Ahmad took college courses in electronics, before enrolling at Concordia University for two years where he studied statistics.[1] He worked as a cab driver in London, Ontario and took lessons towards a pilot's license after a friend suggested there was money to make in air taxis between Montreal, Ottawa and Toronto. He flew a Cessna trainer for five hours, before dropping the program due to his fear of heights.[1][2] He received his formal Canadian citizenship in 1986.[1]