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
8560 stories- Crypto· World
Bitcoin Falls Below $80,000 Amid Geopolitical Tensions and Profit-Taking
Bitcoin's price has dropped below the $80,000 mark due to heightened geopolitical tensions and traders cashing out. The immediate trigger for this decline was U.S. military strikes in Iran, which negatively impacted market sentiment and led to significant liquidations in futures contracts. In the long term, the cryptocurrency market's stability will depend on Bitcoin's ability to reclaim this critical price level amidst ongoing geopolitical concerns.
4 sourcesMay 8Moderate
- Economy· World
German industrial output declines for second consecutive month amid Iran war impact
German industrial production fell by 0.7% in March, marking the second month of unexpected decline. This downturn is primarily driven by the ongoing conflict in Iran, which has led to rising energy prices affecting the manufacturing sector. The long-term implication suggests that Germany's economic recovery may be hindered, impacting broader European economic stability.
3 sourcesMay 8Low
- Business· UAE
IFFCO Group in Dubai faces provisional liquidation amid $2 billion debt crisis
IFFCO Group is moving toward provisional liquidation due to a significant debt crisis amounting to $2 billion. This financial turmoil is occurring now as the company struggles to manage its overwhelming liabilities. The long-term implication could reshape the food industry landscape in the Gulf, affecting suppliers and the broader economy.
3 sourcesMay 8Low
- Business· UAE
Man Group Establishes Operations in Abu Dhabi Financial Hub
Man Group has announced plans to set up operations in Abu Dhabi, marking a significant expansion for the world's largest listed hedge fund manager. This move is driven by the growing recognition of the Abu Dhabi Global Market as a key financial center in the Middle East. The long-term implication is an expected increase in competition and investment opportunities within the region's financial sector as more global players enter the market.
3 sourcesMay 8Low
- Business· MENA
Saudi Arabia sees 102% increase in individual patent applications for 2025
The Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property has reported a record 102% increase in individual patent applications for the year 2025. This surge is driven by enhanced digital filing processes and a growing awareness of the importance of intellectual property among innovators. In the long term, this trend is likely to bolster Saudi Arabia's position as a hub for innovation and attract more global technology companies.
3 sourcesMay 8Low
- Economy· UAE
UAE announces major investment in desalination plants to enhance water security
The UAE has initiated the construction of multiple desalination plants, including a Dh1 billion facility in Fujairah and a $285 million plant by EtihadWE. This move is driven by the urgent need to meet increasing water demand due to population growth and climate change. Long-term, these projects are expected to significantly bolster the UAE's water security and set a benchmark for sustainable water management in arid regions.
3 sourcesMay 8Low
- Business· UAE
Fire at Dubai Marina construction site contained with no injuries reported
A fire broke out at an under-construction tower in Dubai Marina on May 6, 2026. The rapid response from Dubai Civil Defence crews ensured that the fire was brought under control quickly, preventing any injuries. This incident highlights the need for ongoing reviews of safety protocols in construction to mitigate future risks.
3 sourcesMay 8Low
- Economy· MENA
Saudi Arabia Reports 125.7 Billion SAR Budget Deficit for Q1 2026
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Finance announced a budget deficit of 125.7 billion SAR for the first quarter of 2026. This deficit is attributed to a 1 percent decline in total revenues due to lower oil income, despite a 20 percent increase in expenditures aimed at supporting Vision 2030 initiatives. The long-term implication suggests a continued reliance on borrowing to finance deficits, potentially impacting public debt levels and fiscal sustainability in the future.
6 sourcesMay 8Low
- Business· MENA
Saudi Energy Company reports 89.3% increase in net profits for Q1 2026
The Saudi Energy Company announced its financial results for the first quarter of 2026, revealing a significant increase in revenues and net profits. This surge in profitability, attributed to strong operational performance, reflects a broader trend of growth within the Saudi energy sector. The company is likely to leverage this momentum for future investments and to influence market dynamics in the region.
3 sourcesMay 8Low
- Economy· World
Gold prices surge amid weakening dollar and geopolitical tensions
Gold prices have risen for the third consecutive session, reaching over $4700 per ounce. This increase is driven by a declining dollar and investor optimism regarding a potential ceasefire in the Middle East. As geopolitical tensions persist, gold prices are expected to remain volatile, influenced by ongoing economic indicators and market sentiment.
3 sourcesMay 8Moderate
- Business· MENA
Saudi Aramco partners with Solutions by stc to develop advanced supercomputer for hydrocarbon exploration
Saudi Aramco has announced a collaboration with Solutions by stc to create a high-performance supercomputer aimed at enhancing its hydrocarbon exploration and production capabilities. This initiative is driven by Aramco's commitment to digital transformation and a significant investment of 1.4 billion SAR. The long-term implication is that this supercomputer will position Aramco as a leader in technological advancements within the global energy sector, improving operational efficiency and competitiveness.
3 sourcesMay 8Low
- Business· UAE
UAE Launches First Passenger Station of Etihad Rail Project
Etihad Rail's first passenger station has been completed, connecting major cities including Abu Dhabi and Dubai. This milestone is occurring now as part of a broader initiative to enhance travel infrastructure and connectivity within the UAE. The long-term implication is expected to be a significant boost in regional tourism and economic growth as the rail network becomes operational by 2026.
3 sourcesMay 8Low
- Business· UAE
UAE Launches Make it in the Emirates 2026 Platform to Enhance Industrial Sector
The UAE has introduced the 'Make it in the Emirates 2026' platform to enhance industrial growth. This initiative is being implemented now as part of the country's strategic priority to bolster its industrial sector, highlighted during a summit attended by top leadership. The long-term implication is that this focus on industrial growth is expected to drive economic diversification and sustainability in the UAE.
5 sourcesMay 8Low
- Economy· World
Brent crude oil prices drop to $96 amid easing U.S.-Iran tensions
Brent crude oil prices have fallen to $96.03 per barrel following a decrease in geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and Iran. This shift is occurring as negotiations between the two nations suggest a potential reopening of the critical Strait of Hormuz shipping route. If successful, these negotiations could lead to stabilization in oil prices, impacting global supply dynamics in the long term.
4 sourcesMay 8Low
- Economy· World
Global debt reaches record high of $353 trillion driven by U.S. and China borrowing
Global debt has surged to a record high of approximately $353 trillion as of March 2026. This increase is primarily attributed to heightened borrowing in the United States and China, reflecting ongoing financial pressures in these major economies. The long-term implication suggests that policymakers will need to address the challenges posed by rising debt levels on economic stability and growth, especially amid increasing interest rates and inflationary pressures.
3 sourcesMay 8Moderate
- Business· World
ElevenLabs secures over $550 million in Series D funding led by high-profile investors
ElevenLabs has raised over $550 million in its Series D funding round, attracting notable investors including Jamie Foxx and BlackRock. This surge in investment is driven by the increasing demand for voice AI technologies and the company's impressive annual recurring revenue exceeding $500 million. The long-term implication is that ElevenLabs is well-positioned for continued growth and innovation in the AI sector, potentially influencing the broader market landscape.
4 sourcesMay 8Low
- Crypto· World
Haun Ventures raises $1 billion for cryptocurrency and AI integration
Haun Ventures has launched a $1 billion fund aimed at developing a new financial system that merges cryptocurrency with artificial intelligence. This initiative is driven by the increasing recognition of AI's role in shaping future economic activities and the demand for advanced financial infrastructure. The long-term implication is that this fund could significantly influence the evolution of financial services and the broader economic landscape as AI technologies advance.
3 sourcesMay 8Low
- Crypto· World
Standard Chartered invests $150 million in crypto firm GSR, boosting its valuation to over $1 billion
SC Ventures, the venture capital arm of Standard Chartered, has invested $150 million in the crypto trading firm GSR, which is now valued at over $1 billion. This investment is driven by a growing institutional confidence in the cryptocurrency market and aims to enhance GSR's capabilities in tokenization and liquidity for digital assets. The long-term implication is that such institutional investments could accelerate the adoption of digital assets among traditional financial institutions, shaping the future of digital asset markets.
4 sourcesMay 8Low
- Crypto· World
Ripple to Share Threat Intelligence on North Korean Cyber Activities with Crypto Industry
Ripple has announced its initiative to share intelligence regarding North Korean-linked cyber threats with the Crypto ISAC. This move comes in response to a predicted increase in hacking activities, particularly following significant breaches in decentralized finance. Long-term, this collaboration could enhance cybersecurity measures across the cryptocurrency sector and set a precedent for collective defense against state-sponsored cyber threats.
3 sourcesMay 8Low
- Crypto· World
A16z Crypto launches $2.2 billion fund to invest in cryptocurrency startups
A16z Crypto has announced the launch of a $2.2 billion fund aimed at supporting innovations in the cryptocurrency sector. This initiative comes at a time when other venture capital firms are diversifying their investments into AI, indicating a strategic pivot in the investment landscape. The long-term implication is that A16z's commitment may influence other firms to follow suit, potentially revitalizing interest in cryptocurrency innovations despite current market challenges.
3 sourcesMay 8Low