Building Institutions for Sustainable Growth: How Strong Leadership Transforms Business Resilience in Oman
MUSCAT, OCT 19 – With over 30 years of experience in public service, Khalid Said al Shuaibi has played a pivotal role in shaping some of Oman’s most significant economic transformations. In an exclusive interview with the Observer, the President of the National Programme for Private Sector and Foreign Trade Development (Nazdaher) shared his insights on leadership, perseverance, and his unwavering commitment to advancing Oman’s economic vision.
Al Shuaibi’s career began 32 years ago at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, where he served as an officer in the Directorate General of Commerce. His early experiences sparked a lifelong dedication to enhancing Oman’s trade and investment sectors. “Public service is a badge of honour,” he stated. “It gives me immense joy to contribute meaningfully to Oman’s economy and serve its citizens.”
Throughout his career, Al Shuaibi has held numerous key positions that have refined his skills in international negotiation, investment promotion, and economic diplomacy. He was instrumental in the founding of the Public Authority for Investment Promotion and Export Development (Ithraa) and established Oman’s first overseas trade office in Dubai, a significant step in the nation’s international commercial outreach.
His leadership journey also took him to the global arena. As a diplomat at Oman’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York, he represented the Sultanate on the Second Committee on Economic and Financial Affairs. “That experience was transformative,” he reflected. “It allowed me to learn from one of the world’s greatest institutions and to grasp global diplomacy and economics from within.”
Upon returning to Oman, Al Shuaibi utilized his international experiences to enhance national development efforts. At Nazdaher, he spearheads initiatives aimed at attracting foreign investment, empowering the private sector, and aligning economic activities with Oman Vision 2040. “Many goals aligned with Vision 2040 have been achieved through this programme,” he expressed with pride. “Witnessing the tangible results of these initiatives fills me with immense gratitude.”
For Al Shuaibi, effective leadership transcends titles; it lies in the ability to inspire and empower others. “A leader, without a dedicated and capable team, cannot achieve meaningful success,” he explained. “My focus has always been on building trust, setting clear goals, and empowering my team to excel.” He underscored that successful leadership is rooted in collaboration, trust, and leading by example.
Despite the challenges of leadership, Al Shuaibi believes that obstacles can be overcome through discipline and purpose. “What truly matters is maintaining professionalism, focus, and objectivity—ensuring that decisions are guided by reason and purpose, not emotion,” he stated.
His proudest professional achievement remains the establishment of Nazdaher, an institution he considers a cornerstone of Oman’s modern economic development. “Building Nazdaher and its exceptional team is one of my greatest accomplishments,” he remarked. “It embodies our collective effort to create a lasting impact on the national economy.”
Al Shuaibi’s vision extends beyond immediate goals; it focuses on creating enduring institutions that can sustain growth independently. “My vision is to establish institutions that continue to thrive even in my absence,” he asserted. “True leadership is about creating systems that are sustainable, resilient, and capable of being seamlessly led by others.”
When asked for advice to aspiring leaders, Al Shuaibi emphasized the importance of continuous learning. “They must never stop building their knowledge and expertise,” he urged. “What truly distinguishes individuals is the spirit of genuine initiative—the drive to take action, learn, and lead with purpose.”
He also noted the importance of balancing professional ambition with personal well-being. “Leadership can be demanding, but one must learn to delegate effectively,” he said. “True success lies in sustaining a balance between professional excellence and personal growth.”
Through decades of dedicated service, Khalid Said al Shuaibi exemplifies a philosophy rooted in commitment, humility, and a long-term vision—guiding Oman’s journey toward sustainable economic prosperity.
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
Khalid Said al Shuaibi’s commitment to advancing Oman’s economic vision through institutions like Nazdaher highlights a critical pathway for businesses in Oman to engage with foreign investment and the private sector. This creates significant opportunities for entrepreneurs to align with national initiatives under Vision 2040, while also posing risks related to the need for professional agility and adaptability in an evolving economic landscape. Smart investors should consider leveraging partnerships that capitalize on these transformative efforts to ensure sustainable growth and resilience.
