Bassel is the Chief Business Officer at Careem, where he leads strategic partnerships, corporate development, value creation, and business development. He also oversees Careem Ads and the company’s Corporate Affairs, playing a key role in shaping growth initiatives and external relationships across the region.

Since joining Careem in 2016 as one of its earliest management hires, Bassel has been at the forefront of the company’s expansion journey. He initially held the position of Vice President of Business Development and Government Relations, managing strategic partnerships and corporate sales across the region while working closely with governments to develop favorable regulatory frameworks. He later became Managing Director of Verticals, where he led Careem’s flagship businesses - Food and Groceries - while also overseeing additional ventures such as Box, Shops, and Bike. Among his notable achievements is the co-creation and launch of Hala, the world’s first ride-hailing public-private joint venture between a tech company and a government transport authority (Careem and Dubai’s RTA), setting a global precedent in smart mobility collaboration.

Through his work at Careem, Bassel aims to create an impact on people’s lives, support organizations, and drive tech-leading initiatives in the region he proudly calls home, all while embracing the company’s purpose and people.

Raised in the UAE, Bassel has over a decade of experience in management consulting and investment management, having worked with firms across the Middle East and the United States. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from Purdue University and an MBA from Harvard Business School.

Outside of work, Bassel is an avid sports enthusiast with a particular love for basketball - both on and off the court.