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
4457 stories- Economy· World
Oil Prices Drop Below $100 as U.S.-Iran Peace Talks Progress
Oil prices fell below $100 per barrel as major U.S. stock indices approached record highs amid ongoing U.S.-Iran peace negotiations. This shift follows a conditional ceasefire announced on April 8, which has eased concerns over potential disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. The long-term implication suggests a stabilization in global energy markets, potentially impacting oil-dependent economies and investor strategies moving forward.
16 sourcesApr 15Low
- Economy· World
U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessent Supports Fed's Delay on Interest Rate Cuts Amid U.S.-Iran Conflict
On April 14, 2026, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent endorsed the Federal Reserve's potential decision to postpone interest rate cuts at its upcoming meeting. This stance is driven by the economic uncertainties stemming from the ongoing U.S.-Iran war, which has caused significant spikes in energy prices. In the long term, this cautious approach may lead to sustained higher borrowing costs and influence fiscal policies as the conflict evolves.
3 sourcesApr 15Moderate
- Economy· World
IMF Lowers Global GDP Growth Forecast to 3.1% Due to U.S.-Iran Conflict
The International Monetary Fund has downgraded its global GDP growth forecast for 2026 to 3.1% amid ongoing disruptions caused by the U.S.-Iran war. This adjustment follows the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which has halted 20% of global oil flows and led to rising energy prices. If the conflict persists, the IMF warns that growth could decline further, potentially leading to a recession in affected regions.
24 sourcesApr 15Moderate
- Business· World
OpenAI Investors Question $852 Billion Valuation Amid Shift to Enterprise AI
OpenAI investors have raised concerns regarding the company's $852 billion valuation as it pivots its focus towards enterprise AI markets. This scrutiny comes in light of competitive pressures from Anthropic and Google, coinciding with preparations for an initial public offering later in 2026. The long-term implication may involve a reevaluation of OpenAI's market position and potential adjustments to its IPO strategy in response to investor sentiment and competitive dynamics.
2 sourcesApr 14Low
- Business· UAE
Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Meets Brookfield CEO to Discuss Sustainable Investments in Dubai
On April 11, 2026, Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum held a strategic meeting with Bruce Flatt, CEO of Brookfield Corporation, to explore enhanced cooperation on sustainable investments in Dubai. This meeting is prompted by Dubai's ongoing financial growth and its positioning as a global financial hub, attracting significant foreign direct investment. The long-term implication is likely to be an increase in sustainable investment opportunities, further solidifying Dubai's role as a leading financial center in the region and globally.
3 sourcesApr 14Low
- Business· UAE
Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange Lists New AI and Sharia-Compliant ETFs
On April 12, 2026, KraneShares announced the listing of two new exchange-traded funds (ETFs) on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange. This move is driven by a significant surge in demand for thematic investments in technology and Islamic finance, evidenced by a 183% year-on-year increase in ETF trading value. The long-term implication is the strengthening of Abu Dhabi's position as a regional hub for innovative financial products and increased integration of UAE capital markets.
3 sourcesApr 14Low
- Business· MENA
Saudi Arabia Railways Expands Logistics Network with Five New Routes
On April 10, 2026, Saudi Arabia Railways launched five new multi-modal logistics routes connecting Arabian Gulf ports to central and northern Saudi regions. This initiative is driven by the need to enhance supply chain efficiency and support Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 amid changing international trade dynamics. The long-term implication is the positioning of Saudi Arabia as a key logistics hub in the region, potentially increasing competition for neighboring ports and enhancing regional trade efficiency.
4 sourcesApr 14Low
- Economy· UAE
UAE Launches Individual Sukuk Initiative to Enhance Savings and Financial Inclusion
On April 13, 2026, the United Arab Emirates entrenched an advanced model for individual savings through the Ministry of Finance's Individual Sukuk Initiative and complementary banking products. This initiative, which allows citizens and residents to invest in government Islamic treasury sukuk, is a response to the growing need for financial inclusion and economic stability amid robust deposit growth. Long-term, this initiative is expected to strengthen the UAE's financial sector and attract further investments in sharia-compliant financial products.
3 sourcesApr 14Low
- Business· UAE
Bernstein Initiates Coverage of MENA Energy Sector Highlighting ADNOC Gas and Fertiglobe
On April 12, 2026, Bernstein initiated coverage of the MENA energy sector, designating ADNOC Gas and Fertiglobe as top investment picks. This move is driven by the UAE's sovereign-led energy model, which emphasizes predictable cashflows and resilience amid geopolitical tensions. The long-term implication is a strengthened position for UAE energy companies in global markets, potentially attracting further international investment.
4 sourcesApr 14Low
- Business· UAE
UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure Launches Microgrid Project for Federal Buildings
On April 13, 2026, the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure announced the launch of an innovative microgrid project targeting federal government buildings. This initiative follows a successful pilot in 2025 at the ministry's headquarters in Sharjah, aimed at enhancing energy security and sustainability. The long-term implication is a nationwide scaling of renewable energy infrastructure that aligns with the UAE's 'We the UAE 2031' vision and Energy Strategy 2050.
4 sourcesApr 14Low
- Business· MENA
Lenovo Opens Regional Headquarters in Riyadh to Support Saudi Vision 2030
Lenovo inaugurated its regional headquarters for the Middle East, Turkey, and Africa in Riyadh on April 12, 2026. This strategic move aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 initiative, aimed at attracting global corporations to establish regional hubs in the Kingdom. The establishment of this headquarters is expected to enhance local talent development and solidify Riyadh's position as a leading tech hub in the region.
3 sourcesApr 14Low
- Business· UAE
DWTC Free Zone partners with Wio Bank to enhance digital business banking services
On April 13, 2026, Dubai World Trade Centre Free Zone signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Wio Bank PJSC to streamline digital banking for businesses. This partnership is driven by the need to improve the efficiency of banking processes for over 2,000 companies operating in the free zone amid a competitive business environment. The long-term implication is a strengthened position for Dubai as a global hub for entrepreneurship, facilitating easier access to financial services for startups and established businesses alike.
3 sourcesApr 14Low
- Economy· UAE
Central Bank of the UAE Partners with Vermeg to Launch Central Securities Depository
On April 13, 2026, the Central Bank of the UAE appointed Vermeg as the lead technology partner to develop a Central Securities Depository for national debt and Sukuk markets. This initiative is driven by the UAE's goal to enhance post-trade efficiency and liquidity management in its financial markets amid a projected growth in the debt capital market. The long-term implication is a strengthened financial infrastructure that positions the UAE as a competitive hub for Islamic finance and digital assets.
5 sourcesApr 14Low
- Economy· UAE
Gold Prices Drop Amid Stronger Dollar and Fed Rate Cut Expectations Diminish
On April 13, 2026, spot gold prices fell by 0.4% to approximately $4,719 per ounce, the lowest since early April. This decline is attributed to a stronger U.S. dollar and reduced expectations for Federal Reserve interest rate cuts due to rising inflation pressures from elevated oil prices linked to U.S.-Iran tensions. In the long term, this trend may lead to continued volatility in gold prices as geopolitical factors and monetary policy decisions influence market dynamics.
5 sourcesApr 14Low
- Economy· World
Brent Crude Oil Prices Rise Following U.S. Naval Blockade of Iranian Ports
Brent crude oil futures surged 4.4 percent to $99.36 per barrel after the U.S. initiated a naval blockade of Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz. This escalation was triggered by the collapse of peace talks between the U.S. and Iran, leading to Iranian threats against Gulf ports. The long-term implication could be a significant disruption in global oil supplies, potentially driving prices even higher if tensions escalate further.
4 sourcesApr 14Very High
- Economy· UAE
Emirates Development Bank Initiates AED 20 Million Daily Financing to Support UAE Businesses
On April 14, 2026, Emirates Development Bank announced a daily financing initiative of AED 20 million aimed at sustaining business operations across the UAE. This move is triggered by ongoing global supply chain pressures and market fluctuations that necessitate urgent liquidity support for key sectors. In the long term, this initiative is likely to enhance the resilience of the UAE's economy and stabilize domestic supply chains amid external challenges.
3 sourcesApr 14Low
- Economy· UAE
UAE and Uzbekistan Strengthen Economic Ties in Dubai Meeting
On April 14, 2026, UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism Abdulla bin Touq Al Marry met with a high-level Uzbek delegation in Dubai to enhance bilateral economic cooperation. This meeting is driven by the growing number of Uzbek companies in the UAE and a significant increase in tourism, reflecting a mutual commitment to economic integration. The long-term implication includes the establishment of joint ventures and initiatives like Investopia Tashkent, aimed at tapping into Asian market opportunities.
3 sourcesApr 14Low
- Crypto· World
Senator Lummis Calls for Urgent Passage of CLARITY Act Before 2030 Deadline
U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis has declared the current legislative session as the last opportunity to pass the Digital Asset Market CLARITY Act before 2030. This urgency is driven by potential midterm election disruptions and ongoing regulatory uncertainties that threaten the future of cryptocurrency legislation. If the bill fails to pass, it could lead to significant delays in establishing a regulatory framework for digital assets, impacting innovation and market stability in the U.S. crypto landscape.
3 sourcesApr 14High
- Crypto· World
Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong Supports CLARITY Act Following Treasury Secretary's Urgent Call
On April 10, 2026, Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong publicly endorsed the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act, responding to U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's call for swift Senate action to provide regulatory clarity for digital assets. This endorsement comes after Coinbase's earlier withdrawal of support in January 2026, now reversed due to bipartisan improvements in the bill. The long-term implication is a potential reshoring of crypto innovation to the U.S., intensifying competition with established hubs like Abu Dhabi and Singapore.
3 sourcesApr 14Moderate
- Crypto· World
Ether Machine and Dynamix Corporation Terminate SPAC Merger Due to Market Conditions
Ether Machine and Dynamix Corporation have mutually terminated their $1.6 billion SPAC merger agreement as of April 8, 2026. This decision was triggered by unfavorable market conditions and a significant decline in Ethereum prices since 2025. The long-term implication is a potential cooling of investor enthusiasm for crypto SPACs, as Dynamix seeks a new merger target by November 2026 amidst a challenging market landscape.
4 sourcesApr 14Low