Sidrah 4.0 Graduates Record Cohort: What It Means for Oman’s Business and Investment Landscape
Sidrah, the leadership programme dedicated to young Omani women, has successfully graduated its largest group to date, with 90 participants completing the fourth edition. The closing ceremony was held under the patronage of HH Sayyidah Hujaija bint Jaifer al Said, Chairperson of the Association for Children with Disabilities, highlighting the nation’s increasing emphasis on women’s leadership, civic engagement, and youth empowerment.
Organised by Lahunna Oman in collaboration with Outward Bound Oman, Sidrah 4.0 offered a comprehensive five-month programme for women aged 20 to 35. It featured outdoor experiential learning, mentoring, professional coaching, online courses, and knowledge-sharing sessions. Participants also engaged in volunteering efforts with over 20 community organisations, supporting projects related to education, entrepreneurship, wellness, youth development, and environmental sustainability.
Abdulwahid bin Mohamed al Murshidi, CEO of Sohar International, emphasised that empowering young Omani women is an investment in societal resilience and the nation’s long-term economic growth. “When women lead with confidence, integrity and purpose, the impact extends far beyond individual careers to communities and the national economy,” he said.
Shatha bint Salim al Maskiry, Founder of Lahunna Oman, noted that the programme fosters the mindset and determination necessary to create lasting social change. Eng Ali al Lawati, Chief People & Technology Officer at OQ, highlighted Sidrah’s alignment with Oman Vision 2040 through its focus on nurturing national talent, particularly women leaders.
Participants reported enhanced leadership readiness, improved collaboration skills, and greater career confidence. Andrew Hill, Executive Director of Outward Bound Oman, pointed out that experiential learning was instrumental in building resilience, teamwork, and self-belief.
Since its inception, Sidrah has graduated a total of 257 women through its four editions, with alumnae going on to lead community initiatives, establish businesses, and pursue careers that contribute significantly to Oman’s national development.
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The graduation of the largest Sidrah cohort signals a robust pipeline of empowered young Omani women ready to lead, offering businesses a strategic advantage by tapping into this rising talent pool. For entrepreneurs and investors, this development presents an opportunity to partner with female-led initiatives and leverage the growing focus on social impact and innovation aligned with Oman Vision 2040. Smart investors should now consider integrating gender-diverse leadership into their growth strategies to enhance resilience and long-term economic gains.
