He has 4 siblings including his younger brother, Osama Khalifa, who is currently playing #1 for Columbia University Squash.

Growing up, Khalifa first learned to play squash and swim at the age of 8 at Maadi Club in Cairo.

In January 2013, Khalifa enrolled in St. Lawrence University, a small liberal arts college in Canton, New York in the United States.

Khalifa left the PSA Tour in December 2012 and enrolled as an undergraduate student at Saint Lawrence University in Canton, New York in January 2013.

In March 2013, Khalifa won the United States Intercollegiate Individual Squash Championships by defeating senior Todd Harrity from Princeton University in the final match 3 games to 0, at Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut.