Muscat, Sultanate of Oman, February 3, 2026: Deloitte Middle East hosted its Next Generation CIO & CISO Academy in Muscat, convening a select group of high-potential technology and cybersecurity leaders across Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, Kuwait and Oman to prepare them for senior leadership roles.
The Academy took place from January 27–29 at Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel, and was designed for professionals identified as the next generation of Chief Information Officers (CIOs) and Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs). The program focuses on equipping participants with the strategic, commercial, and people-leadership capabilities required to lead complex, digital-first organizations, while navigating evolving technology and cyber risk landscapes.
The Muscat edition reflects Deloitte’s commitment to supporting Oman’s digital transformation agenda and strengthening the local technology leadership pipeline. Through immersive sessions, peer exchange and access to regional and global experts, participants gain practical insights into navigating board-level expectations, managing cyber risk, driving enterprise transformation and leading through disruption.
The Academy demystifies the CIO and CISO roles, highlighting not only their technical responsibilities but their growing influence as business leaders and strategic advisors to CEOs. It also creates a trusted peer network that participants can draw on as they progress into executive roles, contributing to the long-term resilience of the region’s technology ecosystem.
Commenting on the program, Rashid Bashir, CEO Technology & Transformation at Deloitte Middle East, said: “As organizations across the region accelerate their technology, digital and cybersecurity agendas, the role of the CIO and CISO has never been more critical. This Academy is about investing in people and equipping the next generation of technology leaders with the skills, confidence and perspective needed to lead at the highest levels, while also supporting the development of strong local tech talent in Oman and across the region.”
Patrycja Oselkowska, Middle East Growth Leader at Deloitte, added: “The Next Generation CIO/CISO Academy reflects Deloitte’s long-term commitment to leadership development. By bringing this program to Muscat, we are helping future leaders build the capabilities required to drive sustainable growth, resilience and innovation within their organizations and the wider Middle East economy.”
Ahmed Al Qassabi, Oman Managing Partner at Deloitte, explained: “Hosting the Next Generation CIO & CISO Academy in Muscat reflects our commitment to supporting Oman’s national digital ambitions by investing in the people who will help realize them. As integrating technology and managing cyber risk become increasingly central to national agendas, CIOs and CISOs must strengthen their ability to work across government, industry and academia. This Academy focuses on building that ecosystem mindset by equipping leaders with the strategic perspective needed to protect critical systems, enable innovation, and translate technology into long-term public value.”
The Deloitte Middle East Next Generation CIO & CISO Academy forms part of a wider regional initiative, with alumni gaining access to an ongoing network, knowledge sharing and future leadership forums.
© 2026 Deloitte & Touche (M.E.). All rights reserved.
In this press release, references to “Deloitte” are references to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), a UK private company limited by guarantee, and its network of member firms, each of which is a legally separate and independent entity. Please see deloitte.com/about for a detailed description of the legal structure of DTTL and its member firms. The information contained in this press release is correct at the time of going to press.
About Deloitte & Touche (M.E.) LLP:
Deloitte & Touche (M.E.) (DME) is a shareholder in Deloitte EMEA BV (EMEA), which is a member firm of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (DTTL). Deloitte EMEA and DTTL do not provide services to clients. Services may be provided by the EMEA shareholders or their affiliates, which are separate and independent legal entities. Deloitte EMEA BV, a limited liability company incorporated under the laws of Belgium (Deloitte EMEA), is a Member Firm of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (DTTL).
DME is a leading professional services organization established in the Middle East region with uninterrupted presence since 1926. DME’s presence in the Middle East region is established through its affiliated independent legal entities, which are licensed to operate and to provide services under the applicable laws and regulations of the relevant country. DME’s affiliates and related entities cannot oblige each other and/or DME, and when providing services, each affiliate and related entity engages directly and independently with its own clients and shall only be liable for its own acts or omissions and not those of any other affiliate.
DME provides services throughout 26 offices in 14 countries with more than 7,000 partners, directors and staff.
About Deloitte:
Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte organization”). DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms and related entities are legally separate and independent entities, which cannot obligate or bind each other in respect of third parties. DTTL and each DTTL member firm and related entity is liable only for its own acts and omissions, and not those of each other. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more.
Deloitte provides leading professional services to nearly 90% of the Fortune Global 500® and thousands of private companies. Our people deliver measurable and lasting results that help reinforce public trust in capital markets and enable clients to transform and thrive. Building on its 180+year history, Deloitte spans more than 150 countries and territories. Learn how Deloitte’s over 470,000 people worldwide work together every day to make an impact that matters at www.deloitte.com
Press contact(s):
Noora Cheikh | Eminence, Media & Digital Marketing Leader