Meet the Crew: Mohannad Ali, Director of Middle East Operations

Meet Mohannad Ali, our Director of Operations in the Middle East.

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The product of yet another of Privateer's wildly diverse personal stories, Mohannad — a speaker of four languages — arrived after extensive time as a cultural advisor and interpreter for the U.S. government and military in multiple Middle East locales. His deep experience and relationships across the region fuel his work, connecting with local leaders and joining Privateer's capabilities to regional priorities and needs.

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In this conversation, Mohannad shares his fascinating background, his hope for what Privateer's technology can bring to the future of the Middle East, and what matters most to him in work and in life.

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How would you summarize your background and what all the time leading up to your joining Privateer looked like?
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I began my career in 2004 at a young age, working as an interpreter with the U.S. Marine Corps in Fallujah and Ramadi during some of the most intense periods of the Iraq conflict. I quickly rose to become second in command and the lead interpreter for AEGIS in Baghdad. In that role, I was responsible for escorting senior U.S. Army Corps of Engineers personnel, including majors, colonels, and generals, on critical site surveys across Iraq.
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After immigrating to the United States, I continued serving in key roles as a cultural advisor and interpreter for various U.S. military units and government agencies. My work took me across Syria, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia. I also served as a cultural advisor and linguist for the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad with the Office of Security Cooperation Iraq, supporting strategic communications and high-level coordination efforts. My entire career has been rooted in cross-cultural communication, operational readiness, and facilitating high-stakes engagements in complex environments.

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What made you interested in Privateer and why/how did you join? How has the transition been?
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My journey with Privateer began with my best friend Mike Moreno. His passion for the company’s mission and vision made a lasting impression on me. His stories about the culture and innovative work happening here sparked a genuine interest in joining the team.
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Since joining, the experience has been deeply rewarding. Privateer’s commitment to responsible space exploration and cutting-edge technology has created a culture that feels both inspiring and empowering. Every day, I’m surrounded by brilliant minds who care deeply about what they do. It’s an environment that pushes me to grow and contribute at the highest level.

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What does your role at Privateer focus on?
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As the Director of Operations for the Middle East, I oversee and manage initiatives that strengthen our presence and relationships across the region. I work closely with our liaisons on the ground to ensure our goals are aligned with local priorities and regional needs. My day-to-day consists of managing coordination between teams, facilitating communication with our partners, and ensuring that we deliver on our capabilities with precision and integrity. I also invest time in building relationships and developing trust with stakeholders, which is essential to the long-term success of our work in the region.
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Looking ahead, I see enormous potential for Privateer across the Middle East. There is a growing interest in space innovation, and our technology can meet some of the region’s most pressing challenges. From environmental monitoring to data infrastructure, our solutions can bring measurable impact. My goal is to continue expanding our footprint in a way that builds real value for local communities and strengthens our global reach.

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What do you think is the benefit to the region and relevant industries from Privateer's expansion into the Middle East?
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The impact could be transformational. By bringing our advanced sea-to-space data technology into the region, we can help address critical challenges in industries such as agriculture, energy, and environmental management. Our services can potentially improve infrastructure planning, optimize resource use, and enhance emergency response systems.
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Beyond the practical benefits, this expansion also creates exciting opportunities for collaboration. By positioning the region as a space tech research and innovation hub, we can support local talent, create jobs, and inspire the next generation of engineers, scientists, and visionaries. Most importantly, it’s a chance to build sustainable partnerships that benefit the region and the global space community.

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What are the things that are most important to you in life and in the work you do?
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Family is the foundation of everything I do. They give me purpose, strength, and a reason to keep growing. Their support reminds me why meaningful work matters and why I always strive to lead with integrity.
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That same mindset guides my work at Privateer. I’m passionate about space sustainability and using technology to do good. Whether I’m collaborating on a new initiative or helping build out operations in a new region, I always keep the long-term impact in mind. The work we do is more than technical—it’s about shaping a better future for all of us. Balancing my commitment to my family with the mission we’re pursuing at Privateer keeps me grounded and inspired. It drives me to build not just a career, but a legacy that reflects my values.

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What are your hobbies and interests?
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Outside of work, I genuinely enjoy spending quality time with close friends. Whether sharing a good meal, exploring new places, or catching up over great conversation, those moments keep me grounded and recharged. I also have a passion for marksmanship and regularly visit the shooting range. I find focus and discipline in that environment. It challenges me to stay sharp and present and gives me space to clear my mind and reflect.

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These things keep me connected, centered, and ready to bring my best to everything I do at work and at home.

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