Ahmed is a past Curator of the Global Shapers Dubai Hub (an initiative by the World Economic Forum).
In his professional capacity, Ahmed is a Legal Advisor at Freshfields LLP — a leading global law firm. He specialises in investment treaty arbitration, international commercial arbitration, and public international law. He also serves as a Tribunal Secretary.
Ahmed has advised clients in complex, high-value disputes under major arbitration rules including ICSID, UNCITRAL, LCIA, and ICC rules, with seats in London, Geneva, and Dubai.
Prior to joining Freshfields, Ahmed served as a Judicial Fellow to the Honorable Charles N. Brower, a Research Assistant to a member of the International Law Commission (ILC), and as a Research Assistant to the Secretary General of the European Federation for Investment Law and Arbitration (EFILA).
Ahmed has also supported projects at the Bonavero Institute of Human Rights (University of Oxford) and at the Scottish Centre for International Law (University of Edinburgh). He has been published widely and is currently contributing to a monograph on the Iran-United States Claims Tribunal.
Ahmed graduated in European Law (LLB) at the Universities of Maastricht and Edinburgh. He also graduated from the Europaeum Programme in European History and Civilisation (MA) at the Universities of Leiden, Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne, and Oxford (Mansfield College).
Ahmed is trilingual in Arabic, Dutch, and English.
Ahmed’s experience includes advising:
Investment Treaty Arbitration
One of the world’s largest alternative investment management companies on OIC claim considerations for denial of justice against a Middle Eastern State regarding a US$400m real estate project.
A group of Middle Eastern investors in a US$ multi-billion dispute against a North African State under the OIC Agreement, with a focus on enforcement proceedings.
A sovereign investment authority in a high-stakes ad hoc treaty arbitration against a South Asian State on claims worth over US$240m relating to the supply of bauxite.
A Middle Eastern State on investment claims worth US$130m relating to a quarry concession and supply dispute.
A State-owned holding company in relation to claims worth US$100m arising out of a mega-project.
A hospitality conglomerate on investment claims worth US$70m against a North African State relating to a high-profile hotel development.
An insurance company on investment claim considerations against a North African State under the OIC Agreement arising out of the nationalisation of assets in the early 1970s.
An Asian mining conglomerate on initiating ICSID proceedings against an African State.
A Middle Eastern State-owned oil company on MIT and BIT advice for a politically sensitive matter.
One of the world’s largest mining companies on BIT advice in Northwest Africa.
A global investment firm specialising in sustainable infrastructure on termination and sunset clauses in Dutch BITs.
International Commercial Arbitration
A Japanese multinational automobile manufacturer in a London-seated LCIA arbitration concerning expiry and termination disputes relating to a distribution agreement.
A joint venture in a Geneva-seated ICC arbitration concerning payment disputes and disruption claims relating to a major oil and gas facility in the United Arab Emirates.
Public International Law
On extradition treaties between a Middle Eastern State and multiple African States.
An international charity on claims regarding torture in conflict zones (pro bono).
A non-governmental organisation on the negotiations of a new plastics treaty (pro bono).
An international financial institution on women’s economic opportunities (pro bono).