Aimen Dean
EMIR Managing Director & Partner
Aimen Dean is a Managing Director & Partner at EMIR and a globally renowned expert on Middle East geopolitical and security dynamics, anti-counterfeit and anti-illicit trade efforts, regulatory environments, counterterrorism, and Counter-Terrorist Financing (CFT). He excels in providing clients with rarefied information to help them navigate complex challenges.
Aimen works closely with EMIR Partner Paul Cruickshank on a range of assignments for clients. They can deploy field teams throughout the MENA region, Turkey, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and across eastern and western Africa to gather on-the-ground information to address counterfeit goods and illicit trade challenges. Aimen’s extensive expertise focuses on the most challenging and sensitive anti-counterfeit assignments, positioning him as one of the most effective providers in the Middle East.
Originally from Bahrain, Aimen’s upbringing in Saudi Arabia and years in British intelligence lend him a unique perspective and understanding of the Middle East region. He supports various businesses, energy firms, traders, financial entities, and more in making informed decisions in high-risk, high-reward markets, with a particular focus on the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia and other GCC countries. Aimen covers a number of sectors, including energy and defence. He helps multinationals grasp evolving regulatory and political landscapes, identify key stakeholders, potential strategic partners and evaluate new opportunities. His insights shed light on political and security dynamics impacting the Middle East and beyond.
Aimen assists financial organisations, law enforcement, and regulators in identifying, investigating, and tracking illicit finance. He provides tailored training to enhance Counter-Terrorist Financing (CFT) capabilities.
As a former MI6 spy, Aimen previously played a key role in the global campaign against terrorism for the British Secret Intelligence Service, where he was involved in gathering intelligence on al-Qaeda and other extremist groups. He has since consulted for HSBC and several other major private and public entities, providing expert guidance on issues related to international security and counter-terrorism.
Beyond consulting, Aimen is an accomplished author and media personality. His memoir, “Nine Lives: My Time as MI6’s Top Spy Inside al-Qaeda,” has been widely praised for its gripping account of his experiences as a spy. He is also the co-host of the podcast “Conflicted,” which explores the history and politics of the Middle East. The podcast has amassed over five million listeners worldwide and has ranked in the top 25 of all podcasts in the UK Apple Podcasts charts.
As a renowned speaker, Aimen has delivered presentations and keynotes at various forums. He’s shared insights at the International Conference on Counterterrorism in Herzliya, Israel, discussing evolving terrorist threats. He’s addressed New Scotland Yard’s Counter Terrorism Command (SO15) in London, highlighting law enforcement challenges. Aimen also spoke at the NYC Police Department’s Cyber Intelligence & Counterterrorism Conference and the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, sharing experiences with future military leaders.
Aimen’s expertise in international security and counterterrorism is widely recognised. He advocates for intelligence-based analysis against terrorism and aids public/private sectors in effective risk mitigation strategies.