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- Business· World
Microsoft announces 4,800 layoffs impacting Xbox division amid H-1B visa approvals
Microsoft has announced the layoff of 4,800 employees, including 1,600 from its Xbox division, as part of a major restructuring effort. This decision coincides with the approval of 2,273 H-1B visas for foreign workers, triggering public outrage over job security for American employees. The long-term implications suggest that Microsoft will need to navigate financial challenges and public scrutiny while redefining its gaming strategy.
6 sourcesJul 10
- Economy· World
China's factory-gate inflation reaches highest level in nearly four years amid Middle East conflict impacts
China's producer inflation accelerated in June 2026, marking the highest level in almost four years, while consumer inflation showed signs of cooling. This shift is occurring due to ongoing economic repercussions from the Middle East conflict, which is affecting global supply chains and costs. The long-term implication may involve Chinese policymakers needing to balance rising production costs with efforts to stimulate domestic demand for sustainable economic growth.
4 sourcesJul 9
- Economy· World
OPEC+ increases oil output targets amid declining prices
OPEC+ has announced a plan to increase oil output by 0.5 million barrels per day. This decision comes as oil prices continue to drift downwards, raising questions about the effectiveness of the output increase. The long-term implication may involve further adjustments in OPEC+ strategies to stabilize the market amidst fluctuating demand and supply dynamics.
3 sourcesJul 9
- Economy· UAE
UAE Central Bank fines foreign bank AED 1.82 million for regulatory breach
The UAE Central Bank has imposed a fine of AED 1.82 million on a foreign bank for failing to issue a liability letter within the required timeframe. This regulatory action follows examinations that revealed the bank's non-compliance with the mandated seven-day period for customer service documentation. The long-term implication is an anticipated increase in regulatory scrutiny on foreign banks operating in the UAE, prompting a review of compliance practices across the sector.
5 sourcesJul 9
- Business· UAE
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed engages global gaming leaders at Dubai Gaming Retreat
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed of Dubai met with representatives from 80 leading gaming companies to discuss the future growth of the gaming sector. This engagement is part of Dubai's strategy to strengthen collaboration between government and industry stakeholders at this critical moment for the gaming industry. The long-term implication is that Dubai aims to establish itself as a global leader in the gaming sector through innovation and investment.
3 sourcesJul 9
- Business· UAE
Sharjah Airport anticipates 3 million passengers for summer 2026
Sharjah Airport is preparing to accommodate approximately 3 million passengers during the peak summer travel season. This surge in expected travelers is driven by a significant increase in travel demand as summer approaches. In the long term, the airport's operational enhancements are likely to support the growth of the aviation sector in the UAE.
4 sourcesJul 9
- Economy· World
Gold prices decline after reaching two-week high amid stronger dollar and rising Treasury yields
Gold prices have fallen after peaking at a two-week high, driven by a strengthening dollar and increasing U.S. Treasury yields. This shift is occurring as investors react to recent economic data, particularly a weaker-than-expected U.S. jobs report, which has affected expectations for Federal Reserve interest rate hikes. In the long term, continued fluctuations in gold prices are anticipated as market participants closely monitor upcoming economic indicators that could influence monetary policy.
3 sourcesJul 9
- Economy· UAE
Dubai records highest ever rental contracts and property sales in June 2026
Dubai has achieved a historic milestone with 40,022 rental contracts and $9 billion in property sales recorded in June 2026. This surge is driven by strong domestic demand and investment, reflecting increased confidence in the real estate market. The long-term implication suggests that Dubai's economic growth momentum will likely continue, supported by robust non-oil sector performance and consumer spending.
4 sourcesJul 9
- Business· UAE
ADCB Restores Banking Services After Technology Disruptions
Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank has successfully restored its core banking services following several days of technology-related disruptions. The immediate cause of the restoration was the bank's efforts to address and resolve the technical issues affecting mobile banking services. In the long term, ADCB is likely to invest in technology improvements to enhance service reliability and customer experience.
6 sourcesJul 9
- Business· World
Versant Media Group acquires Full Swing for $530 million to expand into sports technology
Versant Media Group has acquired Full Swing, a golf simulation company, for $530 million. This acquisition is part of Versant's strategy to diversify its business model beyond traditional cable television amid declining viewership. The long-term implication is that Versant is positioning itself to capitalize on the growing sports technology market, potentially leading to new product offerings and partnerships.
3 sourcesJul 9
- Business· World
Novartis acquires Myricx Bio for $1.5 billion to enhance oncology portfolio
Novartis AG has announced its acquisition of Myricx Bio, a U.K.-based biotechnology firm, for up to $1.5 billion. This strategic move is driven by Novartis's goal to bolster its cancer treatment capabilities with innovative therapies. The long-term implication is that Novartis may lead in a new class of cancer treatments, reshaping its market position in oncology.
4 sourcesJul 9
- Business· World
Bentley announces its first electric vehicle Torcal set for unveiling in 2026
Bentley has confirmed the upcoming release of its first electric vehicle, the Torcal. This announcement comes as the luxury automaker seeks to align with the growing demand for sustainable transportation options. The introduction of the Torcal could redefine Bentley's brand identity and influence other luxury brands to follow suit in the electric vehicle market.
3 sourcesJul 9
- Crypto· World
Summer Finance suffers $6 million security breach impacting DeFi protocols
On July 6, 2026, Summer Finance, a decentralized finance protocol, experienced a significant security breach resulting in a loss of approximately $6 million. The attack was triggered by sophisticated flash loan techniques and price manipulation, raising alarms about the security of DeFi vaults. This incident is likely to lead to increased scrutiny and demand for stronger security measures across the decentralized finance industry.
3 sourcesJul 9
- Crypto· World
Sberbank to Launch Cryptocurrency Wallet by December 2026 Amid New Digital Asset Law in Russia
Sberbank has announced plans to introduce a cryptocurrency wallet and digital asset custody service by December 2026. This initiative is triggered by the upcoming implementation of Russia's new digital asset law on September 1, which aims to regulate the cryptocurrency market. The long-term implication is that this move could significantly enhance the integration of digital assets within Russia's financial landscape, potentially reshaping user engagement with cryptocurrencies in the country.
4 sourcesJul 9
- Crypto· World
South Korea's Supreme Court implements new regulations for cryptocurrency seizure
The Supreme Court of South Korea has proposed amendments to civil enforcement rules that clarify the seizure of cryptocurrencies, set to take effect on October 1, 2026. This regulatory shift is driven by the need for enhanced legal clarity for creditors dealing with digital assets in civil cases. The long-term implication is a more structured legal framework for cryptocurrencies, potentially increasing confidence in their management and recovery in debt situations.
3 sourcesJul 9
- Crypto· World
Surge in MiCA-Compliant Euro Stablecoins Ahead of EU Regulatory Deadline
The market for MiCA-compliant euro stablecoins has increased by 128% to $673.9 million in the last 48 hours. This surge is driven by the impending EU regulatory deadline for cryptocurrency, prompting greater adoption of regulated digital assets. The long-term implication suggests a shift towards a more structured cryptocurrency environment in Europe, potentially influencing global regulatory trends.
3 sourcesJul 9
- Crypto· World
Digital Chamber opposes New York lawsuit over dormant Bitcoin wallets
The Digital Chamber has filed an amicus brief against a New York lawsuit seeking ownership of 39,069 dormant Bitcoin wallets containing approximately 3.7 million BTC. This legal action follows a recent movement of $1.9 million from one of the dormant wallets, raising concerns about the implications for self-custodial wallets. The outcome of this case could set significant legal precedents affecting ownership rights and regulations in the cryptocurrency ecosystem.
3 sourcesJul 9
- Crypto· World
Ethereum Unveils Lean Roadmap for Major Protocol Overhaul
Vitalik Buterin has announced a comprehensive roadmap for a significant rebuild of the Ethereum protocol, aiming for completion in the next 3-4 years. This initiative is triggered by a recent surge in ether's price, reflecting market optimism and developer support for the ambitious plans. The long-term implication is that the success of this overhaul will depend on the community's ability to execute these changes swiftly in a rapidly evolving cryptocurrency landscape.
3 sourcesJul 9
- Crypto· World
BonkDAO suffers $20 million loss from governance attack
On July 6, 2026, BonkDAO experienced a governance attack that led to a $20 million theft from its treasury. The attacker strategically purchased BONK tokens to manipulate the voting process, allowing them to pass a proposal that transferred funds to a wallet they controlled. This incident highlights significant vulnerabilities in the governance mechanisms of decentralized organizations and may prompt regulatory scrutiny in the cryptocurrency space.
5 sourcesJul 9
- Crypto· World
Japanese firms increase cryptocurrency adoption amid weak yen
SBI VC Trade has surpassed 2 million registered accounts as Japanese firms utilize Bitcoin and XRP for treasury diversification and loyalty programs. The immediate trigger for this shift is the weakening of the yen, prompting companies to seek alternative asset classes. In the long term, this trend may lead to broader acceptance of cryptocurrencies in corporate strategies and innovative financial solutions in Japan and beyond.
3 sourcesJul 9