Women in the Arab World: Pioneers of the Crypto and Fintech Revolution
In an industry that often appears to be dominated by men, women in the Arab world are not only participating in cryptocurrencies but are also redefining their roles in the fintech and blockchain sectors. Despite a 2021 study by the World Economic Forum indicating that women are underrepresented in the blockchain industry, the tides are changing—especially in the Arab region. As the global crypto wave sweeps into the Arab world, with the emergence of startups and companies, more women are stepping into critical roles, emerging as founders, CEOs, and blockchain specialists.
The Rise of Women in Crypto
The landscape of cryptocurrency is evolving, and women are at the forefront of this transformation. As the Arab world embraces digital currencies, women are not just passive participants; they are leading the charge. The rise of female entrepreneurs in this space is a testament to their resilience and vision, as they navigate a traditionally male-dominated industry and carve out their niches.
Dina Samaan – Bahrain
Dina Samaan is a force to be reckoned with in the crypto world. As the founder and Managing Director of CoinMENA, the fastest-growing crypto exchange based in Bahrain, she has made significant strides in providing access to crypto assets in the MENA region. CoinMENA allows users to deposit, trade, and withdraw crypto assets in a “safe, transparent, and regulated” manner. Samaan’s long-standing involvement in the blockchain space positions her as one of the pioneers in the region, making her a key player in the ongoing crypto revolution.
Ola Doudin – United Arab Emirates
Known as the ‘Bitcoin Pioneer’ in the MENA region, Ola Doudin has established herself as a key figure in the cryptocurrency landscape. As the CEO and co-founder of BitOasis, a bitcoin consumer wallet and instant exchange, Doudin has been instrumental in shaping the crypto scene in the UAE since the company’s establishment in 2015. BitOasis is recognized as the largest and most trusted crypto platform in the region, reflecting Doudin’s commitment to fostering a secure and accessible environment for cryptocurrency users.
Salwa Radwi – Saudi Arabia
In Saudi Arabia, Salwa Radwi is bringing NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) to the forefront as the CEO of Nuqtah, the country’s first NFT marketplace. With a passion for building a community of blockchain advocates and art enthusiasts, Radwi aims to enhance Saudi Arabia’s creative economy. Her innovative approach to integrating NFTs into the local market showcases the potential of blockchain technology in transforming traditional sectors.
Iman Mutlaq – Jordan
Iman Mutlaq is a multifaceted entrepreneur, financier, and social activist. As the CEO and founder of INGOT, a consortium of multinational companies offering global crypto services, Mutlaq is dedicated to leveraging blockchain technology to reduce transaction costs and create liquidity. Her vision extends beyond profit; she aims to foster an inclusive financial ecosystem that benefits a broader audience.
Noha Shaker – Egypt
Noha Shaker is making waves in the fintech landscape as the founder and Secretary-General of the Egyptian Fintech Association and the elected Vice President of the African FinTech Network. She is also the founder of TechFin Holding, a company focused on building and investing in financially inclusive businesses. Recognized for her efforts in creating collaborative ecosystems for fintech startups, Shaker was featured in the 2019 FinTech hotlist by Innovate Finance, highlighting her influence on the future of the financial industry.
Raja Al Mazrouei – United Arab Emirates
With over two decades of experience in the financial services sector, Raja Al Mazrouei is a distinguished digital transformation leader. As the Executive Vice President of FinTech Hive, she oversees the region’s first fintech accelerator, driving innovation in the UAE’s digital economy. Al Mazrouei’s expertise in financial and technology sectors has positioned FinTech Hive as a leading contributor to the growth of fintech in the region.
Amber Ghaddar – Lebanon
Amber Ghaddar is the founder of Alliance Block, a company dedicated to building a decentralized finance ecosystem. With a background in Global Investment Research at Goldman Sachs and experience at JP Morgan, Ghaddar brings a wealth of knowledge to the crypto space. She is also a sought-after speaker at prestigious conferences, where she discusses topics such as capitalism and calibrocracy, further solidifying her role as a thought leader in the industry.
A New Era of Empowerment
The emergence of these remarkable women in the Arab world’s crypto and fintech sectors signifies a new era of empowerment and innovation. Their contributions are not only reshaping the industry but also inspiring future generations of women to pursue careers in technology and finance. As they continue to break barriers and challenge stereotypes, these trailblazers are proving that the future of finance is not just male-dominated; it is diverse, inclusive, and full of potential.