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
8486 stories- Economy· World
Japan's government pressures pension fund to increase domestic investments
Japan's largest public pension fund is being urged to enhance its investments in domestic assets. This push comes from Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama, aiming to stimulate the local economy amidst recent positive market responses. However, the fund's strict asset allocation rules may hinder immediate changes, potentially complicating government efforts to boost economic growth.
3 sourcesJul 13
- Business· World
Xavier Niel acquires 16% stake in Vodafone becoming largest shareholder
Xavier Niel has purchased a 16% stake in Vodafone for £4.4 billion, making him the company's largest shareholder. This acquisition follows the exit of the Emirati telecoms group e&, which sold its entire shareholding in Vodafone. Niel's investment is expected to influence Vodafone's management and operational strategies in the competitive telecom market.
4 sourcesJul 13
- Business· World
German automakers face steep sales declines in China amid rising local competition
Major German car manufacturers, including Volkswagen and BMW, reported significant sales drops of 30% to 41% in China during the second quarter of 2026. This decline is driven by weakened domestic demand and intensified competition from local automakers, exacerbated by a property crisis affecting consumer spending. In response, these companies may need to innovate and adapt their strategies to regain market share in one of their most crucial markets.
6 sourcesJul 13
- Business· MENA
Saudi Arabia recalls 22 Boon baby bottles due to choking hazard
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Commerce has announced a recall of 22 Boon baby bottles over potential choking risks. This recall is prompted by concerns that parts of the bottle's outer plastic shell may peel or detach, necessitating immediate consumer action. The long-term implication may lead to increased scrutiny and regulatory changes regarding child safety in consumer products across the region.
3 sourcesJul 12
- Business· UAE
Emirates Airlines to Launch A380 Service on Dubai-Delhi Route in 2026
Emirates Airlines has announced the deployment of its Airbus A380 aircraft on the Dubai-Delhi route starting October 25, 2026. This decision is driven by the airline's strategy to enhance its Premium Economy offering in response to increasing travel demand to and from India. In the long term, this move is expected to strengthen Emirates' competitive position in the Indian aviation market.
4 sourcesJul 12
- Business· MENA
Saudi Arabia and Canada strengthen investment partnership at Jeddah forum
Saudi Arabia and Canada have initiated a new phase of investment collaboration marked by a significant forum in Jeddah. This event is driven by the Canadian Prime Minister's visit, aiming to enhance cooperation in sectors like mining and artificial intelligence. The long-term implication is a potential boost in economic growth and innovation aligned with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 objectives.
4 sourcesJul 12
- Business· UAE
Dubai inaugurates its first ultra-fast electric vehicle charging hub for taxis
Dubai has launched its first ultra-fast electric vehicle charging hub dedicated to its taxi fleet. This initiative is part of a strategic agreement between the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority and Dubai Taxi Company to enhance the city's green mobility efforts. The long-term implication is a significant expansion of electric vehicle infrastructure in Dubai, aligning with global trends towards sustainable transport solutions.
4 sourcesJul 12
- Business· UAE
Digital Dubai partners with Emirates Group to enhance digital services for aviation workforce
Digital Dubai and the Emirates Group have signed a collaboration agreement to improve access to government digital services for the aviation sector. This partnership is triggered by Dubai's ongoing efforts to streamline processes and enhance operational efficiency for over 130,000 employees. In the long term, this initiative is expected to serve as a model for future public-private collaborations aimed at fostering a competitive digital economy in the region.
3 sourcesJul 12
- Economy· World
Oil prices fluctuate amid renewed U.S. military actions against Iran
Oil prices have slightly declined following recent U.S. military strikes on Iran, yet both Brent and West Texas Intermediate are projected to close the week with gains. The immediate trigger for this market movement is the escalating geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and Iran, which have raised concerns about potential disruptions in oil supply. In the long term, the oil market is likely to remain volatile as investors closely monitor these developments for their impact on pricing and supply stability.
5 sourcesJul 12
- Business· UAE
Dubai Metro Blue Line project reaches key construction milestones
The Dubai Metro Blue Line project has completed its first phase of tunneling, achieving over 2,000 meters of excavation. This progress is driven by the arrival of the 'Al Waqisha 1' drilling machine at Dragon Souq Station, marking a significant step in the project's timeline. As construction advances, the Blue Line is set to enhance public transport connectivity in Dubai, supporting the Urban Plan 2040 and urban growth objectives.
3 sourcesJul 12
- Economy· MENA
Brent crude oil prices decline amid heightened Middle East tensions
Brent crude oil prices fell to $76.01 per barrel following a brief rise earlier in the week. This decline is attributed to U.S. military actions in the Middle East, which have raised concerns about the stability of oil supply routes. As geopolitical tensions persist, the oil market is likely to remain volatile, with potential for further price fluctuations based on developments in the region.
3 sourcesJul 12
- Business· World
Banijay Entertainment and All3Media complete $8 billion merger to form largest independent production company
Banijay Entertainment and All3Media have finalized their merger, creating a new production and distribution giant. This significant consolidation in the entertainment industry is driven by recent shifts in the UK television market, including the Sky-ITV merger. The newly formed entity is expected to leverage its extensive portfolio to adapt to evolving viewer preferences and competitive pressures in the global media landscape.
3 sourcesJul 12
- Business· World
Block reaches $45 million settlement with 46 states over Cash App fraud allegations
Block has agreed to a $45 million settlement concerning its Cash App's failure to adequately protect users from fraud. This settlement comes amid increasing regulatory scrutiny of digital financial services, as state attorneys general found Block misled users about Cash App's security features. In the long term, this may lead to heightened regulatory pressures on digital payment platforms to improve user safety and transparency.
3 sourcesJul 12
- Business· World
European startups secure $24 billion in venture funding in Q2 2026
In the second quarter of 2026, European startups raised a record $24 billion in venture funding, marking a 66% increase year-over-year. This surge is primarily driven by heightened investor confidence and a robust performance from UK startups, which led the funding with $10.4 billion. The long-term implication suggests a continued growth trajectory for the European startup ecosystem, potentially leading to increased innovation and expansion across various sectors.
3 sourcesJul 12
- Business· World
Lyzr raises $100 million in Series B funding using its own AI agents
Lyzr has successfully raised $100 million in a Series B funding round, showcasing the practical application of its AI agents in the fundraising process. This achievement is driven by the increasing confidence in AI-driven solutions within the investment community. In the long term, Lyzr's success may inspire other startups to adopt AI technology for operational efficiency and fundraising strategies.
3 sourcesJul 12
- Business· World
Mercor AI startup seeks $20 billion valuation in funding round
Mercor is negotiating a funding round that could value the company at $20 billion. This significant increase from its previous $10 billion valuation is driven by strong investor confidence in the demand for AI training solutions. If successful, this funding could position Mercor as a leading player in the competitive AI training marketplace.
4 sourcesJul 12
- Business· World
SAP Revises Customer Contracts to Avoid EU Antitrust Penalties
SAP has agreed to modify its customer contracts to facilitate easier switching to competitors and eliminate reinstatement fees, thereby averting a potential EU antitrust fine. This decision follows an investigation by the European Commission into SAP's maintenance and support practices that began in September 2025. The long-term implication is that SAP's actions may set a precedent for increased competition in the software industry, prompting other companies to reassess their contract policies.
3 sourcesJul 12
- Crypto· World
Alfa-Bank to Launch Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency Trading Services
Alfa-Bank has announced plans to initiate Bitcoin and cryptocurrency trading, custody, and a digital depository for qualified investors. This move is triggered by Russia's impending regulatory framework for digital assets, expected to be implemented by late 2026 or 2027. The long-term implication is that this initiative could reshape the financial landscape in Russia and influence global cryptocurrency markets amid ongoing sanctions.
3 sourcesJul 12
- Crypto· World
Sony Bank gains approval to launch dollar-backed stablecoin Connectia Trust
Sony Bank has received conditional approval from the U.S. OCC to establish Connectia Trust, a national trust bank focused on issuing a dollar-backed stablecoin. This initiative is driven by Sony's ambition to enter the cryptocurrency market, particularly in the gaming and entertainment sectors. The long-term implication could reshape digital finance and attract increased regulatory scrutiny in the stablecoin space.
6 sourcesJul 12
- Crypto· World
Bitdeer Technologies begins construction of $36 million Bitcoin mining facility in Nevada
Bitdeer Technologies has initiated the construction of a $36 million manufacturing facility in Sparks, Nevada, to produce SEALMINER Bitcoin mining machines. This strategic move is driven by the company's aim to enhance production capacity and meet the growing demand for mining hardware in the U.S. The establishment of this facility is expected to strengthen Bitdeer's position in the competitive cryptocurrency market and could lead to further investments in technology and infrastructure.
3 sourcesJul 12