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
8502 stories- Economy· UAE
UAE launches first Sovereign Retail T-Sukuk Programme amid high demand
The UAE has successfully launched its inaugural Sovereign Retail T-Sukuk Programme, which was oversubscribed, leading to an increase in the issuance size to AED 100 million. This surge in subscriptions, totaling AED 445 million, reflects strong retail investor interest and aligns with the UAE's goals for financial inclusion. The initiative is expected to pave the way for more innovative financial products, enhancing investor participation and contributing to the development of the capital markets.
3 sourcesJul 5
- Business· UAE
Emirates Airlines surpasses one million connections on Starlink Wi-Fi service
Emirates Airlines has achieved over one million connections to its Starlink Wi-Fi service within seven months of its launch. This rapid adoption is driven by passenger demand for superior inflight internet connectivity compared to traditional options. The long-term implication is that Emirates is set to redefine inflight connectivity, enhancing the overall travel experience and potentially influencing industry standards.
3 sourcesJul 5
- Economy· UAE
Dubai gold prices surpass Dh500 per gram following weak US jobs data
Gold prices in Dubai rose above Dh500 per gram on July 3, 2026. This increase is attributed to weaker US jobs data that has influenced market sentiment. The long-term implication suggests ongoing volatility in gold prices as investors react to fluctuating economic indicators.
3 sourcesJul 5
- Business· UAE
ADCB Banking Services Temporarily Disrupted Due to Maintenance
ADCB's banking services in the UAE have been temporarily disrupted due to maintenance activities. The immediate cause of this disruption is the ongoing maintenance work that began on July 2, 2026. In the long term, ADCB is expected to restore full banking capabilities and improve customer experience as services resume.
4 sourcesJul 5
- Business· UAE
Etihad Rail announces new passenger station opening in Dubai on September 30
Etihad Rail has confirmed the opening of a new passenger station in Dubai scheduled for September 30. This development is part of a larger initiative to enhance the UAE's rail network and improve connectivity between major cities. The long-term goal includes linking Abu Dhabi and Fujairah by 2026, which is expected to significantly boost regional economic growth and travel efficiency.
3 sourcesJul 5
- Business· World
SAP implements hiring freeze and travel cuts to boost AI investment
SAP has announced a freeze on hiring and travel expenses to redirect resources towards artificial intelligence development. This strategic shift is prompted by increasing competition in the software industry and a growing emphasis on AI technologies. In the long term, SAP's focus on AI could significantly reshape its workforce and operational strategies, enhancing its competitive position in the market.
4 sourcesJul 5
- Crypto· World
France implements security measures in response to rising crypto-related kidnappings
French authorities reported 77 crypto-linked kidnapping and extortion cases in 2026, prompting a new security initiative. The surge in violent crimes against cryptocurrency professionals has led Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez to announce a comprehensive security plan. This initiative may influence global approaches to security in the cryptocurrency sector, potentially leading to more robust regulatory frameworks and protective measures.
4 sourcesJul 5
- Crypto· UAE
Standard Chartered and Circle Launch USDC Minting and Redemption Services in Dubai
Standard Chartered and Circle have introduced a bank-led service for minting and redeeming USDC for eligible institutions in Dubai. This initiative is driven by the need to lower entry barriers for institutional crypto investments and enhance market liquidity at this moment. The long-term implication is a potential shift in the landscape of institutional finance towards greater acceptance of digital currencies within traditional banking frameworks.
5 sourcesJul 5
- Crypto· World
Anchorage Digital Integrates Lido for Institutional ETH Staking
Anchorage Digital has announced the integration of Lido into its platform, allowing institutional clients to stake Ether while maintaining custody of their assets. This move is driven by the growing demand for regulated staking options among institutional investors. In the long term, this integration is likely to increase institutional participation in Ethereum staking and influence market dynamics.
3 sourcesJul 5
- Crypto· World
SBI Crypto to Close Bitcoin Mining Pool by July 2026
SBI Crypto has announced the closure of its Bitcoin mining pool, effective July 31, 2026. This decision comes as the company shifts its digital asset strategy after over five years of operation, during which the pool controlled approximately 2% of Bitcoin's total hashrate. The closure is likely to prompt miners to seek alternative pools, potentially reshaping the competitive landscape of Bitcoin mining.
3 sourcesJul 5
- Crypto· World
Bitwise signals potential Bitcoin market bottom following STRC selloff
The recent selloff of Strategy's STRC has prompted discussions about Bitcoin's market dynamics and the potential for recovery. This shift is occurring as institutions are expected to replace high-yield strategies with more traditional investment approaches in Bitcoin. Long-term, this could lead to increased institutional interest and a stabilization in the cryptocurrency market.
3 sourcesJul 5
- Crypto· World
Binance to Lead $2 Billion Funding Round for Crypto Payments Startup Mesh
Mesh is raising funding led by Binance, aiming for a valuation of around $2 billion. This follows Mesh's previous successful Series C funding round, where it raised $75 million at a $1 billion valuation, indicating strong investor confidence in the crypto payments sector. As the demand for crypto payments increases, Mesh is positioned to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of digital transactions.
3 sourcesJul 5
- Economy· World
IMF Warns of Risks and Benefits of Tokenization in Finance
The International Monetary Fund has issued a warning regarding the dual-edged nature of tokenization in financial transactions. This caution arises as the adoption of tokenization accelerates, highlighting concerns over fragmented standards that could threaten financial stability. In the long term, the financial sector must navigate regulatory challenges to harness the benefits of tokenization while mitigating associated risks.
3 sourcesJul 5
- Crypto· World
Solana launches new onchain governance system for stakers
Solana has introduced an onchain governance framework that allows over 1.2 million stakers to directly influence protocol decisions. This shift is occurring now to enhance decentralization and community involvement in governance. The long-term implication is a potential increase in democratic decision-making processes within the Solana network, which may set a precedent for other blockchain platforms.
5 sourcesJul 5
- Crypto· World
Tether Freezes USDT in 131 TRON Wallets Linked to ISIS-K Following OFAC Sanctions
Tether has frozen USDT in 131 TRON wallets associated with ISIS-K after the Office of Foreign Assets Control sanctioned 134 crypto wallet addresses linked to the terrorist group. This action is prompted by the discovery that these wallets received over $1.4 million in donations, raising compliance concerns in the cryptocurrency sector. The long-term implication is an anticipated increase in regulatory scrutiny and operational changes within crypto platforms to prevent misuse of their services.
3 sourcesJul 5 - Crypto· World
Ondo Finance launches SEC-compliant tokenized yield assets and equities
Ondo Finance has introduced tokenized yield assets and equities that comply with SEC regulations, marking a significant development in the cryptocurrency market. This initiative is driven by increasing demand for real-world asset products and partnerships with major financial institutions like BlackRock. In the long term, this could lead to greater institutional investment in the crypto space and further integration of traditional finance with blockchain technology.
3 sourcesJul 5
- Crypto· World
eToro invests $12.5 million in on-chain derivatives platform Extended
eToro has made a $12.5 million investment in the on-chain derivatives platform Extended to enhance its offerings in decentralized finance. This strategic move is driven by increasing competition among brokers to expand into DeFi services. In the long term, this investment is likely to accelerate the adoption of DeFi products among traditional investors, reshaping the cryptocurrency trading landscape.
3 sourcesJul 5
- Crypto· World
EU's MiCA Regulation Enforcement Begins for Crypto Firms
The enforcement phase of the EU's Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation has commenced, mandating crypto firms to secure proper licensing. This shift is driven by the conclusion of the transition period, which has heightened scrutiny on unauthorized companies that must now cease operations. The long-term implication is a potential reshaping of the competitive landscape within the European crypto market as firms adapt to new regulatory requirements and the ongoing review process known as MiCA 2.0 unfolds.
4 sourcesJul 5
- Economy· World
Russia confirms launch of digital ruble for September 2026 amid EU sanctions
Russia's central bank has officially announced the rollout of the digital ruble, scheduled for September 1, 2026. This initiative is a direct response to ongoing EU sanctions and aims to enhance Russia's economic sovereignty. The introduction of the digital ruble could reshape international finance and influence other nations' approaches to Central Bank Digital Currencies in the context of sanctions.
3 sourcesJul 5
- Crypto· World
Bitcoin Surpasses $63,000 Amid Positive Market Sentiment
Bitcoin's price has surged above $63,000, marking a significant recovery from previous lows. This increase is driven by whale activity and favorable conditions in global stock markets, which have reached historic highs. The long-term implication suggests a potential bullish trend for Bitcoin as investor confidence grows in response to improving market dynamics.
5 sourcesJul 5