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Sarah Toukan
Co-Founder - Chief Product Officer at Ziina (YC W21)
Sarah Toukan is a prominent figure in the fintech industry, serving as the Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer of Ziina, a peer-to-peer payment application based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Established in 2020 alongside her brother Faisal Toukan and Andrew Gold, Ziina has quickly emerged as a significant player in the financial technology sector, particularly noted for being the UAE's first licensed app that allows users to send and receive payments using just a phone number, without the need for traditional banking details like IBAN or SWIFT codes.134
Educational Background
Sarah holds a Bachelor of Science with Distinction and a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Stanford University, where she graduated with a concentration in product development. Her education also includes a minor in Economics.15 During her studies, she was involved in various projects that emphasized user-centric product development, which has influenced her approach in her current role at Ziina.
Professional Journey
Before co-founding Ziina, Sarah gained experience in various roles:
- Client Success Manager at Property.Works in London.
- Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer at Ferdos, where she developed a high-end food brand.
- Internships at Schlumberger, focusing on mechanical engineering.15
At Ziina, she is instrumental in shaping the product strategy and ensuring that the platform meets user needs effectively. The app has been recognized for its innovative approach to simplifying financial transactions within the Middle East, allowing users to interact socially while managing their finances.25
Recognition and Impact
Sarah's contributions to the tech landscape have not gone unnoticed; she was listed among the top women leaders in technology in the Middle East by Forbes Middle East. Under her leadership, Ziina has raised significant funding, totaling over $9 million, and is poised for expansion into other markets such as Saudi Arabia and Jordan.45
In addition to her professional achievements, Sarah is fluent in Arabic and English and has limited proficiency in French. Her work continues to influence how digital payments are perceived and utilized across the region.14


