Yusuf bin Alawi studied and worked in Kuwait. In 1970 he met Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said for the first time, shortly after his take-over. Alawi had been a dissident and associated with a Dhofar secession movement against the current Sultan's father. However, once Sultan Qaboos acceded power, he encouraged Omani dissidents to come out of overseas exile and assist in the rebuilding of Oman. In the period between 1973 to 1974 Yusuf bin Alawi occupied an ambassador role in Beirut.