Personal Information

Summary

I am an AI Transformation Leader with over 20 years of experience across AI, digital transformation, and software engineering, helping organizations design and scale smart, user-focused digital platforms that deliver real business and customer value.

I am a Certified AI Transformation Leader (CAITL™), TOGAF® Certified Enterprise Architect, and Professional Scrum Master, with deep hands-on expertise in Generative AI, LLMs, cloud-native architectures, and AI-driven automation. I specialize in turning emerging AI capabilities into production-ready, governed, and scalable solutions.

Currently, I serve as Smart Solutions Development Manager at Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University (HBMSU), where I lead cross-functional teams delivering enterprise-wide digital and AI initiatives across smart learning and institutional platforms. My role spans strategy, architecture, delivery, and execution, working closely with executive stakeholders to align technology with organizational priorities.

I have led AI-driven modernization programs, unified fragmented systems, introduced Agile and DevOps practices at scale, and built high-performing teams capable of delivering complex platforms in regulated environments. My focus is on practical AI adoption, platform scalability, and sustainable digital transformation.

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Work Experience

2022 - Present

Smart Solutions Development Manager | AI, Digital Transformation & Platforms

Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University , Dubai, United Arab Emirates

  • Own and lead enterprise-wide AI and digital transformation initiatives across smart learning, academic, and institutional platforms.
  • Define technical strategy and architecture for AI-powered platforms, cloud-native systems, and integrated digital solutions.
  • Lead the design and rollout of Generative AI and LLM-based solutions, moving initiatives from experimentation to production-ready, governed deployments.
  • Drive cloud adoption and platform modernization, unifying fragmented systems into scalable and resilient architectures.
  • Establish and scale DevOps, CI/CD, and Agile delivery practices across multiple teams and product streams.
  • Build, mentor, and lead high-performing cross-functional teams spanning engineering, AI, cloud, and product.
  • Own end-to-end delivery of complex mobile and web platforms, from discovery and architecture through deployment and optimization.
  • Partner closely with executive stakeholders and business leaders, translating strategic objectives into executable technology roadmaps.
  • Oversaw delivery execution and vendor partnerships, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and delivery commitments.
  • Ensure compliance with data security, accessibility, and governance standards within regulated education environments.

2014 - 2022

Senior Software Engineer | Scrum Master | Cloud, Platforms & Agile Delivery

Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University , Dubai, United Arab Emirates

  • Played a key technical and delivery leadership role in the evolution of core university platforms.
  • Led technical execution and architecture design for web and mobile solutions with a focus on scalability and maintainability.
  • Acted as Scrum Master and delivery lead, improving collaboration, predictability, and delivery discipline.
  • Introduced and operationalized CI/CD and DevOps practices, enabling more reliable and automated releases.
  • Worked closely with product owners and stakeholders to translate requirements into well-architected solutions.
  • Mentored engineers and junior developers, contributing to a strong engineering culture and skill development.
  • Supported early cloud adoption and platform modernization initiatives, laying the groundwork for enterprise-scale transformation.
  • Served as a bridge between engineering teams and business stakeholders, aligning delivery priorities with organizational needs and constraints.
  • Provided technical and delivery leadership across teams, influencing how solutions were designed, built, and delivered.

2010 - 2014

Software Engineer | Full Stack Developer | PHP, Laravel, JavaScript, API Integration

Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University , Dubai, United Arab Emirates

  • Contributed to the design and development of custom digital platforms supporting academic and administrative functions.
  • Built and maintained full-stack web applications, ensuring performance, security, and scalability.
  • Participated in system architecture design, API integrations, and platform enhancements.
  • Supported continuous system improvement through debugging, refactoring, and optimization.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to deliver reliable, user-focused solutions aligned with business and academic needs.
  • Gained strong experience in end-to-end software development lifecycles, from requirements analysis to deployment and support.
  • Took ownership of small-to-medium enhancements and feature delivery, coordinating with stakeholders and ensuring timely, high-quality releases.

2007 - 2010

Web Developer | E-Learning Solutions Developer

e-TQM College , Dubai, United Arab Emirates

  • Designed and developed web-based and e-learning platforms for online education delivery.
  • Supported the adoption of open-source technologies to accelerate development and reduce dependency on proprietary tools.
  • Implemented responsive UI/UX practices to improve accessibility and cross-device compatibility.
  • Collaborated with academic and technical teams to deliver custom digital learning solutions.
  • Assisted in content digitization and learning platform enhancements, improving usability for learners and instructors.
  • Built a strong foundation in web standards, security awareness, and quality-driven development practices.
  • Supported early-stage platform planning and improvements, contributing ideas to enhance learning workflows and user experience.

Certificates

Dec 2024

TOGAF® Enterprise Architecture Foundation

Validates knowledge and demonstrated competency in the principles and methodologies of Enterprise Architecture. The TOGAF® Enterprise Architecture Foundation certification ensures that the holder has met the industry standards established by The Open Group and has been formally evaluated for their expertise in aligning business objectives with IT strategies. This certification emphasizes a structured approach to enterprise architecture, strategic planning, and the ability to design, implement, and optimize architectural solutions to drive organizational success.
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June 2024

Certified AI Transformation Leader (CAITL™)

Validates experience, knowledge, and demonstrated competency in the technical aspects of Artificial Intelligence. This certification ensures that the holder has met the industry prerequisites established by USAII and has been formally evaluated for their expertise and capability in driving AI-powered initiatives. The CAITL™ certification emphasizes leadership in AI transformation, strategic implementation of AI technologies, and the ability to manage and optimize AI solutions for business and educational environments.
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July 2023

Generative AI with Large Language Models

Demonstrate a foundational knowledge, practical skills, and a functional understanding of how generative AI works
See Credential

April 2020

Professional Scrum Master

Demonstrate a fundamental level of Scrum mastery. PSM certificate holders prove that they understand Scrum as described in the Scrum Guide and how to apply Scrum in Scrum Teams. PSM holders have a consistent terminology and approach to Scrum.
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May 2019

Deep Learning Specialization

The Deep Learning Specialization is designed to prepare learners to participate in the development of cutting-edge AI technology, understand the capability, the challenges, and the consequences of the rise of deep learning. Through five interconnected courses, learners develop a profound knowledge of the hottest AI algorithms, mastering deep learning from its foundations (neural networks) to its industry applications (Computer Vision, Natural Language Processing, Speech Recognition, etc.).
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May 2019

Amazon Web Services (AWS) OTP-AWSD4: Amazon SageMaker

Simplifying Machine Learning Application Development and use Amazon SageMaker to simplify the integration of Machine Learning into production applications.
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Feb 2019

Google Mobile Web Specialist

Requires Developers to pass an online exam on Progressive Web Apps, Website Layout and Styling, Front-end Networking, Accessibility, Performance Optimization and Caching, Testing and Debugging, ES2015 Concepts and Syntax, and Mobile Web Forms.
See Credential

Education

2001 - 2006

Bachelor of Engineering

Information Technology faculty, Damascus University, Syria
Bachelor of Engineering, Artificial Intelligence Dep., Information Technology faculty, Damascus University, Syria.

References

Ehsan Al Rifai

Arabic | Bilingual | Creative Copywriter

I have known Bassel to be associated with countless successful technology development projects in the organization. His work stands out for his dedication and experience in providing niche solutions. Bassel's inviting personality and entrepreneurial qualities made him the team member that uplifts and enables fellow colleagues to achieve never-before goals. I was lucky to have worked with and friended Bassel. He deserves all the best!

Mohannad Henno

Digital & Software Engineering Manager

Bassel is smart and focus software engineer. He is advanced frontend developer and has very good experience in the mobile apps development. His expertise in Drupal development and SEO makes him a rare talent in the Arab world. I am happy to work with you in one team Bassel!

Mohamad Mahjoub

Experienced CISO (IT/OT) | Author | Speaker | YouTuber | Content Creator

Bassel is a talented developer who has an eye on the regular changes affecting Web Applications from the technical as well as from the marketing perspective. I had the chance to work with him for the last three years; I can say that he is a result-oriented, responsible, and the technically sound guy who gets the job fully done. I definitely recommend him.

Yosef Hussain

Web Content Creator

If you are looking for a highly skilled and talented web developer who can understand your needs to the fullest, who can turn your image of your online presence into impressive reality, then seek Bassel's services. You know that if you plan to build your website from ground zero, you would need to hire 5 or 6 professionals, or simply ask him to do it. Indeed, web development is a wide spectrum, but I would say his experience covers almost all aspects of this profession, from coding to SEO optimization. I proudly recommend Bassel for any web development project, no matter how challenging it seems. Well versed in almost all aspects of digital world, He can meet your wildest expectations. Sure.

Moid Ul Hassan

Data Warehouse and Business Intelligence Expert

I have found Bassel as a very hard working person. I always saw him smiling regardless of the extreme pressure at work and times when he has to deliver so many things at the same time.

Skills

AI & Digital Transformation

  • AI & Digital Transformation Strategy
  • Generative AI & LLM Adoption (OpenAI, GPT, Llama, Hugging Face)
  • Prompt Engineering & Conversational AI
  • AI Productization, Production Readiness
  • AI-Driven Workflows & Predictive Analytics

Cloud Platforms & DevOps Enablement

  • Cloud Strategy & Platform Modernization
  • Cloud-Native & Scalable Systems Design
  • DevOps Enablement & CI/CD Strategy
  • Containerized & Distributed Architectures
  • API-First & Service-Oriented Architectures (REST, GraphQL)

Software Engineering & Architecture

  • Enterprise & Solution Architecture (TOGAF®)
  • Platform Engineering & System Integration
  • Backend Foundations (Python, PHP, Node.js, Laravel, MySQL, SQLite)
  • Frontend Foundations (JavaScript (ES6+), HTML5, CSS3, React, Next.js)
  • Digital Platforms & Learning Systems

Leadership, Delivery & Governance

  • Engineering & AI Team Leadership
  • Cross-Functional Delivery Ownership
  • Agile, Scrum & Scaled Delivery Models (PSM Certified)
  • Stakeholder & Executive (C-Level) Engagement
  • IT Governance, Compliance & Risk Management