Alex Ray

Founder of Between Deserts Consulting, Alex Ray has studied, worked and lived in Lebanon, Jordan and Syria since 2009.

He holds undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in Arabic and Islamic Studies and Geography (University of Sydney)and Middle East Studies (Australian National University) respectively.

He has over three years experience in program management, public relations, stakeholder engagement, Arabic-English translation and editing, and research and report writing. This includes experience working with Western universities, international NGOs, embassies and high-profile stakeholders.

Based between, Jordan, Lebanon, and Europe, Between Deserts Consulting is the result of Alex’s passion for improving intercultural understanding between the West and the Arab world.

“Through extensive on-the-ground engagement and study Alex has built up a nuanced and pragmatic understanding of the Levant region. I have benefited from his perspectives and insights on several occasions when seeking additional perspectives on complex issues and their context.”

– Lee Rhiannon, Greens Senator for New South Wales

In his capacity as program coordinator for the Changing Lives Program, it has been our pleasure to work with Alex Ray on our study tours for Australian journalism students to Jordan. Alex is professional, meticulous and thorough, and his attention to detail ensures that complex events run smoothly. Organising a program remotely from overseas can be extremely stressful but having Alex as a point of contact provides peace of mind.

– Dr Scott Bridges, Managing Director, Australia-Middle East Journalism Exchange