Bio
Saqib is COO and co-founder at A47 AI, where he runs operations and leads the prediction-markets initiative. He covers crypto, Web3, and the decentralization of the sport and entertainment economy.
Editorial Responsibility
As A47's prediction-markets and crypto editor, I am responsible for our coverage of these markets and Web3 — ensuring it is grounded in real product, data, and revenue rather than speculation.
Previous experience · 14+ years
- · WPP Media (GroupM PK, Wavemaker PH)
- · MYCO
- · ARY Digital Network
Education
MBA Marketing, SZABIST
Areas of expertise
Categories overseen
Stories from Saqib Pathan’s desk
8460 stories- Economy· MENA
Saudi Arabia's Operating Revenues Index rises 11.4% year-on-year in May 2026
In May 2026, Saudi Arabia's Operating Revenues Index increased by 11.4% compared to the previous year, indicating strong economic performance in sectors like mining and manufacturing. This growth is attributed to a surge in mining and quarrying activities, which rose by 38.7%, despite a significant decline in building permits issued. The long-term implication suggests potential challenges for future infrastructure development as the construction sector faces setbacks.
3 sourcesJul 23
- Business· UAE
Dubai Future District Fund expands investment portfolio to 30 commitments
The Dubai Future District Fund has announced the addition of eight new investment commitments, increasing its total to 30. This expansion is driven by a strategic focus on venture capital and high-growth start-ups in sectors like PropTech and artificial intelligence, aligning with Dubai's economic agenda. In the long term, this move is expected to enhance Dubai's position as a global hub for innovation and attract further investments in the region.
3 sourcesJul 23
- Economy· MENA
Yemen resumes oil exports after three-year suspension amid ongoing conflict
Yemen has resumed oil exports after a nearly three-year suspension due to the conflict with the Houthi militia. This decision, announced by Presidential Leadership Council Chairman Rashad Al-Alimi, aims to generate revenue for the state budget and improve essential services while calling for national unity. The long-term implication may be a potential stabilization of Yemen's economy, although challenges from the Houthi militia remain significant.
3 sourcesJul 23
- Economy· UAE
UAE Emiratisation initiative surpasses 190,000 Emirati employees in private sector
The number of Emiratis employed in the UAE private sector has exceeded 190,000 as of mid-2026. This milestone is driven by effective government policies and partnerships that have enabled over 32,000 establishments to meet their Emiratisation targets. The long-term implication is a strengthened labor market for Emiratis, contributing to the UAE's sustainable economic development.
4 sourcesJul 23
- Business· UAE
UAE launches first national card scheme Jaywan to enhance financial infrastructure
The UAE has officially inaugurated its first national card scheme, Jaywan, aimed at improving the national payments ecosystem. This initiative is part of the UAE's broader strategy to strengthen its financial services sector and promote financial inclusion. Long-term, the rollout of Jaywan is expected to position the UAE as a leader in innovative financial solutions, aligning with the 'We the UAE 2031' vision for economic growth and digital transformation.
3 sourcesJul 23
- Business· MENA
Riyadh Air orders 34 new widebody aircraft to expand fleet
Riyadh Air has confirmed orders for 34 new aircraft, including 28 Boeing 787 Dreamliners and six Airbus A350-1000 jets. This expansion is part of the airline's strategy to enhance its operational capacity and meet future travel demands as it prepares to serve 100 destinations. The long-term implication is that Riyadh Air is positioning itself for competitive growth in the aviation market, necessitating the development of new routes and airport infrastructure to support its ambitious plans.
3 sourcesJul 23
- Business· UAE
Dubai Chamber of Commerce Launches Kenyan Business Council to Boost Trade Relations
The Dubai Chamber of Commerce has established the Kenyan Business Council to enhance trade and investment relations between Dubai and Kenya. This initiative is driven by the growing economic ties, as evidenced by a significant increase in non-oil trade and active Kenyan companies in Dubai. The long-term implication is expected to be a substantial boost in bilateral trade and investment opportunities, fostering deeper economic partnerships between the two regions.
3 sourcesJul 23
- Economy· UAE
UAE to finalize seven new Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements by 2026
The UAE is set to conclude negotiations for seven new trade partnerships by the end of 2026. This initiative is driven by the country's ongoing efforts to expand its global trade network, having already established 37 Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements. The long-term implication is a strengthened position for the UAE in the global market, attracting more foreign investment and fostering economic growth.
5 sourcesJul 23
- Economy· MENA
Saudi Arabia Leads Global Tourism Revenue Growth in 2025
Saudi Arabia has ranked first globally in tourism revenue growth in the first quarter of 2025. This surge is driven by the success of the Quality of Life Program, which has significantly boosted both domestic and international tourism. The long-term implication is a sustained increase in tourism and urban development, enhancing Saudi Arabia's global standing as a premier destination.
3 sourcesJul 23
- Economy· UAE
UAE launches Jaywan national payment card scheme to enhance financial infrastructure
The UAE has officially rolled out the Jaywan national payment card scheme. This initiative aims to reduce transaction costs and promote financial inclusion for small and medium enterprises, marking a significant step in the country's digital transformation. As Jaywan gains traction, it is expected to reshape the payment landscape and enhance the competitiveness of the UAE's financial sector.
5 sourcesJul 23
- Business· UAE
DP World signs 50-year concession to develop new ports in Fujairah
DP World has signed a 50-year concession agreement to develop the Al Rughailat and Dibba ports in Fujairah, UAE. This strategic move is aimed at enhancing the region's maritime and logistics capabilities, coinciding with the UAE's efforts to bolster its global trade position. The long-term implication is expected to be a significant increase in container handling capacity, attracting investments and improving supply chain efficiency in the region.
5 sourcesJul 23
- Business· World
Disney announces significant layoffs impacting several hundred employees across key divisions
Disney has cut several hundred jobs, particularly affecting Pixar and National Geographic, as part of a broader corporate restructuring. This decision comes in response to ongoing challenges in the media landscape, despite recent successes in its film division. The long-term implication suggests that further layoffs may occur as Disney continues to adapt to market pressures and streamline operations.
3 sourcesJul 23
- Business· World
Moonshot AI advances IPO plans in Hong Kong amid Kimi K3 demand surge
Moonshot AI is preparing for an IPO in Hong Kong, targeting a valuation of $50 billion following a significant increase in annual recurring revenue to $300 million driven by its Kimi K3 product. The immediate trigger for this move is the overwhelming user interest in Kimi K3, which has led to a pause in new subscriptions as existing users engage with the product. In the long term, this IPO could solidify Moonshot AI's position in the competitive AI landscape and attract further investment opportunities.
5 sourcesJul 23
- Crypto· World
Allbridge halts operations after $1.65 million exploit involving flash loan manipulation
Allbridge has paused its services following a significant exploit that resulted in a loss of approximately $1.65 million. The immediate trigger for this halt was an attacker using a flash loan to manipulate asset ratios, allowing for the withdrawal of funds at advantageous rates. This incident highlights the urgent need for enhanced security measures in decentralized finance platforms to prevent future vulnerabilities.
4 sourcesJul 23
- Crypto· World
Bitmine reduces Ethereum purchases to fund $86 million share buyback
Bitmine has announced a significant reduction in its Ethereum purchases while executing an $86 million share buyback, acquiring 5.5 million shares. This strategic shift is driven by the company's goal to increase its stake in Ethereum, now holding 4.8% of the total supply. The long-term implication may influence other companies in the cryptocurrency sector and impact Ethereum's market dynamics as Bitmine adjusts its investment strategy.
4 sourcesJul 23
- Business· World
Strategy Inc. raises $263.5 million through MSTR stock sales while maintaining Bitcoin holdings
Strategy Inc. has raised $263.5 million from the sale of MSTR stock, opting not to acquire additional Bitcoin. This decision reflects a strategic shift towards increasing liquidity, as the company has paused Bitcoin purchases for an extended period. The long-term implication may indicate a focus on future investment opportunities or market strategies as they maintain substantial cash reserves.
3 sourcesJul 23
- Business· World
Bernstein Raises Robinhood Price Target to $160 Amid Prediction Markets Growth
Analysts at Bernstein have increased their price target for Robinhood to $160, driven by anticipated growth in prediction markets revenue. This shift is occurring now as prediction markets are projected to surpass cryptocurrency trading revenue by Q2 2026. The long-term implication is that Robinhood's strategic pivot could redefine its business model and alter the competitive landscape in the trading sector.
3 sourcesJul 23
- Crypto· World
Capital B announces 10-for-1 reverse stock split to attract institutional investors
Capital B, Europe's second-largest Bitcoin treasury company, has announced a 10-for-1 reverse stock split effective September 8, 2026. This strategic move aims to reduce the share count and enhance the appeal of its shares to institutional investors at this critical moment. If successful, this could lead to increased institutional interest and potentially higher stock valuations in the competitive cryptocurrency market.
4 sourcesJul 23
- Crypto· World
Cardano's Van Rossem hard fork transitions mainnet to Protocol Version 11
The Van Rossem hard fork has successfully upgraded Cardano to Protocol Version 11. This historic upgrade, the first to be ratified by the community, aims to significantly reduce smart contract execution costs. The long-term implication is a potential increase in user engagement and trust, paving the way for further scalability improvements with the upcoming Ouroboros Leios upgrade later in 2026.
5 sourcesJul 23
- Crypto· UAE
Tether Gold Gains Regulatory Approval as Accepted Spot Commodity in Abu Dhabi
Tether Gold has been recognized as an Accepted Spot Commodity by the Abu Dhabi Global Market, enhancing its regulatory status. This approval allows financial firms in Abu Dhabi to offer services involving Tether Gold, coinciding with a tripling of its locked value to approximately $2.86 billion over the past year. The long-term implication is a potential increase in the adoption of digital commodities in global finance, influencing regulatory frameworks in other regions.
3 sourcesJul 23