• AN NGO INVITING THE WORLD’S BEST & BRIGHTEST INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS TO EXPERIENCE THE REAL SAUDI ARABIA

  • THE KINGDOM IS CHANGING

    What is Gateway KSA?

    Gateway KSA throws open the door to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, giving today’s best and brightest students the chance to experience this evolving global powerhouse from a unique perspective.

    Successful applicants spend nine intensive days exploring the country together, encountering everything from millennia-old archaeological sites to cutting-edge science and research facilities. Combining open discussions, lectures, reading and site visits, Gateway KSA offers students a multifaceted approach to learning, driven by authentic, real world experiences.

    Participants have the opportunity to interact with both Saudis and local internationals, discussing everything from history, literature and scientific progress to geopolitics, Islam and the future of energy. The goal of this fully funded tour is to foster understanding and two-way connections between international students and future influencers in the Kingdom and abroad.

  • CONNECT TO OPPORTUNITY
    Who is Gateway KSA for?
    We’re looking for the influencers, policymakers and leaders of tomorrow. Young men and women who can see beyond today’s headlines and tweets to imagine and shape a future of openness, collaboration and innovation together.

    The program invites a small and diverse cohort of exceptional students from elite universities to undertake a personal learning journey. Along the way, participants connect deeply with peers from around the world while developing friendships and contacts within the Kingdom.

    Gateway KSA offers a unique opportunity for next-generation leaders to engage firsthand with Saudis uncovering a world of both tradition and transition, and challenging each other to learn more about themselves and this vibrant country’s ambitious young population.
  • TACKLE PREJUDICE
    WITH KNOWLEDGE
    Key areas of discovery
    Click the hotspots on the map to view the itinerary
  • RIYADH
    Site of heritage, seat of power
    The Kingdom’s capital balances the inevitable glass and steel of a modern metropolis with the elegance of grand marbled mosques. This global city is also home to the Diriyah district’s UNESCO World Heritage Site as well as Gateway KSA’s partner, the King Faisal Center.

    Our historical focus takes in King Abdul Aziz Palace and Masmak Fort—storied birthplace of modern Saudi Arabia.
  • AL'ULA
    Ancient oasis of wonder
    A key stop on the Incense Route, this 2000-year-old city was built by the remarkable Nabataeans and includes Mada’in Saleh, an archaeological marvel carved out of sheer sandstone. The mysterious tribe made it their second city after Raqmu (now Petra) in Jordan. Mada’in Saleh is less famous but no less spectacular.

    A wonderful experience, exploring the extraordinary canyons on a dawn safari, later setting up camp in the desert.
  • JEDDAH
    Open and looking forward
    A hub of commerce and gateway to Islam’s holiest city, Mecca, the Kingdom’s second city is renowned for its more relaxed culture as befits a seaside resort. Recently, the city has also won global plaudits for research through the King Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST), home to a marine sanctuary.

    As well as KAUST and the Al-Tayebat Museum of civilisation, a boat trip and snorkelling reveal the Red Sea’s beauty.
  • DAMMAM
    Nexus of the energy industry
    In the mid-twentieth century, after oil fields were discovered, the city was at the centre of the state’s building boom. It remains a major centre for the industry and a key location for Saudi Aramco, the most valuable company in the world.

    Students visit Aramco’s King Abulaziz Center for World Culture which aims to energise the knowledge economy, witness the remarkable work Aramco is doing in renewable energy and visit the oil fields themselves. The trip also includes trip to Scitech, a science and technology centre encouraging future innovation.
RIYADH
AL'ULA
JEDDAH
DAMMAM
  • APPLICANTS
    Gateway KSA works in collaboration with a number of carefully selected universities and organisations across the world to deliver each of our programs. We are currently only able to offer trips to students and members of the following universities and organisations:
    APPLY HERE
    We are always looking to expand the reach of the Gateway KSA program so do check back regularly as your university or organisation may be added soon.
    UNIVERSITIES
    Harvard
    Stanford
    Georgetown
    Yale
    Princeton
    MIT
    California Institute of Technology
    Cornell University
    Columbia University

    University of Toronto

    ETH Zurich
    ORGANISATIONS
    Singularity University
    National Council on U.S.- Arab Relations
    Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes
    London film academy
    University of Cambridge
    Imperial College London
    King's College London
    Oxford
    London School of Economics

    Tsinghua University
    National University of Singapore

    Melbourne University
    Australia National University
  • The GATEWAY Program
    This program offers students key areas of exploration including Saudi Vision 2030, oil and renewable energy, women’s rights and Islam.
  • His Majesty
    King Faisal Program
    The King Faisal program is for aspiring statesman/women and diplomatic leaders focusing on Saudi’s geo-political role in the region and internationally.
  • His Majesty
    King Salman Program
    The King Salman program invites exemplary young leaders committed to solving the world’s pressing problems and inspiring those around them to create a better world.
  • HRH Prince Mohammed
    bin Salman Program
    The HRH MBS program is for enterprising young visionaries that are dedicated to a sustainable future through their innovation, entrepreneurship and leadership.
  • HRH Prince Turki
    Al Faisal Program
    The HRH Prince Turki Al Faisal program has a strong focus on Saudi’s national Security and Intelligence and combating the threat of terrorism globally.
  • Business Program
    The Business Program invites Business school students to discover the business opportunities in the Kingdom and build synergies with the local business community.
  • Cultural Program
    The Cultural program brings together leaders in film, music, and arts and immerses them with Saudi culture to advance cross-cultural creativity.
GENERAL PROGRAMS
DISTINGUISHED PROGRAMS
• The GATEWAY Program
• His Majesty King Faisal Program
• His Majesty King Salman Program
• HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman Program
• HRH Prince Turki Al Faisal Program
• Business Program
• Cultural Program
  • OPENING THE DOOR
    TO POSSIBILITY
    The organisations behind Gateway KSA
    The complete trip is free for those accepted, made possible by Iyadine and the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies (KFCRIS).
    Iyadine works with aspirational governments, businesses, NGOs and non-profits that believe in the potential to create change and spark purpose-driven movements through strategic communication initiatives. Driven by the millennial generation, Iyadine creates projects that solve real problems.
    KFCRIS supports and develops research and studies that spread King Faisal’s vision by expanding knowledge on topics such as Islamic studies, politics, sociology and heritage. The centre has become a regional focal point for cultural and intellectual enlightenment.
  • NELLEKE VAN ZANDVOORT-QUISPEL
    Founder & CEO
    Nelleke is a Dutch & Australian national and a Melbourne University & Kings College graduate in Media & Communications. She began her career working for the holding company of Formula E, managing investor relations and marketing initiatives. She went on to work for a London based Hedge fund and Private Equity firm before conceiving Gateway KSA. Now as founder and CEO, she oversees all aspects of the initiative and is dedicated to driving its success.
    HRH Prince Turki Al Faisal Al Saud currently serves as the Chairman of the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic studies, and as partner in the Gateway KSA initiative. He was previously director general of the Saudi Intelligence Agency and subsequently served as Ambassador to the United Kingdom and USA.
    HRH PRINCE TURKI AL FAISAL AL SAUD
    Chairman of the King Faisal Center
    EXECUTIVE TEAM
  • KASHYA NATHAN
    COO
    Kashya is Malaysian by origin, but spent most of her life living abroad. She was educated in Switzerland and holds a Bachelor in International Relations and Masters in International Business. She has extensive experience leading projects for an INGO in financial inclusion and NGO in the Health Care sector. She currently serves as COO for Gateway KSA.
    HRH currently serves as the Chairman of the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic studies, and as partner in the GatewayKSA initiative. He was previously director general of the Saudi Intelligence Agency and subsequently served as Ambassador to the United Kingdom and USA.
    HRH PRINCE TURKI AL FAISAL AL SAUD
    Chairman of the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic studies
    EXECUTIVE TEAM
  • BE PART OF THE CHANGE
    Get in touch
    Gateway KSA supports Saudi Arabia’s 2030 Vision by cultivating grassroots activity around the world, helping change the perception of the Kingdom among those who can most influence the future.

    If you see your purpose as connecting people and shaping the conversation, we’d like to hear from you.

    More details on the applications process coming soon.
    info@gatewayksa.com
    APPLY HERE