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
4368 stories- Business· World
Lufthansa cancels 20,000 flights to address rising jet fuel costs
Lufthansa has announced the cancellation of 20,000 short-haul flights this summer as part of its strategy to mitigate the impact of soaring jet fuel prices. This decision comes amid ongoing discussions among European transport ministers regarding jet fuel shortages and their implications for the airline industry. In the long term, this move may prompt other European airlines to implement similar cost-cutting measures to maintain profitability amidst volatile fuel prices.
4 sourcesApr 22High
- Business· World
Tim Cook announces resignation as Apple CEO effective September 2026
Tim Cook has announced his resignation as CEO of Apple, effective September 2026. This decision comes as Cook's 15-year tenure has been scrutinized for its balance between user privacy advocacy and international concessions. The transition in leadership is likely to influence Apple's future direction, particularly regarding its privacy policies and global market strategies.
3 sourcesApr 22Very High
- Business· World
Karex Bhd plans 20% to 30% price increase for condoms due to Iran war supply chain disruptions
Karex Bhd, the world's largest condom manufacturer, has announced a potential price increase of 20% to 30% in response to supply chain disruptions caused by the ongoing Iran war. The immediate trigger for this decision is the heightened demand and dwindling stock levels faced by customers amid rising freight costs and shipping delays. Long-term implications may include sustained price increases for essential consumer goods as geopolitical tensions continue to affect global supply chains.
3 sourcesApr 22High
- Economy· World
UK Inflation Rises to 3.3% Driven by Petrol Price Surge Amid US-Iran Conflict
UK consumer price inflation accelerated to 3.3% in March 2026, up from 3.0% in February, primarily due to rising petrol and diesel costs. This increase is triggered by the oil price shock resulting from the ongoing US-Iran war, which has disrupted Middle East oil supplies. The long-term implication is that the Bank of England may face increased pressure to adjust monetary policy as it struggles to meet its 2% inflation target.
11 sourcesApr 22Low
- Economy· World
European natural gas prices decline following U.S.-Iran cease-fire extension
European natural gas prices fell as the U.S.-Iran cease-fire was extended. This extension has eased fears of immediate conflict escalation, prompting cautious optimism in some markets. However, ongoing uncertainty regarding the peace talks in Iran continues to loom over the market, influencing investor sentiment and pricing strategies.
3 sourcesApr 22Low
- Economy· World
Oil Prices Rise Over 6% Due to Escalating U.S.-Iran Tensions in Strait of Hormuz
Oil prices surged more than 6% on April 20, 2026, following gunfire incidents and a U.S. seizure of an Iranian tanker in the Strait of Hormuz. The immediate trigger for this spike was the renewed hostilities and the effective closure of the strait, which has disrupted a significant portion of global oil supplies. Long-term implications include potential sustained high oil prices and increased geopolitical tensions in the region as the U.S. maintains its naval blockade and Iran threatens retaliation.
10 sourcesApr 22High
- Economy· MENA
Global Oil Prices Decline Amid US-Iran Peace Talk Anticipation
On April 21, 2026, Brent crude and West Texas Intermediate oil futures fell over 1% as markets anticipated peace negotiations between the US and Iran in Pakistan. This decline was triggered by optimism surrounding a potential ceasefire extension or broader agreement to end the US blockade of Iranian ports, following recent tensions including Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Long-term implications may include fluctuating oil prices and potential stabilization in fuel costs for oil-exporting nations like the UAE, depending on the outcome of the talks.
13 sourcesApr 22Low
- Business· World
Polymarket Negotiates $400 Million Funding at $15 Billion Valuation
Polymarket is in advanced talks to raise $400 million at a $15 billion post-money valuation as of April 20, 2026. This development follows significant investments from Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), which has already invested over $1.6 billion since October 2025 amid a surge in trading volumes. The long-term implication is that this funding could enhance Polymarket's product offerings and market position in the rapidly growing prediction market sector.
6 sourcesApr 22Moderate
- Economy· World
U.S. Energy Secretary Confirms Gasoline Prices Have Peaked Amid Iran War Disruptions
U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright announced that national gasoline prices peaked around April 14, 2026, at $4.02 per gallon, slightly down from the previous week. This declaration follows ongoing disruptions caused by the Iran war, particularly shipping restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz. The long-term implication suggests that gasoline prices may remain elevated above $3 per gallon until 2027, impacting consumer spending and energy policy discussions ahead of the November midterms.
9 sourcesApr 22Moderate
- Business· World
California Attorney General accuses Amazon of price-fixing in antitrust lawsuit
California's Attorney General has filed a legal document alleging that Amazon pressured brands to raise prices on competing retail websites. This accusation is part of an ongoing antitrust lawsuit against Amazon, which was initially filed in 2022 and is set to go to trial next year. The outcome of this case could significantly reshape Amazon's business practices and its relationships with vendors and competitors in the retail sector.
5 sourcesApr 22Moderate
- Business· World
Apple Announces Leadership Transition with John Ternus as New CEO Effective September 2026
Apple Inc. has appointed John Ternus as its new CEO, effective September 1, 2026, succeeding Tim Cook who will become executive chairman. This decision follows extensive succession planning amid challenges such as AI competition and regulatory pressures, reflecting the board's confidence in Ternus's leadership. The transition is expected to ensure operational continuity and innovation as Apple navigates a rapidly evolving tech landscape.
63 sourcesApr 22Very High
- Business· World
Devin Nunes resigns as CEO of Trump Media & Technology Group amid stock decline
Devin Nunes has stepped down as CEO of Trump Media & Technology Group following a significant drop in the company's stock value. This leadership change is occurring now as the company reevaluates its management strategy in light of ongoing financial challenges. The long-term implication may involve a strategic shift aimed at recovering market confidence and improving the performance of Truth Social.
3 sourcesApr 22Low
- Economy· World
Surge in Global Oil Prices Exceeds $100 Amid Escalating Tensions in Strait of Hormuz
Oil prices have jumped over 5% due to escalating military tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. The immediate trigger for this spike is the recent detention of an Iranian cargo ship by the U.S., raising fears of supply disruptions. Long-term implications suggest that continued instability in the region could lead to further volatility in oil prices and impact global energy markets.
5 sourcesApr 22Low
- Business· UAE
Dubai RTA completes major upgrade of Hessa Street to enhance traffic flow
Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority has completed a significant upgrade to Hessa Street, doubling its capacity to accommodate 16,000 vehicles per hour. This upgrade is driven by the need to alleviate traffic congestion and improve commuting times, reducing travel from 15 minutes to just four minutes. Long-term, this project is expected to enhance the overall efficiency of Dubai's transportation network as the city continues to grow.
4 sourcesApr 22Low
- Business· UAE
Dubai launches 'Work from Park' initiative to promote outdoor remote work
Dubai has introduced the 'Work from Park' initiative, allowing remote work from designated outdoor spaces equipped with modern facilities. This program is being implemented now to enhance work-life balance and encourage the use of public parks for professional activities. In the long term, this initiative could redefine urban work environments and influence future urban planning strategies.
3 sourcesApr 22Low
- Economy· UAE
UAE poultry cartel referred to public prosecution for price-fixing
The UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism has referred a poultry cartel to public prosecution for colluding to fix and manipulate prices. This action follows investigations that revealed the cartel's exploitation of current circumstances to unjustifiably raise poultry prices, violating consumer protection laws. The long-term implication is a strengthened regulatory framework aimed at preventing anti-competitive practices across various sectors in the UAE.
5 sourcesApr 22Low
- Economy· World
Oil prices rise over 5% amid U.S.-Iran tensions and Strait of Hormuz disruptions
Oil prices surged by more than 5% due to escalating tensions between the United States and Iran, particularly following the detention of an Iranian ship and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. This spike reflects immediate fears of potential disruptions to global oil supplies. Long-term, continued geopolitical instability in the region may lead to further fluctuations in oil prices and market volatility.
3 sourcesApr 22Moderate
- Economy· MENA
Saudi Arabia raises Saudization rate to 60% for marketing and sales roles
Saudi Arabia has implemented a new policy raising the Saudization rate to 60% for marketing and sales roles, effective April 19, 2026. This decision aims to enhance job opportunities for Saudi nationals in the private sector, particularly in marketing and sales professions. The long-term implication is a significant shift in the employment landscape, potentially leading to increased local employment and further regulatory changes in the future.
3 sourcesApr 22High
- Business· UAE
Dubai rental market shows stability with AED32.2 billion in contracts in Q1 2026
Dubai's rental market has demonstrated stability in the first quarter of 2026, with a total value of rental contracts reaching AED32.2 billion. This stability is attributed to strong regulations and a significant number of new rental contracts, alongside a decrease in cancellations. The long-term implication suggests continued growth and investor confidence in Dubai's real estate sector.
4 sourcesApr 22Low
- Economy· MENA
Libya signs first unified national budget in over a decade
Libya has signed its first unified national budget for 2026, marking a significant milestone in its economic recovery. This event is triggered by the need for enhanced economic coordination between the country's eastern and western factions, supported by ten countries including Saudi Arabia and the UAE. If successfully implemented, this budget could lead to improved political stability and economic growth in Libya over the long term.
5 sourcesApr 22Low