He studied Arabic literature at Baghdad University. This year he will start a PhD programme at SOAS, University of London. He published the following books: Sawad Basiq (High Darkness), collection of poems, 2001, Beirut, (in Arabic); Semiotic Trends in the Critique of Arabic Poetry, 2002 Cairo, 2009 Baghdad (in Arabic); Mahafat Alwahm (A Chariot of Illusion), collection of poems, 2009, Beirut, (in Arabic); and A Chariot of Illusion, selection of poems translated into English, 2009 London, Af’a Gilgamesh (Gilgamesh’s Snake), collection of poems, 2012, Beirut, (in Arabic) which is now being translated into English by John Glenday; Al-Khitab (Discourse, by Sara Mills), 2012, Beirut; Translating Sayyab into English (London, 2013). He has taken part in Erbil, Reel and Wigtown festivals.