As a researcher, Ayari studied international financial and monetary relations, macroeconomic policy,[3] and human development.[4] He was involved in several international research institutions, such as the Economic Research Forum in Cairo. He was also Vice-President of the Tunisian National Advisory Council for Scientific Research and Technology. He was Director General of the Centre d'études et de recherches économiques et sociales [fr] from 1967 to 1969,[5] a member of the scientific council of the Tunisian Foundation for Translation, Preparation of Texts and Studies,[6] a member of the Conseil tunisien de la recherche scientifique et technologique,[7] and an honorary member of the Tunisian Academy of Sciences, Letters, and Arts.[8][9] He was the author of numerous books focusing on economic, financial, monetary, social, and political issues, which were published in French, Arabic, English, and German.