reflects the value of the partnership between OQ, the Ministry of Education and Oman Sail. By combining the strengths and expertise of each partner, we are creating an inspiring learning environment that equips young people with the skills and mindset to contribute meaningfully to Oman’s development, in line with the aspirations of Oman Vision 2040."
Khamis Al Anbouri, Acting Commercial Director at Oman Sail, commented, “At the halfway point of the Serdal Programme, we are incredibly proud of the determination shown by the students from the North Al Batinah and South Al Batinah Governorates. Our mission at Oman Sail has always been to provide long-term learning opportunities, in line with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040, and challenge the youth to grow beyond their comfort zones. Seeing these students master teamwork and communication skills in a real-world setting confirms the power of experiential learning, and we are eager to bring this same energy to our upcoming participants in Ash Sharqiyah North and Ad Dakhiliyah.”
Students take part in a three-day programme delivered under the supervision of Oman Sail instructors, combining interactive activities and practical challenges designed to strengthen leadership and teamwork skills while fostering independence, belonging and national identity.
The Serdal Programme builds on OQ’s ongoing investment in national capabilities and the development of promising young talent through applied learning opportunities that bridge knowledge and practice. The programme targets students in Grades 9 to 11 from government schools who demonstrate commitment, discipline and a desire to grow, while providing equal opportunities to strengthen critical thinking, communication and teamwork skills.
The programme also represents a leading PPP model through the partnership between OQ, Oman Sail and the Ministry of Education, contributing to the development of a generation that takes pride in its national identity and possesses the skills and knowledge needed to play an active role in Oman’s continued development.