Faisal Saeed Al Mutar was born in Babylon and raised amidst the turmoil of wartorn Baghdad, Iraq. His early life was marked by the chaos of the Iraq Civil War, the heartbreaking loss of his brother to Al Qaeda’s violence, and personal brushes with death. Seeking refuge in the United States in 2013, Faisal has transformed his harrowing experiences into a powerful force for global change. As the architect behind Ideas Beyond Borders, a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming the Middle East by empowering people across the globe with access to new ideas, fresh perspectives, and the resources necessary to start groundbreaking businesses and take ownership of their own lives, Faisal leads an expansive network of over 120 changemakers and translators dedicated to dismantling extremism and authoritarianism by providing a positive alternative.

Under his stewardship, this formidable team has translated over 30 million words of enlightening content, illuminating the path for critical thought and innovation across the Middle East and beyond. Faisal’s leadership has not only fostered a culture of knowledge and open dialogue but has also played a pivotal role in nurturing over 200 small businesses and social initiatives, seeding the ground for tangible, lasting change in the region. An authoritative voice against extremism, Faisal’s extensive travels and engagements at international conferences and university campuses have cast him as a reliable, trusted pioneer in the fight against extremism. His efforts have earned him the prestigious President’s Volunteer Service Award from President Obama and the Beacon Award from the Ellis Island Honors Society. Faisal has been featured on NBC News, The Guardian, Reason Magazine, and The Free Press. He currently serves on the leadership council of the World Liberty Congress.