Ahmad started his first design studio in 1991 while still studying architecture at the University of Jordan. Since then he has been involved in various pioneering publishing, design and technology ventures in the Middle East, where he assumed leading positions in design, branding, user experience, information technology and internet consulting. Between 1994 and 1998 he was Creative Director for Arabian Communications and Publishing whe he directed the design and production of pioneering magazines, most notably BYTE Middle East and the Arabic edition of Popular Science. In 1996 he was part of the founding team of Arabia.com, the Arab region’s first internet based portal.
His Amman based company, SYNTAX, works with companies as well as governmental, non-governmental and international organizations to create innovate brands, design and user experiences.
In late 2005, Ahmad cofounded TootCorp a new web venture focusing on the potential of self-publishing and user-created media. In November 2006, TootCorp launched Ikbis.com, the first Arab photo and video sharing site, which was described by Newsweek magazine as the Arab YouTube.
Ahmad has spoken at a number of regional and international conferences on the subjects of design, architecture, media and the internet. He is a regular contributing writer in the regional press on issues of design and technology. His writings can be found at www.360east.com where he maintains a blog. His podcast, Mixup Arabia, in which which he talks about media, technology and culture, was the first podcast produced from the Arab region.
Ahmad is also a digital video and audio enthusiast and has produced a number of short videos both for commercial and non-commercial purposes. Following up on his interest in architecture, he became member of Jordan’s Diwan Al Mimar, an architectural forum that convenes in Amman.
He is married to Salua Qidan who is SYNTAX’s other co-founder. Together with their three boys they live in Amman, Jordan.
