Ali started learning the cello at the age of 9, and after studying music at the High School for Music and Ballet in Baghdad, Iraq, he continued his Cello studies in Russia.

He graduated with a Masters's Degree in Cello Performing and Teaching from the Russian State Academy of Music in Moscow (1996) by Professor Talalay (one of Mr. Rostropovich's students).

Later, Ali joined the Iraqi National Symphony Orchestra as principal cellist. He then moved to Jordan and started teaching Cello, Chamber Music, and the History of Music at the National Music Conservatory and Jordan Academy of Music (Private University).

Ali has performed with overseas orchestras, including the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra (USA) and the European Unity Symphony Orchestra (France). He has performed as a Soloist in Middle Eastern & European Countries and has attended a Master Class in Chamber Music conducted by Mr. Yo-Yo Ma.

Since 2002 Ali has been living in Auckland, New Zealand. He is the head of the Cello Programme at the Music Education Centre, teaches cello at Kristin School and has taught at several other Auckland schools. He has also performed for the Waitakere City Orchestra as principal cellist.

Ali is a member of the Auckland Korean Love & Peace orchestra and has given many solo concerts. In recent years he has given cello lectures in Asian countries.

He is the cello player of Auckland City Strings Quartet and the founder of the Chamber Players of Auckland. Since 2006 Ali has been a member of the Institute Of Registered Music Teachers Of New Zealand.

In addition to his musical skills, Ali holds a Bachelor of Russian Literature and can speak in 3 different languages (Arabic, Russian and English).