Ahmet Emre Kolay was born in 1985 in Adana, Turkey. He graduated from Ankara University Faculty of Law and studied postgraduate-level courses at Erasmus University Rotterdam, Faculty of Law. He also pursued a postgraduate degree in Political Sciences at Ankara University, Faculty of Political Sciences, though not completed.

Throughout his career, he has gained extensive experience in both the public and private sectors as well as with international organizations. He served as Legal Manager for Foreign Operations at Demirören Media Group, handling the international legal affairs of Kanal D International, Dramax, and Kanal D Drama. At TURKSAT, he worked as Legal Counsel, providing strategic legal consultancy for major satellite projects such as TURKSAT 4A-4B and 5A-5B.

He also worked with the Association for Solidarity with Migrants and Asylum Seekers as a field legal consultant, liaising with governmental bodies, NGOs, and international institutions. At different stages of his career, he has provided independent legal consultancy and practiced law. He has also taken part in editorial and organizational responsibilities within the Ankara Bar Association and various international law initiatives.

He is fluent in English (IELTS 7.5; KPDS 98/100) and has working knowledge of German and French. His interests include literature, theatre, cinema, photography, and sports.