The Qimam Fellowship has announced that applications are now open for the fourth edition of its highly selective leadership development programme. Students from across the kingdom participating in bachelor’s and master’s programme in Saudi Arabia or abroad are eligible to apply.
The Qimam Fellowship programme was founded by McKinsey & Company and Dr Annas Abedin, a McKinsey Alumnus and entrepreneur, on the premise that Saudi is rich with untapped local talent with great potential to contribute to the kingdom’s ambitious transformation.
Since its inception in 2018, Qimam aims to identify, equip and empower the most distinguished university students in Saudi with advanced skill sets needed to lead in today’s ever-complex world.
Abdullah Saidan, an Associate Partner at McKinsey Middle East, said: “As a firm with deep roots in this region, we are deeply committed to nurturing local talent and helping them contribute to Saudi Arabia’s transformation. Over the last three years, we have had the opportunity to enrol 150 fellows, 55% of whom are women, from more than 40 universities in Saudi and abroad. Three things set these fellows apart: they are distinctive academically, they have demonstrated strong initiative, and they have exhibited a strong sense of social responsibility in their own communities. We believe talent is abundant in the kingdom, and we couldn’t be more excited to continue this journey with current and future Qimam fellows.”
Dr Annas Abedin, a co-founder of Qimam, said: “We continue to be inspired both by the stories and achievements of our fellows, as well as by the generosity of our executive and corporate partners, who have consistently and strongly supported the programme over the years. We can’t wait to welcome a new class of inspiring young leaders into our programme, and to work with our partners to provide them with a unique and unforgettable development experience.”
Sarah Kanee, an alumnus of the Qimam Fellowship Class of 2020 and a student at KAUST, commented on the fellowship: “Qimam has been a one of a kind experience that I will truly cherish and carry with me. It gave me renewed hope and excitement about the future, and I look forward to continuing my journey with Qimam in the years ahead.”
In its 2021 edition, Qimam is proud to partner with 37 local and international companies working together with Qimam to empower promising university graduates and student leaders in Saudi Arabia. These partners are Aberkyn, Abuhimed Alsheikh Alhagbani Law Firm (AS&H) in co-operation with Clifford Chance, Al Arabiya News Channel, Al-Khaleejiah Advertising & Public Relations Company, Arabnet, Bab Rizq Jameel, Banque Saudi Fransi, BMW, Bupa Arabia, Careem, Cisco, Elm, General Electric, Khoshaim & Associates, Khwarizmi Ventures, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSH&RC), Korn Ferry, Saudi Arabian Mining Company ‘Ma’aden’, Majid Al Futtaim, McKinsey & Company, Microsoft, Noon, Noon Academy, The Olayan Group, Oqal, Pearson, Qiddiya, Raed Ventures, Rocket Internet, SAP, Seera Group Holding, Saudi Pharmaceutical Industries & Medical Appliances Corporation (SPIMACO), Saudi Telecom Company (STC), Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul), Udacity, Unifonic and Unilever.
Qimam and its partners are committed to providing a distinctive value proposition to the next class of Qimam Fellows. This will include one-on-one mentorship from senior leaders in the public and private sector, leadership training from professionals at renowned global organizations, visits to leading organisations in KSA, and many other benefits.