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
4399 stories- Business· World
Barry Callebaut Reports 4.2% Profit Decline and Cuts Full-Year Outlook Amid Cocoa Market Crisis
Barry Callebaut AG announced a 4.2% decline in recurring operating profit and a downward revision of its full-year outlook due to a significant drop in cocoa prices and market overcapacity. The immediate trigger for this shift is attributed to weak demand and supply chain disruptions linked to the ongoing Iran war, alongside record cocoa harvests in West Africa. In the long term, this situation may lead to further instability in the chocolate industry and potential adjustments in pricing strategies for cocoa and chocolate products globally.
2 sourcesApr 16Low
- Economy· World
Oil Prices Remain Stable Amid US-Iran Negotiation Skepticism
On April 16, 2026, global oil prices showed minimal change as investors doubted the effectiveness of US-Iran peace talks in resolving disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. This skepticism follows a series of failed negotiations and ongoing military tensions that have severely impacted oil flows through the region. Long-term, the situation may lead to continued volatility in oil prices and heightened geopolitical tensions affecting global energy markets.
2 sourcesApr 16Low
- Business· MENA
TotalEnergies Projects Significant Q1 2026 Earnings Increase Amid Middle East Tensions
TotalEnergies SE has forecasted a sharp rise in first-quarter 2026 earnings due to strong trading performance and high hydrocarbon prices. This projection is triggered by recent geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, including the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and attacks on energy infrastructure. Long-term, these developments may lead to increased volatility in energy markets and further disruptions in supply chains across the region.
2 sourcesApr 16Low
- Business· World
TotalEnergies Projects Significant Q1 2026 Earnings Increase Amid Oil Price Surge and Middle East Production Challenges
TotalEnergies announced on April 16, 2026, a forecast for substantially higher first-quarter earnings driven by strong trading and elevated oil prices despite a 15% production cut in the Middle East. This surge in earnings is attributed to the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region, particularly the Iran conflict, which has disrupted oil supply and increased prices. In the long term, the volatility in oil markets may lead to strategic shifts in energy trading and production strategies among major oil companies.
3 sourcesApr 16Low
- Business· World
easyJet forecasts £540–560 million pre-tax loss amid Iran war fuel cost surge
On 16 April 2026, easyJet plc announced a forecasted headline pre-tax loss of £540–560 million for the first half of the fiscal year, a significant increase from £394 million the previous year. This financial deterioration is primarily attributed to rising fuel costs linked to the ongoing US-Iran conflict, alongside increased legal provisions and competitive pressures. The long-term implication suggests that easyJet may need to reassess its operational strategies and route offerings as summer bookings decline amid heightened uncertainty in the aviation market.
5 sourcesApr 16Low
- Business· World
Tesco Issues Profit Warning Amid Iran War Uncertainty
On 16 April 2026, Tesco PLC announced a potential decline in profits due to the ongoing Iran war's impact on consumer behavior and economic conditions. The immediate trigger for this warning is the heightened geopolitical tensions and their effects on supply chains and inflation, particularly in the food sector. Long-term implications may include increased competition and regulatory challenges for UK supermarkets as they navigate a volatile market environment influenced by international conflicts.
3 sourcesApr 16Moderate
- Economy· World
Fire at Viva Energy Geelong Refinery Disrupts Petrol Production Amid Australian Fuel Security Crisis
A major fire erupted at Viva Energy Australia's Geelong oil refinery, disrupting petrol production and raising concerns over fuel shortages. The incident was triggered by a gas leak and explosions, occurring at a time when Australia is already facing fuel supply challenges due to the ongoing Iran war. Long-term implications include potential petrol price spikes and increased government intervention to secure fuel imports amid a reliance on foreign supplies.
3 sourcesApr 16High
- Crypto· UAE
UAE Capital Market Authority Launches New Regulatory Framework for Virtual Assets
On April 13, 2026, the UAE Capital Market Authority (CMA) issued a comprehensive regulatory framework for virtual assets, expanding regulated activities from three to eight. This initiative is driven by the UAE's strategic goal to establish itself as a global hub for virtual assets and to align with international standards. The long-term implication is expected to be an influx of licensed virtual asset service providers (VASPs) and enhanced investor protections across the region.
3 sourcesApr 16Low
- Economy· MENA
Spot Crude Oil Prices Near 150 USD per Barrel Due to Strait of Hormuz Disruptions
Spot prices for North Sea Forties crude oil surged to 148.87 USD per barrel as European and Asian refiners faced severe supply constraints in the Strait of Hormuz. This escalation is triggered by the ongoing US-Iran conflict, which has drastically reduced oil flows through this critical chokepoint. Long-term implications include sustained high oil prices and potential recession risks if supply disruptions continue.
3 sourcesApr 16Low
- Economy· UAE
UAE Central Bank Partners with Vermeg to Develop Central Securities Depository for National Debt and Sukuk Markets
On April 13, 2026, the Central Bank of the UAE appointed Vermeg as the lead technology partner for a consortium developing a Central Securities Depository platform for government debt securities and Sukuk. This initiative is driven by the UAE's goal to modernize its financial infrastructure and enhance its capital markets competitiveness. The long-term implication is a strengthened financial ecosystem that could attract more international investment and support the integration of digital assets into the market.
5 sourcesApr 16Low
- Business· UAE
DWTC Free Zone partners with Wio Bank to enhance digital banking for businesses
On April 13, 2026, the Dubai World Trade Centre Free Zone signed a memorandum of understanding with Wio Bank PJSC to improve digital banking services for its business community. This partnership aims to expedite account opening and provide dedicated support, responding to the growing demand for efficient banking solutions in Dubai's competitive market. The long-term implication is a strengthened position for Dubai as a global business hub, attracting more entrepreneurs and startups to the region.
3 sourcesApr 16Low
- Economy· UAE
Emirates Development Bank Commences Daily AED 20 Million Financing to Support UAE Businesses
On April 14, 2026, Emirates Development Bank announced a daily financing injection of AED 20 million to support businesses in the UAE. This initiative is a direct response to ongoing global supply chain pressures and aims to ensure liquidity and operational continuity for key sectors. Long-term, this move is expected to enhance the resilience of the UAE's private sector and solidify its position as a stable business hub amid external challenges.
3 sourcesApr 16Low
- Economy· World
European Stock Indices Rise Amid US-Iran Dialogue Hopes
European stock indices increased by 0.6% on April 14, 2026, driven by optimism surrounding potential renewed negotiations between the United States and Iran. This surge follows a recent blockade imposed by the U.S. on Iranian ports and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which has heightened market volatility. Long-term, sustained diplomatic efforts could stabilize European markets and alleviate energy import vulnerabilities linked to the ongoing tensions in the region.
3 sourcesApr 16Low
- Economy· MENA
Historic Oil Supply Disruption in Strait of Hormuz Due to Geopolitical Conflict
The global oil supply has dropped by 10.1 million barrels per day, marking the largest disruption in history, as reported by the IEA. This crisis was triggered by U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iran that began on February 28, 2026, leading to a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Long-term implications include potential stagflation and a significant contraction in global oil demand forecasts for 2026.
4 sourcesApr 16Moderate
- Economy· MENA
Saudi Arabia's GDP Growth Resilience Amid Gulf Economic Disruptions
The International Monetary Fund has forecasted Saudi Arabia's GDP to grow by 3.1 percent in 2026, contrasting sharply with Qatar's projected contraction of 8.6 percent due to ongoing geopolitical tensions. This shift is triggered by the Iran war, which has disrupted energy supply chains and led to significant economic revisions across the Gulf region. Long-term, Saudi Arabia's infrastructure diversification and oil export capabilities may position it as a stabilizing force in the Gulf economy amidst regional volatility.
3 sourcesApr 16Low
- Business· World
AD Ports Group Signs Investment Agreement for Romania's Port of Constanța
On April 14, 2026, AD Ports Group signed a framework agreement with Romania's National Company Maritime Ports Administration SA to explore investment opportunities in the Port of Constanța. This agreement is driven by AD Ports Group's strategy to enhance its presence along the Middle Corridor trade route amid ongoing geopolitical shifts. The long-term implication is a strengthened trade connectivity in the Black Sea region, supporting both Romania's economic growth and AD Ports Group's international expansion efforts.
3 sourcesApr 16Low
- Economy· UAE
UAE and Philippines Central Banks Sign MoU to Enhance Cross-Border Payment Systems
On April 14, 2026, the Central Bank of the UAE and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas signed a memorandum of understanding to integrate their payment infrastructures. This initiative is driven by the need to facilitate efficient remittances for the large Filipino expatriate community in the UAE, which significantly contributes to the Philippine economy. Long-term, this agreement is expected to strengthen economic ties and promote financial innovation between the two nations.
3 sourcesApr 16Low
- Business· UAE
Dubai Properties Awards 1.1 Billion Dirham Contracts for Vilanova Residential Expansion
Dubai Properties has awarded contracts worth approximately 1.1 billion dirhams to Metac General Contracting for the construction of 850 townhouses in the Vilanova residential complex. This decision comes in response to the increasing demand for premium family-oriented housing in Dubai, particularly in suburban areas. The expansion is expected to enhance the housing supply for middle and upper-middle-class families, further solidifying Dubai's position in the real estate market.
3 sourcesApr 16Low
- Business· MENA
Fire at Cairo Clothing Factory Results in Seven Fatalities
On April 14, 2026, a fire at a clothing factory in Cairo's Al Zawiya Al Hamra district killed seven people and injured 20. The incident is believed to have been triggered by electrical faults or safety violations, prompting an immediate investigation by authorities. This tragedy highlights ongoing safety challenges in Egypt's manufacturing sector, likely leading to increased scrutiny and regulatory reforms in industrial safety standards.
4 sourcesApr 16Low
- Business· UAE
Dubai International Airport Maintains Status as World's Busiest International Airport for 12th Year
Dubai International Airport (DXB) has been ranked as the world's busiest international airport for the 12th consecutive year in 2025, processing a record 95.2 million passengers. This achievement is attributed to a surge in tourism and the expansion of Emirates Airline, coinciding with a global recovery in international travel. The long-term implication suggests that continued investment in airport infrastructure will be necessary to accommodate growing passenger demand amid geopolitical tensions affecting regional air traffic.
6 sourcesApr 16Low