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
8533 stories- Economy· World
Gold prices fluctuate amid stalled U.S.-Iran ceasefire negotiations
Gold prices have shown volatility as U.S.-Iran negotiations continue without resolution. The market is reacting to conflicting signals from these talks, which are influencing traders' sentiment regarding interest rates. Long-term, the outcome of these negotiations could significantly impact gold prices and broader economic stability.
6 sourcesMay 22Low
- Business· World
Standard Chartered Announces 7,800 Job Cuts by 2030 as Part of AI Restructuring
Standard Chartered has revealed plans to cut approximately 7,800 jobs, representing over 15% of its back-office workforce, by 2030 as it shifts towards increased automation and artificial intelligence. This decision is driven by the bank's strategy to enhance operational productivity and profitability amid a broader trend in the banking sector towards automation. The long-term implication is a significant transformation in workforce dynamics within the financial services industry, potentially influencing local banks in the UAE to reassess their operational strategies in response to these global trends.
18 sourcesMay 22Moderate
- Business· MENA
Starbucks Korea CEO dismissed after backlash over controversial marketing campaign
Starbucks Korea's CEO was fired following public outrage over a marketing campaign that referenced the Gwangju uprising. The immediate backlash was triggered by the campaign's insensitivity to historical events associated with military violence in South Korea. This incident highlights the growing necessity for corporations to adopt culturally sensitive marketing strategies to avoid reputational damage in the future.
5 sourcesMay 22Moderate
- Economy· World
Oil prices fluctuate amid geopolitical tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and Iran's nuclear negotiations
Oil prices have risen and fallen sharply amid concerns over the status of the Strait of Hormuz and Iran's nuclear negotiations. The immediate trigger for this volatility is the uncertainty surrounding Iran's uranium enrichment activities and their impact on energy flows. In the long term, continued tensions in this region are likely to keep oil prices unstable, affecting global energy markets and consumer prices.
4 sourcesMay 22Low
- Economy· World
UK inflation drops to 2.8% amid rising economic pressures from Iran war
UK inflation has decreased to 2.8%, the lowest rate in over a year, primarily due to a reduction in the household energy price cap. The ongoing Iran war is expected to impact the economy further, with rising fuel costs and an increase in unemployment anticipated in the coming months. As the effects of the Iran war unfold, inflation may rise again, and unemployment is likely to increase.
3 sourcesMay 22Low
- Business· World
New York City hotel workers secure eight-year contract ahead of FIFA World Cup
Hotel operators in New York have finalized an eight-year contract with 25,000 unionized workers, preventing a potential strike during the FIFA World Cup. This agreement, which includes a 50% wage increase and enhanced benefits, is a response to the upcoming global event and the need for stable hotel operations. The successful negotiation may set a new standard for labor relations in the hospitality industry during major events in the future.
3 sourcesMay 22Low
- Economy· World
UK Government Urges Supermarkets to Consider Voluntary Price Caps on Essential Foods
The UK government has urged supermarkets to consider voluntary price caps on essential food items amid rising inflation. This push comes as inflation in the UK reaches a near 18-month high, exacerbated by external factors including geopolitical tensions. The ongoing discussions may influence future pricing strategies in the retail sector as inflation continues to impact consumers.
3 sourcesMay 22Low
- Economy· World
Japan's exports rise 14.8% in April amid geopolitical tensions
Japan's exports surged by 14.8% year-on-year in April, reflecting strong global demand and a weak yen. This growth is occurring now due to favorable currency conditions and resilient international markets. However, ongoing tensions in the Middle East pose risks to Japan's economic outlook and could impact future trade stability.
3 sourcesMay 22Low
- Economy· MENA
UN Lowers Global Growth Forecast to 2.5% Amid Middle East Crisis
The United Nations has revised its global economic growth forecast downward to 2.5% for 2026 due to rising oil prices linked to the ongoing crisis in the Middle East. This adjustment is occurring now as geopolitical tensions escalate, significantly impacting energy markets and global economic stability. If these tensions persist, the global economy may face further challenges, including higher inflation and prolonged slow growth.
4 sourcesMay 22Moderate
- Business· World
SpaceX Discloses Financials Ahead of June IPO
SpaceX has revealed its financial details in preparation for its initial public offering scheduled for June 12, 2026. The disclosure comes as the company aims to capitalize on its significant revenue growth, despite reporting a net loss due to high capital expenditures. The IPO is expected to raise between $70 billion and $75 billion, potentially reshaping the investment landscape in the technology and space sectors.
62 sourcesMay 22High
- Business· World
Eli Lilly's retatrutide shows promising weight loss results in clinical trials
Eli Lilly has announced significant results from clinical trials of its weight loss drug retatrutide, with participants losing an average of 28% of their body weight over 80 weeks. This development is driven by the increasing demand for effective obesity treatments and the drug's potential to outperform existing therapies. If approved by the FDA, retatrutide could reshape the obesity treatment landscape and expand Eli Lilly's market presence.
5 sourcesMay 21Moderate
- Economy· World
Bank of England signals extended hold on interest rates amid geopolitical tensions
Michael Taylor of the Bank of England indicated that the central bank may not need to raise interest rates to manage inflation stemming from the Middle East conflict. This cautious approach is prompted by a weaker economic environment and reduced risks of persistent inflation compared to 2022. The long-term implication suggests that the Bank will maintain flexibility in its monetary policy as it assesses ongoing economic indicators and international developments.
3 sourcesMay 21Low
- Business· World
Deere & Co. reports strong fiscal second-quarter sales driven by construction growth
Deere & Co. has reported stronger-than-expected fiscal second-quarter sales, primarily due to significant growth in its construction and forestry segments. This surge in construction sales is occurring as the agriculture market continues to face challenges, constraining farmer spending. Looking ahead, Deere's reliance on its construction segment may position it well for future growth amid ongoing agricultural market uncertainties.
3 sourcesMay 21Low
- Economy· World
Bank of Japan signals potential interest rate hike amid rising inflation concerns
Bank of Japan policymakers have indicated an imminent interest rate hike as inflation approaches 2%. This shift is triggered by rising inflation concerns, exacerbated by external factors such as geopolitical conflicts. Long-term, this could lead to significant changes in Japan's economic landscape as the BOJ balances inflation control with growth.
3 sourcesMay 21Low
- Business· UAE
Emirates Airlines invests 18.7 billion dirhams in new engineering hub in Dubai South
Emirates Airlines has laid the foundation for a new engineering center in Dubai South with an investment of 18.7 billion dirhams. This significant investment is aimed at enhancing the airline's maintenance capabilities and is part of a broader strategy to expand operations and improve efficiency. The establishment of this hub is expected to create thousands of jobs and bolster the local economy, positioning Emirates for future growth in the aviation sector.
3 sourcesMay 21Low
- Business· MENA
Saudi airports handle 140.9 million passengers in 2025 marking a 9.6% growth
Saudi airports recorded a total of 140.9 million passengers in 2025, reflecting a 9.6% increase from the previous year. This surge is attributed to a rise in both international and domestic travel, with King Abdulaziz International Airport leading in passenger numbers. The continued expansion of Saudi airports indicates a robust recovery and growth trajectory for the aviation industry in the region.
4 sourcesMay 21Low
- Business· MENA
Qiddiya Investment Company expands partnership with Google Cloud for entertainment project
Qiddiya Investment Company has announced an expansion of its collaboration with Google Cloud to develop the digital infrastructure for the Qiddiya entertainment project. This move is driven by the need to enhance operational capabilities as part of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 initiative. The long-term implication is that this partnership will significantly boost the local economy and position Saudi Arabia as a global tourism and entertainment hub.
3 sourcesMay 21Low
- Business· UAE
UAE Announces Eid Al Adha Holidays for Private Sector Employees
The UAE has officially set the Eid Al Adha holidays for private sector employees from May 26 to May 29, 2026. This announcement comes from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, emphasizing the need for employees to seek employer approval for additional leave on May 25. The long-term implication is that employees must navigate labor laws carefully to ensure compliance and proper planning for holiday leave.
3 sourcesMay 21Low
- Economy· World
Global Companies Face $25 Billion Losses Due to Iran Conflict
Global companies have reported losses of at least $25 billion due to the Iran conflict. This financial impact is driven by defensive moves from 279 publicly listed companies amid rising energy prices and geopolitical tensions. As the conflict escalates, companies will need to adapt their strategies to mitigate further financial impacts.
5 sourcesMay 21Low
- Business· World
Sports Illustrated Deletes Writer's Articles Amid AI Plagiarism Controversy
Sports Illustrated has removed a writer's profile and all associated articles following allegations of AI-generated plagiarism. This action was triggered by accusations stemming from a Sportico article published recently, raising concerns about the integrity of content creation in journalism. In the long term, this incident may lead to stricter editorial policies regarding AI usage in media outlets to maintain credibility and trust with audiences.
3 sourcesMay 21Moderate