Empowering High-Potential University Students in the MENAP Region

About Qimam

Founding Partner: McKinsey & Company

The Qimam Foundation is a non-profit that aims to identify, develop, and empower the most promising and distinguished university students in and from MENAP to achieve their full potential.

Qimam was created based on the belief that a key system to accelerate and secure economic prosperity for our region is institutionally identifying our highest potential youth and giving them the support needed to be massively impactful. Our region is rich with extraordinary talent and developing such talent is one of the best investments for a brighter future.

The Foundation offers an international fellowship program supported by a coalition of leading national and international companies and hundreds of global executives. Qimam launched its first annual Fellowship in Saudi Arabia in 2018 and has graduated 350 high-potential alumni to date, before expanding to the wider MENAP region in 2025.

50+
Companies
800+
Executives
6
Benefits
350+
International Alumni

Fellowships

The Qimam Foundation aims to launch Fellowships across all MENAP countries. We have been operating an annual Fellowship program in Saudi Arabia since 2018, and are launching Fellowships in Jordan and Pakistan in 2025, and more countries in the years to come.

Fellowship programs are held locally over a 12-day period in-person in the summer, during which all of the benefits outlined below will be provided. All of these benefits will be provided by Qimam completely free of charge, including all costs for travel and accommodation.

Training

In-person leadership training by executives and accomplished professionals from leading companies as well as workshops on how to build a successful career in selected areas.

Mentorship

One-on-one sessions with leading executives to get personalized input and guidance. In addition to numerous other opportunities to directly engage and network with outstanding leaders (e.g., during the training sessions, the company visits, or the award ceremony).

Company visits

Field visits to leading companies in each country, which will provide a behind-the-scenes look at how these companies operate, an opportunity to engage with and learn from their top executives, and a perspective on career paths in these companies.

Recognition

Recognition with the Qimam Award for High-Potential Leaders. The awards will be given at a high-profile ceremony on the final day of each program and will be attended by our corporate partners and other dignitaries from the public and private sectors (thoughts of our executive partners about their experience with the Qimam Fellowship are available here).

Network

Building important and long-lasting connections with other program participants who share similar ambitions and passions. After graduating from Qimam, all Fellows become members of the global Qimam Alumni Network, which will enable them to remain connected with each other as they go on to become leaders in your respective fields. The network...[Show more+]

Career opportunities

After completing the training, we publish the class profiles on the respective Qimam website and share it with leading HR managers and executives locally. This will enable them to learn about our Fellows and reach out for potential internship or job opportunities. You can review the profiles of our alumni in Saudi Arabia from...[Show more+]

Executive Partners

Since 2018, more than 800 senior leaders from the public and private sector have generously volunteered their time to provide one-on-one mentorship and career guidance to our fellows, or to conduct in-person interviews with shortlisted applicants.

Sponsors

Qimam covers the full participation costs for its shortlisted applicants and Fellows. The Fellowship is generously sponsored by organizations and executives that believe in its mission, and their generous contributions make the Fellowships across the region possible.

Corporate Sponsors

Executive Sponsors

Dr. Abdulla Elyas Careem Co-Founder
Nasser Saleh MadfoatCom Founder & Executive Chairman
Karim Wali Khoshaim & Associates Partner
Anonymous Sponsors Various Roles

Our Board

The Board of Trustees plays a critical role in guiding the Foundation’s efforts across our target markets. They offer strategic insights into local contexts, help cultivate a strong corporate and executive network, and uphold the highest standards of excellence across all aspects of our Fellowships. Their generous contributions also enable the Foundation’s operations and expansion.

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