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
4464 stories- Business· World
South Korea Advances Crude Oil Supply Negotiations with Kazakhstan Amid Middle East Shipping Disruptions
South Korea is nearing a crude oil supply agreement with Kazakhstan as announced by Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan. This development follows a diplomatic mission aimed at diversifying energy imports due to ongoing shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz caused by regional conflicts. The long-term implication is that South Korea may reduce its reliance on Middle Eastern oil, potentially reshaping its energy security strategy.
3 sourcesApr 12Low
- Business· UAE
Dubai Chambers and China Council Discuss Economic Cooperation Expansion
Dubai Chambers held a bilateral meeting with the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Shanghai to enhance economic relations. This meeting is a continuation of efforts to deepen investment and trade partnerships, particularly in the digital economy, following a significant increase in Chinese companies joining Dubai's business ecosystem. Long-term, this collaboration is expected to solidify Dubai's position as a global trade hub and stimulate further cross-border investments.
3 sourcesApr 12Low
- Economy· MENA
Egypt's Urban Inflation Hits 15.2% Amid Fuel Price Hikes Linked to Iran War
Egypt's annual urban consumer inflation rate surged to 15.2% in March 2026, up from 13.4% in February, as families in urban centers face rising food and transport costs. This inflation spike is primarily driven by fuel price increases of 14-30% due to the geopolitical impacts of the ongoing Iran war. Long-term, this economic strain is likely to lead to increased household austerity measures and potential social unrest as purchasing power continues to erode.
3 sourcesApr 12Low
- Economy· UAE
DIFC Launches Temporary Relief Package for Businesses Amid Economic Challenges
On April 9, 2026, the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) introduced a targeted package of temporary economic support measures for its business and retail community. This initiative is a direct response to economic pressures stemming from the ongoing Iran war, which has led to increased operational costs and decreased business morale in the region. The long-term implication is a strengthened resilience of Dubai's financial ecosystem, potentially stabilizing the local economy during turbulent times.
3 sourcesApr 12Low
- Business· MENA
Saudia Airlines Resumes Partial Flights Between Jeddah and Dubai-Abu Dhabi
Saudia Airlines has resumed partial daily flights between Jeddah and Dubai-Abu Dhabi starting April 11, 2026, after a suspension due to regional military escalations. The resumption follows a 43-day halt initiated on February 28, 2026, due to security concerns amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East. This development signals a potential stabilization of regional airspace and may lead to a gradual recovery in aviation markets and travel connectivity in the region.
4 sourcesApr 12Low
- Economy· World
Wall Street Closes Mixed Amid US-Iran Ceasefire and Diplomatic Talks
Wall Street indices experienced a mixed close on April 10, 2026, as investors reacted to a fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran while anticipating high-level diplomatic negotiations in Islamabad. The immediate trigger for market fluctuations was the ongoing conflict's impact on oil prices and inflation, alongside the upcoming talks aimed at extending the ceasefire. Long-term implications may include increased market volatility and shifts in energy prices depending on the outcomes of the negotiations and regional stability.
3 sourcesApr 12Low
- Economy· World
Spot Gold Prices Decline Amid Strong Dollar and US-Iran Ceasefire Uncertainty
Gold prices fell to $4,775 per ounce on April 10, 2026, despite a weekly gain of 1.8%, influenced by a stronger US dollar and doubts regarding the US-Iran ceasefire. The immediate cause of this decline stems from rising skepticism about geopolitical stability, particularly the ongoing US-Israeli conflict with Iran. In the long term, continued fluctuations in gold prices may signal shifting investor sentiment and potential adjustments in Federal Reserve interest rate policies.
4 sourcesApr 12Low
- Economy· UAE
UAE to Host 2029 World Bank and IMF Annual Meetings in Abu Dhabi
The United Arab Emirates has been selected to host the 2029 Annual Meetings of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund in Abu Dhabi. This decision follows a competitive bid process and reflects the UAE's growing influence as a stable financial hub amid global economic recovery. The long-term implication is an anticipated increase in foreign investment and enhanced international economic collaboration for the UAE.
6 sourcesApr 12Moderate
- Economy· UAE
UAE Banks Federation Highlights Economic Resilience Through Central Bank Support Package
The UAE Banks Federation's Advisory Council of CEOs convened on April 10, 2026, to discuss the banking sector's performance and the Central Bank's proactive support measures. This meeting follows the Central Bank's announcement of a comprehensive support package aimed at enhancing financial institutions' resilience amid global economic pressures. The long-term implication is a strengthened financial sector positioning the UAE as a leading global financial hub, capable of converting challenges into growth opportunities.
3 sourcesApr 12Low
- Business· UAE
Dubai Real Estate Market Achieves AED 16.73 Billion in Transactions for Week Ending April 10, 2026
The Dubai Land Department reported 4,529 real estate transactions totaling AED 16.73 billion for the week ending April 10, 2026. This surge is attributed to sustained demand from local and international investors, despite ongoing geopolitical tensions. The long-term implication suggests continued resilience in the Dubai real estate market, potentially leading to increased asset values and housing costs.
4 sourcesApr 12Low
- Business· UAE
Dubai Chambers and Indonesian Ambassador Discuss Bilateral Trade Enhancement
On April 10, 2026, Dubai Chambers convened with Indonesian Ambassador Yuda Nugraha to strengthen bilateral trade and investment cooperation. This meeting is driven by a significant increase in Indonesian company registrations in Dubai, reflecting a growing interest in the UAE as a business hub. The long-term implication is the potential for expanded economic ties and increased foreign investment in Dubai's strategic sectors.
3 sourcesApr 12Low
- Economy· World
US Department of Energy Releases Additional Oil Loans Amid Middle East Tensions
On April 10, 2026, the United States Department of Energy awarded contracts for 8.48 million barrels of crude oil loans from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to four companies amid the US-Israeli conflict with Iran. This decision is driven by the need to stabilize surging fuel prices caused by supply disruptions in the Middle East, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz. In the long term, these actions may lead to increased volatility in global oil markets and further geopolitical tensions in the region.
3 sourcesApr 12Low
- Business· UAE
Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Promotes Dubai as a Hub for Sustainable Investments
On April 11, 2026, Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum met with Brookfield CEO Bruce Flatt to discuss enhancing sustainable investment opportunities in Dubai. This meeting is driven by Dubai's ongoing efforts to attract global investors and strengthen its economic recovery post-pandemic. The long-term implication is likely to be an increase in foreign direct investment, further solidifying Dubai's status as a leading global investment hub.
3 sourcesApr 12Low
- Business· MENA
Saudi Arabia Suspends Energy Facility Operations Following Attacks
On April 9, 2026, Saudi Arabia announced the suspension of operational activities at several critical energy facilities due to multiple recent attacks. The immediate trigger for this disruption is the heightened regional tensions and direct assaults on key infrastructure, resulting in significant production losses. Long-term implications include increased volatility in global oil markets and potential economic repercussions for the region, particularly affecting fuel costs in neighboring countries like the UAE.
8 sourcesApr 12Low
- Business· MENA
Saudi Railways Company Expands Logistics Network with Five New Routes
On April 10, 2026, the Saudi Railways Company launched five new multi-modal logistics routes to enhance international trade flows. This initiative is driven by the need to improve supply chain efficiency and support the National Transport and Logistics Strategy amid global supply chain disruptions. The long-term implication is that Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a key logistics hub, potentially increasing its influence in regional trade dynamics.
3 sourcesApr 12Low
- Economy· MENA
Saudi Arabia's Industrial Production Index Achieves Record 8.9% Growth in February 2026
Saudi Arabia's Industrial Production Index increased by 8.9% year-over-year in February 2026, reaching a record high. This surge is attributed to significant growth in mining and oil activities, alongside ongoing diversification efforts under Vision 2030. The long-term implication suggests a strengthened industrial sector that may enhance regional trade dynamics within the GCC, particularly with the UAE.
4 sourcesApr 12Low
- Crypto· World
Japan's Cabinet Approves Regulatory Reform for Cryptocurrencies as Financial Products
On April 10, 2026, Japan's Cabinet approved a draft amendment to reclassify cryptocurrencies as financial products under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act. This reform is driven by the need to enhance market transparency and investor protection amid ongoing regulatory gaps and fraud concerns. Long-term, this shift is expected to attract institutional participation in the cryptocurrency market, potentially reshaping its structure in Japan.
3 sourcesApr 12Moderate
- Crypto· World
WLFI Token Plummets to Record Low Amid $75 Million Loan Scrutiny
The WLFI token associated with World Liberty Financial dropped to a record low of $0.077 following revelations of a $75 million self-collateralized loan on the Dolomite DeFi platform. This decline was triggered by concerns over liquidity risks and potential liquidations after significant amounts of borrowed funds were moved to Coinbase Prime. In the long term, the situation may lead to increased scrutiny and regulatory pressures on DeFi protocols and their lending practices.
4 sourcesApr 12High
- Crypto· World
Bitwise Asset Management Amends Hyperliquid ETF Registration Ahead of Potential Launch
Bitwise Asset Management filed a second amendment to its Form S-1 registration for the Bitwise Hyperliquid ETF on April 10, 2026. This amendment, which includes the confirmation of the BHYP ticker and a management fee of 0.67%, is seen as a signal of an imminent launch as the market anticipates increased competition for U.S. spot exposure to the HYPE token. The long-term implication is that successful approval could position Bitwise as a leader in the rapidly evolving altcoin ETF market, further intensifying competition among asset managers.
4 sourcesApr 12Moderate
- Crypto· World
Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong Endorses CLARITY Act Following Treasury Secretary's Call for Crypto Regulation
On April 10, 2026, Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong publicly endorsed the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act, urging Congress to pass the bipartisan legislation. This development follows U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's op-ed on April 9, 2026, advocating for swift Senate action on federal rules for digital assets. The endorsement signals a potential shift in regulatory clarity for the crypto industry, likely influencing future legislative efforts and market dynamics in the U.S.
3 sourcesApr 12High