Omani Executive Coach Achieves Global Recognition: Implications for Business Leadership and Growth in Oman
MUSCAT, NOV 4 — Omani executive coach Ghaya al Barwani has gained international recognition from the International Coaching Federation (ICF) as a Distinguished Coach, receiving an Honourable Mention at the ICF Converge Conference held on October 24, 2025, in San Diego, USA.
Al Barwani, who holds both MCC and ACTC credentials, was acknowledged for her impactful work in coaching senior executives, facilitating organizational change, and nurturing national talent. She has also played a crucial role in enhancing the visibility of the ICF Oman Chapter.
In an exclusive interview with the Observer, Al Barwani shared her sentiments about this recognition: “Receiving this international honor from the ICF is both humbling and deeply meaningful. It affirms my commitment to coaching with heart, focusing on strategic clarity and empathy while delivering measurable impact with cultural sensitivity.”
She emphasized that this accolade transcends her personal achievement: “This moment reflects the power of the growing coaching movement in Oman and the wider MENA region. Whether it involves helping a national hospital raise over $10 million through a leadership coaching initiative or empowering young Omani women with more than 490 coaching sessions through programs like Sidrah and Basmat Rahma, this award celebrates the ripple effect of purposeful coaching.”
Al Barwani highlighted the broader significance of her recognition for the coaching profession: “For the coaching community in our region, this honor brings global visibility to the quality, ethics, and innovation emerging from local coaches and initiatives. It signals to organizations and emerging leaders that coaching is not a luxury but a transformative tool for sustainable development. I hope this inspires increased investment in coaching as a strategic driver of human potential and societal progress.”
With this honour, Al Barwani joins a distinguished group of globally recognized coaching leaders who are celebrated for their measurable impact, ethical practice, and advancement of the coaching discipline.
ICF Chief Executive Officer Magdalena Nowicka Mook remarked that this year’s honourees represent “excellence in professional coaching and its impact on individuals and organizations worldwide.” Moreover, ICF Global Board Chair Shweta Handa-Gupta noted that the awardees “demonstrate how coaching contributes to positive change across societies.”
Al Barwani’s work encompasses fostering the visibility and growth of the ICF Oman Chapter while promoting initiatives focused on national talent development. She spearheaded the Basmat Rahma — Coaching for Good program, which provided over 490 coaching sessions to 120 young Omani women through Lahunna Oman’s Sidrah initiative.
Additional information about her programs and publications can be found at www.ghayabarwani.com. She has also supported senior leaders and executive teams through transformational efforts and public–private collaboration, and authored the "Leadership Imperative 2025" white paper, along with developing the Executive Playbook as a strategic resource for organizations.
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Oman’s recognition of Ghaya al Barwani as a distinguished coach signals a pivotal shift towards the importance of coaching in enhancing organizational effectiveness and talent development. Businesses in Oman should view this as an opportunity to invest in coaching as a strategic tool for growth, while also acknowledging the potential risk of falling behind in a rapidly evolving market. Smart investors and entrepreneurs must consider leveraging coaching initiatives to unlock human potential and drive sustainable transformation in their organizations.
