Now building: Honest Headlines

About me

I'm Ahmed, a builder and foresight thinker based in London. I work at the intersection of cities, technology, and society — helping large organisations think about the future while building products that try to change it.

My background spans architecture, urban design, and digital strategy. I studied at UCL and Loughborough, and have since spent years helping governments and global institutions navigate digital transformation — from a 30-year parliament roadmap to smart city masterplans in the Gulf.

I build on the side because waiting for the future to arrive isn't enough. Right now: Honest Headlines, which makes the bias in the news visible, and Somali Words, which is trying to prevent an entire language from disappearing.

What I do

Building

Founding products from concept to market. Currently: Honest Headlines (media bias detection) and Somali Words (endangered language digitisation).

Strategy & Digital Infrastructure

Advising cities, governments, and large organisations on digital transformation, smart infrastructure, and data governance.

Foresight

Thinking about where cities, AI, and society are heading — and what it means for how we build.

Background

Founder, Honest Headlines

'26

Chrome extension surfacing media bias and framing in real-time. From concept to production-ready in under a month.

Business Development Specialist, Jacobs

'25

Cities and Places Growth Group. Led AI-powered tender automation tool identifying £6M+ in opportunities in its first month.

Smart Places Consultant, Jacobs

'21

Digital strategy and smart city projects across the UK, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and India. Clients include UK Parliament, Adani Group, and GCR.

Co-Founder, Somali Words

'20

Built the first open-source, AI-powered directory for the Somali language. 10,000+ community members across four continents.

Planning Consultant, WSP

'20

Urban planning and development across the UK.

Architectural Designer, AECOM

'17

Embassy renovations for the FCO, luxury destinations on the Red Sea, and residential towers in London.