Message by the President of the Academy of Strategic and Defence Studies
“All praise is to Allah, to whom belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is in the earth, and to Him belongs all praise in the Hereafter. And He is the Wise, the Acquainted, and peace be upon the faithful Prophet and all his family and companions.” Royal Decree No. 27/2022 established the Academy of Strategic and Defence Studies and set out its structure and governance, confirming the importance that His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, the Supreme Commander - may Allah protect him – attaches to developing strategic studies and expanding the capacity for strategic thought through a national academy. After the promulgation of the Royal Decree No. 27/2022, the Academy of Strategic and Defence Studies included under one umbrella the National Defence College, the Joint Command and Staff College and the Centre for Strategic and Defence Studies. The integration of these three hitherto separate national institutions within a new unified academic and scientific entity has created an academic, educational and research body that aims to develop and expand the capabilities of all three contributing branches. The bringing together under one roof so to speak of different but complimentary units associated with the nation's administrative and legal apparatus permits a comprehensive national strategy to be discussed in an environment conducive to dialogue and creativity across different disciplines, creating a forum for the constructive debate of national affairs. The establishment of the academy is in line with national requirements intended to raise the profile of strategic education by promoting the development of strategic thinking, critical analysis, planning skills, crisis management, and research skills relevant to strategic, security and defence issues. The academy is also focused on the preparation and development of military concepts and doctrines in response to a need to equip future generations of military and civilian leaders with the skills and knowledge that will allow them to rise to the numerous challenges of the 21st century, and continue the country’s glorious renaissance in lockstep with the country’s declared future vision. We pray to Almighty Allah for His blessing, may He grant all branches of this Academy every success in carrying out their glorious national mission, in a manner that brings credit to the cherished reputation of Oman under the wise leadership of His Majesty the Sultan, the Supreme Commander - may Allah protect him.
