Muscat, 23 February 2013: Ernst & Young's Executive Management Development program (EMDP) was launched two years ago, in commemoration of Oman's 40th National Day Celebrations and the reign of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said. The program reiterates Ernst & Young's commitment and support for Omanization, and aims to train the Omani national executives who work in different government departments.

EMDP is a one-year program where the training is completed over a 12-month period leveraging Ernst & Young's global knowledge, insight and experience.  Senior executives, nominated by several ministries and companies owned by the Omani government have attended about 20 sessions so far over the past two years.  Since its launch, the program addressed key issues that included cloud computing, climate change, change and people management, trends in Oil and gas industry, global economic trends, e-government systems, rapid growth markets, family business, Islamic finance and more.

This year, the program will include a larger variety of modules such as: Oman's budget (economy and major projects), leadership, time management, presentation skills, corporate governance, communication skills and training and development.

Ahmed Al Esry, Partner, Ernst & Young Oman said: "We are very proud to be holding the EMDP program in Oman for the third year running. We are delighted with the success we have achieved since its inauguration. Each year we have a better understanding of the needs of Omani professionals. Providing nationals with the necessary skills and training is a key focus for us and we are committed to developing and continuing the program."

"Guided by the vision of His Majesty, we believe this program is a great opportunity for Omanis to learn practical skills and develop a fountain of knowledge of the industries they work in. The positive feedback that we've received alludes to the achievements of the program in enhancing and developing the people of Oman," said Al Esry.

Ernst & Young in Oman employs over 70 Omani nationals. The organization has also seconded and trained Omani nationals in other offices within the region as well as in Europe for advanced training. It expects the number of Omani nationals in its practice to increase to more than 100 by 2014.

Ernst & Young established its office in Muscat in 1974. Since then, it has grown to be the largest professional services firm in Oman, employing in excess of 160 people providing assurance, tax, advisory and transaction advisory services.

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Contact name:  Lamice Murshid
Company: Ernst & Young
Tel: +971 4 332 4000
E-mail: lamice.murshid@ae.ey.com

Contact name: Mohammad Al Qassem
Company: Weber Shandwick MENA
Tel: +971 4 321 0077
E-mail: mohammad.alqassem@ws-mena.com

© Press Release 2013