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
8583 stories- Business· World
Meta announces layoffs amid rising AI infrastructure costs
Meta has announced layoffs, with CEO Mark Zuckerberg attributing the cuts to increasing capital expenditures related to AI infrastructure. This decision comes as the company faces significant financial pressure, marking the first direct communication with employees about layoffs since March. The long-term implication suggests that Meta may continue restructuring and further layoffs as it seeks to balance workforce size with its financial commitments in AI investments.
3 sourcesMay 4Low - Business· World
GameStop CEO Ryan Cohen Proposes $56 Billion Acquisition of eBay
On May 3, 2026, GameStop CEO Ryan Cohen announced an unsolicited proposal to acquire eBay for approximately $56 billion. The proposal comes as GameStop seeks to leverage its collectibles business and physical stores to enhance eBay's operations amid rising competition. If successful, this acquisition could significantly reshape the e-commerce landscape and position GameStop as a formidable competitor to Amazon.
13 sourcesMay 4Very High - Economy· World
Japanese Yen Weakens Against U.S. Dollar After Currency Intervention
On May 1, 2026, the Japanese yen depreciated against the U.S. dollar following a currency intervention by Tokyo authorities on April 30. This intervention was triggered by the yen's rapid decline after USD/JPY surpassed 160, exacerbated by softer Tokyo CPI data. The long-term implication suggests that without continued intervention, the yen may face further depreciation pressures amid ongoing geopolitical tensions and interest rate differentials.
8 sourcesMay 4Low - Business· World
NatWest faces £140 million hit from geopolitical tensions despite profit beat
NatWest reported a £283 million impairment charge due to reassessing its economic forecast amid ongoing geopolitical risks. The immediate trigger for this financial adjustment is the economic impact of the Iran war, which has led to a conservative revenue outlook. In the long term, investors will closely monitor how these geopolitical tensions continue to affect NatWest's financial performance and stock stability.
3 sourcesMay 4Low - Economy· World
Oil prices rise amid escalating Middle East tensions
Oil prices have increased for the second consecutive week, with Brent crude futures reaching $126.41. This rise is primarily driven by ongoing geopolitical tensions related to the conflict involving Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. As these tensions persist, further fluctuations in oil prices are expected in the coming weeks.
3 sourcesMay 4Moderate - Business· World
U.S. oil companies reassess investments in Venezuela amid geopolitical shifts
Exxon Mobil and ConocoPhillips are sending technical teams to evaluate investment opportunities in Venezuela. This shift is triggered by a more positive outlook from Exxon CEO Darren Woods on the Venezuelan oil sector, contrasting previous assessments of it being 'uninvestable.' Long-term, this could lead to increased U.S. investment in Venezuela's oil sector, altering the region's oil dynamics significantly.
3 sourcesMay 4Low - Economy· World
CEO compensation rises sharply while worker wages decline
In the last 48 hours, a report revealed that CEO pay increased 54% since 2019, while real wages for workers fell by 12%. This disparity is attributed to the accelerating growth of executive compensation outpacing worker pay, highlighting systemic income inequality. The long-term implication may lead to increased public scrutiny and potential legislative reforms aimed at addressing income disparities in corporate pay structures.
3 sourcesMay 4Low - Economy· World
U.S. Increases Tariffs on EU Automobiles to 25% Impacting German Economy
On May 1, 2026, the U.S. announced a tariff increase on automobiles imported from the European Union to 25%, effective May 8. This escalation follows claims of EU non-compliance with a trade agreement and is projected to result in nearly $18 billion in short-term output losses for Germany's automotive sector. The long-term implications may lead to further strain in U.S.-EU trade relations and potential retaliatory measures from the EU.
16 sourcesMay 4High - Economy· MENA
OPEC+ Approves Oil Production Quota Increase Amid Ongoing Iran-U.S. Conflict
On May 3, 2026, OPEC+ countries agreed to increase oil production quotas by 188,000 barrels per day effective June 2026. This decision follows the United Arab Emirates' exit from the alliance and is a response to the ongoing Iran-U.S. war that has disrupted oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz. The long-term implication is a potential stabilization of oil prices and a shift in regional energy dynamics as OPEC+ adapts to reduced membership and geopolitical tensions.
10 sourcesMay 4Low
- Economy· MENA
Saudi Arabia reports 2.8% GDP growth in Q1 2026 driven by non-oil sector
Saudi Arabia's economy achieved a 2.8% year-on-year growth in GDP during the first quarter of 2026. This growth is primarily attributed to the non-oil sector, despite a quarterly contraction of 1.5% due to a significant decline in oil activities. The ongoing diversification efforts may provide a buffer against future volatility in the oil market, but challenges in the oil sector remain critical for sustained growth.
3 sourcesMay 3Low - Economy· World
Oil prices exceed $126 per barrel amid U.S.-Iran tensions
Brent crude oil prices surged to over $126 per barrel due to escalating fears of a potential conflict between the U.S. and Iran. This spike is driven by concerns over supply disruptions and the possibility of prolonged U.S. sanctions on Iranian ports. The long-term implication is that ongoing geopolitical tensions could lead to further fluctuations in oil prices and instability in global energy markets.
3 sourcesMay 3Low - Business· World
OPEC+ Alliance to Continue Despite UAE Exit
Russia's Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak confirmed that the OPEC+ alliance will persist following the UAE's departure. This assurance comes amid a global oil deficit, which has prompted concerns about potential price wars. The long-term implication is that OPEC+ will play a crucial role in stabilizing oil prices as supply challenges continue to mount.
3 sourcesMay 3Low - Business· UAE
UAE launches digital bank account service for tourists
The Central Bank of the UAE has introduced a new service allowing tourists to open digital bank accounts upon arrival. This initiative is driven by the UAE's goal to enhance financial inclusion and promote digital payments, utilizing advanced technologies like biometrics. In the long term, this could lead to a more integrated financial ecosystem for visitors and further establish the UAE as a leading financial hub.
3 sourcesMay 3Low
- Business· UAE
UAE launches AI-powered hiring initiative to enhance labor market productivity
The UAE has initiated an AI and robotics project aimed at improving labor market productivity and attracting global talent. This move is part of the UAE's broader strategy to implement advanced technology in government operations and meet the demands of a modern economy. Long-term, this initiative is expected to position the UAE as a global talent hub and set a precedent for other nations in labor market reforms.
3 sourcesMay 3Low
- Economy· MENA
GCC Trade Cooperation Committee Holds 70th Meeting to Enhance Economic Ties
The 70th meeting of the GCC Trade Cooperation Committee was held to discuss trade agreements and commercial law implementation. This meeting is triggered by significant trade volume growth between Saudi Arabia and GCC countries, which has seen a 125% increase over five years. The long-term implication is a strengthened economic collaboration among GCC states, paving the way for future trade agreements and unified commercial laws.
4 sourcesMay 3Low - Business· UAE
Emirates SkyCargo Launches Weekly Freighter Service to Toronto
Emirates SkyCargo has initiated a new weekly freighter service to Toronto Pearson Airport, enhancing cargo connectivity between Canada and the UAE. This launch is driven by a 24% year-on-year increase in exports from Canada to the UAE, necessitating additional export capacity. The long-term implication is a strengthened trade relationship between the two nations, potentially leading to further expansions of Emirates SkyCargo's network in North America.
3 sourcesMay 3Low
- Economy· MENA
Saudi Export-Import Bank signs reinsurance agreement with U.S. counterpart
The Saudi Export-Import Bank has finalized a reinsurance agreement with the U.S. Export-Import Bank to facilitate local businesses in acquiring U.S. capital goods. This agreement is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen trade relations between Saudi Arabia and the United States, coinciding with the U.S. Export-Import Bank's 92nd annual conference. The long-term implication is an expected increase in trade and investment opportunities that could bolster economic growth in both nations.
3 sourcesMay 3Low
- Economy· World
Gold prices decline amid rising oil prices and inflation concerns
Gold prices are experiencing a decline as they are pressured by rising oil prices and heightened inflation fears. This shift is occurring now due to the recent increase in oil prices, which has raised concerns about inflation and its impact on the economy. In the long term, continued volatility in oil prices could lead to further instability in the gold market and influence investor strategies regarding precious metals.
3 sourcesMay 3Low - Economy· World
Oil prices surge to four-year high amid U.S.-Iran tensions
Oil prices have risen sharply, with Brent crude reaching $126 per barrel, the highest level in over four years. This surge is driven by stalled negotiations between the U.S. and Iran, coupled with fears of potential military actions. The ongoing geopolitical tensions are likely to keep oil prices elevated in the near future, prompting market participants to closely monitor developments in U.S.-Iran relations.
5 sourcesMay 3High - Economy· UAE
UAE Celebrates International Workers' Day with Community Initiatives
The UAE honored workers on International Workers' Day through various community initiatives and celebrations. This recognition is part of the country's ongoing commitment to worker welfare, reflecting a theme of unity and support. In the long term, this focus on labor rights is expected to strengthen the labor market and attract more talent to the nation.
3 sourcesMay 3Low