Riyadh, 18 April 2022: The Qimam Fellowship program returns to an in-person format this year as it launches its 5th edition with an expanded network of corporate sponsors and leading private- and public-sector executives. This unique program aims to identify, develop, and empower the most promising and distinguished university students from Saudi Arabia to achieve their full potential. 

In its fifth year, Qimam has had 17K+ students apply, with 159 candidates successfully shortlisted based on a thorough review of their qualifications, including, academic achievements, sense of initiative, and an exhibited degree of social responsibility and service to the community. Fifty individuals were ultimately selected following two virtual interviews with public and private sector leaders.

Abdullah Saidan, Partner at McKinsey in the Middle East, said, “We have been going strong for five years, despite the challenges of the pandemic. We are thrilled to welcome a new class of Qimam fellows and look forward to meeting every one of them in person this year. The program is designed to provide students with the training, mentorship, and networking needed to kickstart their careers. Saudi Arabia’s youth are talented and ambitious, and we’re excited to play a small part in enabling a successful career path that will contribute to the Kingdom’s journey of growth and prosperity.’
This year’s fellows represent 17 cities in the Kingdom and 28 local and international universities. While 94% are pursuing their Bachelor’s degree, 6% are completing their Master’s degree across various fields of study, including architecture, engineering, business, computer science, law, and medicine. More than half of the students in the 2022 cohort are women.

Dr. Annas Abedin, the co-founder of Qimam, said, “We were especially inspired by the applicants who made it to the final round this year. Our interviewers left the sessions feeling energized and excited by the potential of what these young leaders will contribute to our communities and society at large. I am personally impressed with how our Qimam alumni are taking leadership responsibility for the program and managing the process end to end, working closely with executives from our partner organizations.’

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 completing the program, fellows are recognized with an award for their distinctiveness at an eminent ceremony. Their profiles are shared with leading human resources executives in Saudi Arabia to facilitate career opportunities.

Nouf AlAslani, Qimam fellow, Class of 2021, said, “Qimam was an exceptional experience, ranging from deep learning to consolidating relations with fellows, who, to say the least, are distinguished. We had the honor to meet inspiring leaders who shared lessons from their personal journeys and asked us to be motivated by impact. They left us with overwhelming desires to become better than we are today, contribute, and take the initiative with no further delays, as meaningful impact is only one step away.”

In its 2022 edition, Qimam is proud to partner with 40 leading local and international companies working together with Qimam to empower promising university graduates and student leaders in Saudi Arabia. They are: 

Aberkyn, Abuhimed Alsheikh Alhagbani Law Firm (ASH) 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 (KFSHRC), 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, Rawabi Holding, Rocket Internet, SAP, Sary, Seera Group Holding, Saudi Pharmaceutical Industries & Medical Appliances Corporation (SPIMACO), Saudi Telecom Company (STC), Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul), STV, Udacity, Unifonic, and Unilever.