In the heart of the Middle East’s fast-growing Web3 ecosystem, one woman is leading a movement to make crypto accessible for every Arab woman. Zina Ashour, a visionary entrepreneur and founder of Women in Crypto Arabia, is redefining what inclusion looks like in a sector long dominated by men.
From curiosity to conviction
Ashour’s path into the crypto world began unexpectedly. She joined a team developing a fintech solution built on blockchain, at a time when Web3 was still unfamiliar territory in the region.
“I had no idea what blockchain was or how it worked,” she recalls. But the moment she understood the power of decentralization, everything changed. “I realized this is a game changer. I wanted to learn more, and I wanted to be part of this transformation.”
Her curiosity turned into conviction, and later into leadership.
Building a safe space in a male-dominated industry
The crypto world has long been considered a male-dominated space, something Ashour experienced first-hand.
“I was second-guessed many times,” she says. “Women are often underestimated, not only in Web3 but in many industries.”
But instead of internalizing these barriers, she challenged them.
“My approach was always about what I bring to the table, my knowledge, my work, my effort. Not my gender.”
This mindset later inspired her to launch Women in Crypto Arabia, a community that offers women education, mentorship, and confidence to enter the crypto world.
Breaking the accessibility barrier
Ashour’s organization isn’t just a platform, it’s a safe learning space. She focuses on simplifying complex concepts and helping women take their first real steps in crypto.
Her goal isn’t to make every woman a trader, but to equip them with enough understanding to make informed decisions.
“Accessibility is the biggest challenge,” she explains. “Many women think crypto is too technical or too risky. Others assume it’s something their husbands or sons should handle.”
But once given the right tools, everything changes.
Small classrooms, big impact
Ashour’s workshops have become a turning point for hundreds of women.
After nearly every session, she receives messages from participants who feel empowered to step into a world they once found intimidating.
“Some women start investing the very next day,” she says proudly. One recent message moved her deeply:
“I just invested my first $100 in Bitcoin. I wouldn’t have done it without your explanation.”
These moments reaffirm her mission: simplifying crypto is the key to unlocking female participation in the digital economy.
Women, crypto, and work-life balance
One recurring concern Ashour hears from women is the challenge of balancing crypto with family responsibilities.
Her answer is simple: ”You don’t need to spend 24/7 trading.”
For long-term investors, she says, even a few hours a week can be enough.
“Learn, monitor the market, understand your goals. Build for the future, not for overnight gains.”
A new generation of Arab women in Web3
Zina Ashour is not just educating women, she is opening doors that have long been closed in the region. From accessible workshops to supportive community spaces, she is helping shape a future where Arab women are not only participants, but leaders in the Web3 revolution.
Her impact may have started small, but the ripple effect is growing, one workshop, one wallet, one empowered woman at a time.
As she says, “Even small-scale change eventually becomes a larger movement.”
UAE: The regional trailblazer for crypto innovation
When asked about the future of the industry in the UAE, Ashour doesn’t hesitate:
“The UAE is leading the way not only in adoption but in building and regulating the space.”
She highlights the creation of VARA, the world’s first Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority, as a sign of the country’s vision to become a global center for digital assets.
With clear regulations and government support, the UAE is not just riding the Web3 wave, it’s shaping it.
Her message to women: Learn before you leap
Ashour’s advice for women entering the crypto world is straightforward and empowering:
“Give yourself time to learn. Don’t follow hype or trends without understanding what you’re investing in. Knowledge gives confidence, and better decisions.”