The cryptocurrency world is witnessing a remarkable transformation, with Arab women taking center stage in shaping its future. These pioneering figures are making significant contributions to the crypto market, blockchain technology, and digital art. Their innovative approaches and leadership are causing a revolution in the way we perceive and interact with digital currencies and assets in the global economy.
This article shines a spotlight on four exceptional Arab women who are leaving their mark on the crypto scene. From groundbreaking developments in NFTs to establishing successful cryptocurrency exchanges, these visionaries are paving the way for others to follow. Their stories showcase the growing influence of women in the crypto business and highlight the diverse opportunities available in this ever-changing digital world.
Salwa Radwi: Revolutionizing Digital Art
At just 26 years old, Salwa Radwi has become a trailblazer in Saudi Arabia’s digital art scene. Her journey began a decade ago when she became one of the youngest Saudi artists to have a photograph displayed in the British Museum. This early success set the stage for her groundbreaking venture into the world of NFTs.
Salwa Radwi’s Creation of Nuqtah
In 2021, Radwi launched Nuqtah, Saudi Arabia’s largest NFT marketplace. This platform allows local artists to create and sell digital NFTs based on their artworks. Nuqtah has secured pre-seed funding from Middle East tech investors Shorooq Partners and Sanabil 500, positioning it to become the leading provider of NFT infrastructure in the region.
Salwa Radwi’s Impact on Arab Artists
Radwi’s vision extends beyond just creating a marketplace. She dedicates significant time to educating the Saudi market about NFTs’ potential. Nuqtah runs regular workshops for artists and galleries, helping them understand and leverage this new technology. Her efforts are particularly focused on bringing traditional artists, such as women from the Asir region, into the digital age, preserving their unique art forms for future generations.
Dina Samaan: Breaking Barriers in Crypto Exchange
Dina Samaan’s career trajectory
Dina Samaan’s entrepreneurial spirit emerged early in her career. She gained valuable experience scaling ventures in her family’s real estate business. In 2015, Samaan worked closely with the founding team of the region’s first cryptocurrency exchange, laying the groundwork for her future endeavors in the crypto world.
Dina Samaan’s role at CoinMENA
As Managing Director and Co-founder of CoinMENA, Samaan has established a pioneering digital-assets trading platform in Bahrain. CoinMENA caters to investors in the Middle East and North Africa, offering a secure, compliant, and user-friendly platform. The company adheres to stringent regulatory standards, ensuring transparency and compliance with local laws.
Dina Samaan’s advocacy for crypto adoption
Samaan actively promotes crypto education and awareness. CoinMENA launched a free web learning platform with extensive resources on bitcoin, crypto, and financial literacy. She frequently shares insights through thought leadership pieces and participates in industry events. Samaan’s efforts have earned her recognition, including a spot on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list for 2021.
Ola Doudin: Pioneering Crypto Trading in the Middle East
Ola Doudin’s early crypto involvement
Ola Doudin, born and raised in Jordan, began her career with a passion for technology and engineering. After earning a degree in the UK, she left her IT risk advisor role at Ernst & Young to pursue entrepreneurial ventures. Her interest in Bitcoin and crypto assets grew as she explored various payment models.
Ola Doudin’s achievements with BitOasis
In 2015, Doudin co-founded BitOasis, which has become the Middle East’s largest regional digital asset platform. The company has experienced remarkable growth, with a trading volume exceeding $5 billion and 700,000 user signups. BitOasis now offers trading in over 40 digital currencies and caters to institutional investors.
Ola Doudin’s vision for regional crypto growth
Doudin believes cryptocurrency can reshape transactions, savings, and investments. She actively promotes crypto education and awareness in the Middle East. With a $30 million Series B funding, BitOasis aims to expand into emerging markets in MENA, Pakistan, Turkey, Africa, and Asia over the next five years.
Iman Mutlaq: Empowering Through Crypto Education
Iman Mutlaq’s background in finance
Iman Mutlaq, a Jordanian entrepreneur and financier, began her journey in business at a young age. She established an export-import business at 18 and entered the financial industry at 27, covering the Middle East and North Africa regions. Mutlaq founded Sigma Investments, a Jordan-based financial consultancy firm, and INGOT Coin, showcasing her expertise in the financial sector.
Iman Mutlaq’s role at INGOT Broker
As the CEO and Founder of Ingot Group, Mutlaq leads the creation of the first blockchain-based ecosystem in the MENA region. She directs Ingot Consultation Bahrain, a financial services provider focusing on the MENA region since 2015. The company enables trading on global currencies, precious metals, and helps clients access foreign exchange markets.
Iman Mutlaq’s efforts in crypto awareness
Mutlaq is at the forefront of crypto education and awareness in the Middle East. She believes Bitcoin has the potential to become more important than any other currency. Under her leadership, INGOT Brokers began offering Bitcoin trading opportunities to clients from June 2015. Mutlaq’s efforts in empowering future professionals and raising awareness about cryptocurrencies have positioned her as a visionary in the fintech space.
The remarkable achievements of these Arab women in the cryptocurrency world showcase the growing influence of female leadership in this cutting-edge industry. Their groundbreaking initiatives, from creating NFT marketplaces to establishing successful crypto exchanges, are causing a revolution in how we interact with digital assets. These visionaries are not just making their mark; they’re paving the way for others to follow, proving that innovation knows no gender or geographical boundaries.
What’s more, these women are going beyond business success to champion education and awareness about cryptocurrencies in their regions. Their efforts to spread knowledge and empower others with financial literacy are crucial steps to broaden crypto adoption. As the crypto landscape continues to evolve, the contributions of these Arab women will undoubtedly play a key role in shaping its future, inspiring a new generation of innovators and leaders in the process.
