Qimam Fellowship selects class of 2021 for 4th edition of the program

The Qimam Fellowship program is supported by a coalition of 37 leading national and international organizations that aims to identify, develop, and empower the most promising and distinguished university students from Saudi Arabia to achieve their full potential.

This year marks the largest applicant pool the program has received since its inception in 2018 with 19,000 applications. 159 candidates were shortlisted based on a thorough review of their qualifications including, academic achievements, sense of initiative, and exhibited degree of social responsibility and service to the community.

50 individuals were ultimately selected following two virtual interviews with public and private sector leaders.

Abdullah Saidan, Associate Partner at McKinsey in the Middle East said, “We are incredibly excited to welcome our fourth cohort for the Qimam Fellowship program. There’s no doubt that these talented individuals will contribute to the massive development in the Kingdom. We hope that through this program we play a small part to enable their future journeys of success.”

This year, the fellows are hailing from 15 cities in Saudi Arabia and 30 universities. While 94% are pursuing their Bachelor degree, 6% are completing their Master degree across 10 different fields of study. The Class of 2021 will be comprised of 56% females and 44% male students.

Dr. Annas Abedin, co-founder of Qimam, said, “The interview and selection process for the Qimam Fellowship is one of the most exciting periods in the year for the Qimam team, as it gives us the opportunity to experience and to be inspired by a wide array of very impressive young leaders with remarkable accomplishments and deep contributions to their communities and society at large.”

The program provides its fellows with leadership training by professionals from renowned companies, one-on-one mentorship from senior public and private sector leaders, visits to the Saudi Arabian offices of leading national and international companies, and membership in the Qimam Alumni Network. Upon completion of the program, fellows are recognized with an award for their distinctiveness during a high-profile ceremony, and their profiles are shared with leading human resources executives in Saudi Arabia to facilitate their career opportunities.

Najla Al Ali, a student at Kind Saud University, said, “Qimam is an exceptional program that I’ve aspired to join from its first year. I had always heard that this was a different type of experience and it’s true. The access and mentorship that happens with top public and private sector leaders in the interview process alone is something quite memorable.  I am so glad that I decided to re-apply and grateful to the Qimam alumni who helped guide me throughout this process.”

In its 2021 edition, Qimam is proud to partner with 37 local and international companies who are 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.