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· UAE
Jumeirah Burj Al Arab Begins 18-Month Restoration After 27 Years of Operation
Jumeirah Burj Al Arab has closed for an 18-month phased restoration program, marking its first major refurbishment since opening in 1999. This initiative is driven by the need to enhance the hotel's interiors and preserve its heritage amid evolving hospitality standards. The long-term implication is expected to elevate the luxury sector's vitality in Dubai upon the hotel's projected reopening in late 2027.
3 sourcesApr 16Moderate
- Business· MENA
Dubai Chambers Opens Representative Office in Manila to Enhance UAE-Philippines Trade Relations
Dubai International Chamber inaugurated its new representative office in Manila on April 14, 2026, to bolster economic ties between the UAE and the Philippines. This initiative is driven by the growing non-oil trade, which reached Dh3.58 billion in 2025, reflecting a 17 percent increase year-on-year. The long-term implication is the potential for increased bilateral investment and business partnerships, supporting Dubai's strategy to establish 50 international offices by 2030.
3 sourcesApr 16Low
- Economy· World
European Stocks Decline Amid Mixed Earnings and US-Iran Diplomatic Developments
European stocks experienced a decline on April 15, 2026, with the STOXX Europe 600 index closing down 0.4% as investors reacted to disappointing earnings in the luxury sector amidst the ongoing Iran War. The immediate trigger for this market movement was the mixed performance of major companies and the uncertainty surrounding US-Iran peace talks, which were hinted at by President Trump. In the long term, the volatility in the luxury sector and geopolitical tensions may lead to increased caution among investors and potential shifts in market strategies across Europe.
3 sourcesApr 16Low
- Economy· UAE
UAE and Uzbekistan Strengthen Economic Ties in Dubai Meeting
UAE Minister of Economy Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri met with Uzbekistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Investments to enhance bilateral economic partnerships. This meeting is driven by the UAE's recent economic reforms and a significant increase in Uzbek tourism and business presence in the UAE. The long-term implication is a deepening of economic integration between the two nations, with plans for further collaboration at the upcoming Investopia Tashkent event.
3 sourcesApr 16Low
- Economy· World
Saudi Finance Minister Engages U.S. Chamber of Commerce on Economic Resilience
On April 14, 2026, Saudi Minister of Finance Mohammed Al-Jadaan participated in a roundtable meeting hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C. This event was triggered by the ongoing 2026 IMF and World Bank Spring Meetings, highlighting Saudi Arabia's economic reforms and investment opportunities amid global uncertainties. Long-term, this engagement is likely to strengthen U.S.-Saudi economic ties and enhance foreign direct investment in the Kingdom as it diversifies its economy under Vision 2030.
3 sourcesApr 16Low
- Economy· MENA
Saudi Arabia's Inflation Rate Increases to 1.8% in March 2026
Saudi Arabia's annual consumer price inflation rate rose to 1.8% in March 2026, up from 1.7% in February. This increase is attributed to higher housing rents and personal care product prices amid stable economic conditions under Vision 2030. The long-term implication suggests continued inflationary pressures may influence economic policies and consumer behavior in the region.
5 sourcesApr 16Low
- Economy· MENA
Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund Approves 2026-2030 Strategy with 80% Domestic Investment Focus
On April 15, 2026, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) board approved a new five-year strategy that allocates 80 percent of its investments to domestic projects. This shift is driven by economic pressures, including low oil prices and a projected budget deficit, prompting a reevaluation of previous international investment commitments. The long-term implication is a strengthened focus on domestic revenue generation and private sector participation, aligning with the goals of Vision 2030.
3 sourcesApr 16Moderate
- Economy· MENA
Saudi Public Investment Fund Announces SAR 750 Billion Local Investments for 2021-2025
On April 15, 2026, the Saudi Public Investment Fund revealed plans to invest nearly SAR 750 billion in local projects from 2021 to 2025, which constitutes 70 percent of its total investments. This announcement follows the approval of the PIF's 2026-2030 strategy by its Board of Directors, led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, as part of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 economic diversification efforts. The long-term implication is a significant shift towards a more diversified economy, potentially enhancing private sector engagement and reducing reliance on oil revenues.
5 sourcesApr 16Moderate
- Economy· UAE
Nafis Program Announces Gradual Reduction in Salary Support for Emiratis Earning Over 20,000 AED
The UAE's Nafis program has clarified its plan to gradually reduce financial support for Emiratis in the private sector whose salaries exceed 20,000 AED, starting in September 2026. This decision is driven by a shift towards transitional empowerment and labor market reforms aimed at promoting self-sufficiency among Emirati workers. Long-term, this adjustment may lead to increased emphasis on performance-driven culture and skill development within the UAE's workforce.
3 sourcesApr 16Low
- Economy· World
IMF Projects Global Economic Recovery Possible with Quick End to US-Iran War
The International Monetary Fund has indicated that a rapid global economic recovery could occur if the ongoing US-Iran war concludes within two weeks. This assessment comes as the conflict has led to significant disruptions in energy supplies, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, which has exacerbated inflationary pressures. If the war persists, prolonged economic instability and supply chain issues are likely to continue affecting global markets and growth forecasts.
3 sourcesApr 16Low
- Economy· UAE
UAE Reports 79.3% Hotel Occupancy Rate for 2025
On April 15, 2026, UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism Abdullah bin Tawq Al Mari announced a 79.3% hotel occupancy rate for 2025 during the Emirates Tourism Council meeting. This announcement comes as the UAE's tourism sector demonstrates resilience and growth, with 32.34 million guests and 49.21 billion AED in revenues despite regional challenges. The long-term implication suggests a continued focus on tourism as a key driver for economic diversification and sustainability in the UAE.
3 sourcesApr 16Low
- Economy· World
Gold Prices Decline as US-Iran Peace Talks Dampen Safe-Haven Demand
On April 15, 2026, spot gold prices fell 0.9 percent to $4,798 per ounce after reaching a one-month high earlier in the session. This decline was triggered by a stronger US dollar and heightened investor focus on US-Iran negotiations, which reduced the urgency for gold as a safe-haven asset. In the long term, continued developments in US-Iran relations may further influence gold prices and investor sentiment in global commodity markets.
4 sourcesApr 16Low
- Economy· World
Brent Crude Oil Prices Stabilize Near $95 per Barrel Amid Geopolitical Tensions
On April 16, 2026, Brent crude oil futures for June delivery stabilized at $94.98 per barrel, reflecting a minor increase amid balanced supply-demand dynamics. This stabilization follows a recent ceasefire in the 2026 Iran war, which has alleviated some supply disruption fears. Long-term implications suggest that continued geopolitical stability could lead to further price adjustments and influence global energy market strategies.
5 sourcesApr 16Low
- Business· UAE
Dubai Municipality Reports 36% Completion of AED 500 Million Rainwater Drainage Project in Deira
On April 15, 2026, Dubai Municipality announced that the first phase of a rainwater drainage system upgrade in Deira is 36% complete. This progress is driven by the need to enhance flood resilience following record-breaking rainfall in April 2024, which exposed vulnerabilities in existing infrastructure. The long-term implication is a significant improvement in urban flood management and increased livability in high-density areas of Dubai by the project's expected completion in 2027.
3 sourcesApr 16Low
- Economy· UAE
UAE Extends Nafis Emiratisation Programme to 2040 with Enhanced Family Support
The United Arab Emirates has announced an extension of the Nafis Emiratisation programme to 2040, introducing uncapped child allowances and monthly salary supports for Emirati families in the private sector. This decision follows the programme's success in exceeding its employment targets, with a strategic shift towards quality roles in key sectors. The long-term implication is a strengthened workforce participation among Emiratis, enhancing family stability and economic growth in the private sector.
4 sourcesApr 16Low
- Business· UAE
DEWA and Kazakhstan Consul General Discuss Renewable Energy Cooperation
On April 16, 2026, DEWA's MD & CEO Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer met with Kazakhstan's Consul General Almaz Tasbolat in Dubai to enhance bilateral cooperation in renewable energy and water management. This meeting is a continuation of previous discussions aimed at strengthening UAE-Kazakhstan economic ties and reflects DEWA's commitment to sharing its expertise in clean energy. The long-term implication is the potential for joint projects that could significantly advance sustainable development initiatives in both regions.
3 sourcesApr 16Low
- Economy· UAE
UAE and Azerbaijan CEPA Takes Effect to Boost Trade Relations
The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the UAE and Azerbaijan officially entered into force on April 15, 2026. This moment follows the completion of ratification processes and aims to enhance bilateral trade by reducing tariffs and fostering collaboration in key sectors. Long-term, this agreement is expected to significantly bolster the UAE's economic diversification strategy and increase non-oil trade with Azerbaijan, which has already seen substantial growth.
6 sourcesApr 16Low
- Business· UAE
Central Bank of the UAE Partners with Norbloc AB to Develop Nationwide e-KYC Platform
On April 15, 2026, the Central Bank of the UAE announced the development of a nationwide unified electronic Know Your Customer (e-KYC) platform in partnership with Norbloc AB. This initiative is driven by the need to streamline compliance processes and address the significant AML fines imposed on UAE financial institutions, totaling AED 380 million in the first half of 2025. The long-term implication is a more integrated financial ecosystem in the UAE, enhancing digital onboarding and compliance efficiency for financial institutions and fintech companies.
4 sourcesApr 16Low
- Economy· UAE
Dubai Financial Market Capitalization Rises by 20.3 Billion Dirhams
The Dubai Financial Market's market capitalization increased by 20.3 billion dirhams on April 15, 2026, as the DFM General Index advanced 2.56 percent. This surge was driven by foreign investor net purchases totaling 53.7 million dirhams and strong performances in key sectors like real estate and banking. The long-term implication suggests a potential stabilization of Dubai's property market and increased investor confidence amid ongoing regional geopolitical improvements.
3 sourcesApr 16Low
- Business· UAE
UAE and Jordan Finalize 2.3 Billion USD Railway Development Agreement
On April 15, 2026, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan signed a 2.3 billion USD agreement to develop a 360-kilometer railway network connecting mining areas to Aqaba port. This initiative is driven by the need to modernize Jordan's mining logistics and enhance export competitiveness amid deepening bilateral economic ties. The long-term implication is the potential for increased job creation and improved regional trade dynamics as the project progresses.
6 sourcesApr 16Low