Ahmed studied economics at Maastricht University and Montpellier University and also studied human resources at Manchester University.[5] Between 2008 and 2012, Ahmed was UN resident humanitarian and development co-ordinator in Syria. From 2012 to 2014, he occupied the same position in Yemen. In June 2017, the Houthis accused Mr. Ahmed of having abandoned his neutrality and warned him never to come to Yemen again.