The Qimam Fellowship announced Sunday that applications are now open for the fourth edition of its highly selective leadership development program. Students from across the Kingdom participating in bachelor's and master's programs in Saudi Arabia or abroad are eligible to apply. The Qimam Fellowship program was founded by McKinsey & Company and Dr. Annas Abedin, a McKinsey Alumnus and entrepreneur, on the premise that Saudi Arabia 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 skillsets needed to lead in today's ever complex world. Abdullah Saidan, 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 enroll 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 have they have exhibited a strong sense of social responsibility in their own communities. We believe there is an abundance of talent in the Kingdom, and we couldn't be more excited to continue this journey with current and future Qimam fellows." Dr. Annas Abedin, 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 program over the years. We can't wait to welcome a new class of inspiring young leaders into our program, 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 continue my journey with Qimam in the years ahead." 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 cooperation 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, and King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSH&RC). Others include: 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, which 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 organizations in KSA, and many other benefits. The 12-day intensive program will take place from June 8-19, 2021. The application form and more details about the Qimam Fellowship can be found on www.qimam.com. — SG
