Born in Sidon, Lebanon in 1936, he holds a doctorate in psychology from the University of Lyon, France. He worked as a professor of mental health at the University of Bahrain. He earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology from Ain Shams University in Egypt in 1960. In 1964, he traveled to England for a study visit to learn about adaptive childcare and adolescent care institutions, particularly institutional therapy experiences. In 1965, he received a diploma in clinical criminology from the University of Lyon, France, followed by a doctorate in psychology from the same university.