Hatem Dawaghreh
Director of Operations at Scale AI
Leading operations at Scale AI and building Sovereign AI infrastructure for the MENA region.
Intro
I'm Hatem Dawaghreh, currently the Director of Operations at Scale AI. My career has been defined by a passion for the intersection of engineering, strategy, and AI-driven growth. From founding Swivel, an AI platform for student talent, to my current work scaling operations at Scale AI, I've focused on how technology can rewire industries to eliminate inefficiencies. I am particularly passionate about Sovereign AI and building the necessary infrastructure for the MENA region to lead in the global AI landscape. I'm always looking to connect with ambitious talent for our global roles in Dubai and London, or with partners interested in deploying AI systems that deliver measurable performance gains. Whether you're a founder, a student looking to unlock opportunities, or an enterprise leader, I'm eager to explore how we can drive real ROI together.
Networking
What I can offer
- ›Expertise in scaling AI operations
- ›Strategic partnerships for AI deployment
- ›Mentorship and early-access to recruitment platforms for new graduates
What I'm looking for
- ›Talent for roles in Dubai, London, and globally
- ›Strategic partnerships with enterprises in the MENA region
- ›expanding my professional network
- ›exploring mutual opportunities in AI and operations
Best fit for
Focus
Current interests
Core competencies
Background
Career
Progressed from Strategy Analyst and Business Analyst roles to founding an AI recruitment platform, Swivel. Transitioned through Strategy & Operations at DoorDash and IBM before a rapid ascent at Scale AI, moving through five leadership roles in two years.
Education
Degree in Engineering and Mathematics from Queen's University.
Achievements
- ›Part of team that raised $9M for a Sovereign AI Platform in the MENA region
- ›Founded Swivel, onboarding 25+ universities and 35+ startups
- ›Achieved five promotions/role changes within Scale AI in approximately two years
Opinions
- AI should be used to transform data and decisions into measurable performance gains for critical industries
- The Middle East is uniquely positioned for AI leadership due to bold infrastructure and ambitious projects
- AI-native platforms can rewire critical industries to eliminate inefficiencies
Personality
Communication style
Professional, enthusiastic, and mission-driven with a high-energy announcement style.
Formality — 7/10
Vocabulary