Duqm Refinery and Petrochemical Industries Company (OQ8) has announced the launch of the 5th edition of its highly anticipated Summer Leadership Programme in the United Kingdom. With an ambition to empower Oman’s future workforce, the program aims to inspire students’ leadership with special skills development. This year, 22 outstanding students from the Al Wusta and surrounding regions have been chosen to embark on this transformative journey on July 7th.
OQ8’s ambitious programme, held in partnership with the Ministry of Education and in collaboration with the prestigious Oxford University and Takatuf Oman, aims to empower and inspire Omani youth for the future workforce. The main objective of the programme is to enhance their skills and broaden their cultural horizons, preparing them to meet the demands of the future.
Jasim Al Ajmi, Vice President of Corporate Affairs at OQ8, stated, “We are committed to creating a positive impact on the lives of young people from the Al Wusta community and Oman at large. The OQ8 Summer Leadership Programme is one of our most successful and impactful initiatives to date. It provides students with the opportunity to improve their leadership skills and fosters personal growth and cultural understanding. Our holistic approach ensures that these outstanding students not only excel academically but also develop the necessary life skills to be self-reliant and independent in the future.”
The OQ8 Summer Leadership Programme offers a comprehensive one-month curriculum that includes intensive English language courses, leadership skills development, and cultural immersion activities. The students will also visit historical and cultural attractions in the UK, facilitating their understanding of new cultures and enhancing their global awareness.
To prepare the students for this enriching experience, a one-week induction program was conducted in Muscat. This induction familiarised the students with British culture and provided guidance on how to maximise the benefits of the courses offered in the UK.
“The OQ8 Summer Leadership Programme in Oxford, UK, continues its successful run, sponsored by OQ8 and implemented by Takatuf Oman,” said Dawood bin Suleiman Al-Shabibi, Head of International Relations Department at The Ministry of Education. “Based on specific criteria, The Ministry of Education selected outstanding tenth-grade students from different governorates. After announcing the final list of accepted students, the Ministry ensured smooth implementation by accompanying the students and overseeing all necessary procedures. The programme concluded with a detailed analysis and report on its results and impact on the participants.”
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to OQ8 for its generous sponsorship. Contributions like these, driven by social responsibility, have a positive impact on our youth, preparing them to be future leaders,” he added.
Since its inception in 2017, the OQ8 Summer Leadership Programme has grown significantly, marking a milestone in the company’s social investment initiatives. Initially comprising only 10 male students from Al Wusta, the program expanded in 2018 to include 20 students, 10 males and 10 females, from the same region.
By 2019, the programme expanded to include 30 students from Al Wusta and other governorates across the Sultanate. Subsequent editions enrolled 20 students in 2023 and 22 students in 2024. To date, a total of 102 students have benefited from this prestigious programme, selected based on their academic performance in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, and are either in the 10th or 11th grade.
Speaking about the impact of last year’s programme, students gave an insight into the benefits. “I am proud to have been given this opportunity and chosen to be part of this program. I am confident that the program will contribute to building my character and self-confidence, as well as honing my skills in many areas, especially in learning English,” said Ghadif Al Hadhrami, student from Muscat Governorate.
“Joining this programme was good news for all my family members, as they heard about the success of the initiative in its previous editions and its contribution to building the capabilities of Omani youth. I look forward to continuing my education through this opportunity, which I am sure will be a significant milestone in my academic journey,” added Jumanah Al Muqbaliya, student from Al Batinah North Governorate.
In addition to the Summer Leadership Programme, OQ8’s youth capacity-building initiatives include the Marefa initiative, aimed at developing entrepreneurial skills through a series of training workshops for local SMEs. Last year, OQ8 collaborated with Outward bound Oman to deliver leadership courses for students from the Al Wusta Governorate, which included sessions on overcoming various life challenges and becoming effective leaders. Additionally, the “Science of a Refinery” initiative aims to inspire children to broaden their knowledge in STEM subjects closely related to the refinery’s core functions.
OQ8’s dedication to social responsibility and sustainability, with education as a key pillar, continues to drive initiatives like the Summer Leadership Programme. This commitment is instrumental in achieving the priorities of Oman Vision 2040 and fostering a knowledge-based society with competitive national capabilities.