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
8370 stories- Economy· World
Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh Signals Increased Likelihood of September Rate Hike
Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh delivered a hawkish address at the Jackson Hole Economic Policy Symposium, indicating a heightened probability of a September interest rate hike to around 60 percent. This shift is driven by persistent inflation rates exceeding the Fed's 2 percent target, prompting market adjustments in response to Warsh's remarks. In the long term, this could lead to tighter monetary policy and increased scrutiny on financial markets as the Fed seeks to stabilize prices amid ongoing economic challenges.
12 sourcesSep 4High
- Business· UAE
Air Arabia Launches Daily Flights from Sharjah to Düsseldorf
Air Arabia announced the launch of daily non-stop flights between Sharjah and Düsseldorf, set to begin on December 16, 2026. This expansion is driven by increasing demand for affordable travel options between the UAE and Germany, following the recent addition of Frankfurt and Munich routes. The move is expected to enhance tourism and trade ties, further solidifying Air Arabia's presence in the European market.
3 sourcesSep 4Low
- Business· UAE
Emirates Airline Reports 12 Percent Increase in Inflight Catering Costs Amid Record Profits
Emirates Airline disclosed a 12 percent rise in inflight catering costs to Dh5.316 billion for the financial year ending March 31, 2026. This increase is attributed to expanded network operations and a surge in passenger volume, coinciding with record revenues and profits. The long-term implication suggests that Emirates will continue to invest heavily in service enhancements to maintain its competitive edge in the global aviation market.
3 sourcesSep 4Low
- Economy· MENA
Iran Faces Petrol Import Crisis Due to US Naval Blockade
Iran has publicly acknowledged a significant shortfall in petrol imports due to a US naval blockade, as confirmed by Vice President Mohammad Jafar Ghaempanah. This situation arises amidst an ongoing conflict that began on February 28, 2026, which has led to increased economic pressures and long queues at petrol stations in Tehran. In response to the crisis, Iranian officials are reviewing petrol quotas, indicating potential long-term shifts in domestic fuel policy and consumption patterns.
3 sourcesSep 4Moderate
- Economy· MENA
Visa and Mastercard Launch International Card Transactions in Syria After US Terrorism Designation Removal
On August 27, 2026, Visa and Mastercard executed the first international card transactions in Syria, marking a significant shift in the country's financial landscape. This development follows the United States' removal of Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism on August 25, 2026, which has enabled the reactivation of global payment networks. The long-term implication is that this move may facilitate increased foreign investment and economic rebuilding efforts in Syria after years of isolation due to sanctions.
6 sourcesSep 4Moderate
- Crypto· World
Core Lightning Issues Emergency Security Advisory for Bitcoin Lightning Network Vulnerabilities
Core Lightning developers issued an emergency advisory to Bitcoin Lightning node operators after validating multiple vulnerabilities identified in AI-generated security reports. This alert was triggered by a surge of AI-assisted CVE reports received in early August 2026, with several confirmed as exploitable weaknesses. The long-term implication is a heightened focus on AI's role in vulnerability discovery and the need for improved security measures within the Bitcoin infrastructure.
3 sourcesSep 4Low
- Economy· World
US-Canada Trade War Intensifies with New Tariffs Heightening Recession Fears
On August 28, 2026, escalating tariffs between the United States and Canada have raised recession concerns, particularly for the Canadian economy. This trade dispute was triggered by the US imposing 50 percent tariffs on $20 billion of Canadian goods after failed negotiations. If the situation deteriorates further, it could lead to significant job losses in Canada and threaten the stability of the USMCA agreement.
3 sourcesSep 4Low
- Economy· World
Fed Chair Kevin Warsh Indicates Possible Rate Hikes Amid Stubborn Inflation
Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh signaled a potential interest rate hike during his speech at the Jackson Hole Economic Policy Symposium, citing a persistent PCE inflation rate of 3.7%. This shift comes as financial conditions remain accommodative, prompting markets to adjust expectations for a September rate increase. Long-term, this could lead to tighter monetary policy, impacting economic growth and market stability.
24 sourcesSep 4Moderate
- Economy· World
U.S. PCE Inflation Remains Unchanged at 3.7 Percent Amid Ongoing Energy Price Pressures
The U.S. Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index for July 2026 held steady at 3.7 percent year-over-year, reflecting persistent inflationary pressures. This stability is primarily driven by elevated energy costs linked to the ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict, which has disrupted global oil supplies. In the long term, the Federal Reserve faces a challenging decision regarding interest rates as it prepares for its September meeting amidst these inflationary concerns.
5 sourcesSep 4Moderate
- Economy· MENA
Iran Faces Escalating Fuel Shortages Amid Sanctions and Subsidy Debates
Iran is experiencing severe fuel shortages, with a daily deficit of 15 million liters reported at gas stations in Tehran. This crisis is triggered by a combination of U.S. sanctions, war damage to refineries, and an unsustainable subsidy system that has kept fuel prices artificially low. Long-term implications may include increased civil unrest as the government grapples with the need for subsidy reductions while avoiding the political fallout of price hikes.
3 sourcesSep 4Moderate
- Economy· World
Gold Prices Decline Following US PCE Inflation Data Release
On August 26, 2026, gold prices fell approximately 1% after the US Bureau of Economic Analysis reported a 3.7% year-over-year increase in July PCE inflation, slightly above expectations. This decline was triggered by heightened market expectations for a Federal Reserve interest-rate hike in September, compounded by a strengthening US dollar. The long-term implication suggests continued volatility in gold prices as investors react to upcoming Federal Reserve communications and inflationary pressures.
3 sourcesSep 4Moderate
- Economy· MENA
Bahrain's Non-Oil GDP Grows 2.2% Amid Oil Sector Contraction
Bahrain's non-oil GDP grew by 2.2% year-on-year in Q1 2026 despite an overall contraction of 3.8% in real GDP due to a significant decline in oil activities. This growth is attributed to strong performance in non-oil sectors prior to disruptions caused by geopolitical tensions and maintenance in the oil sector. The long-term implication suggests a continued focus on economic diversification as Bahrain seeks to reduce its dependence on oil revenues.
3 sourcesSep 4Low
- Crypto· World
US Spot Bitcoin ETFs Experience $201.81 Million Net Outflows as Bitcoin Price Drops Below $78,000
On August 28, 2026, US spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded $201.81 million in net outflows, ending a nine-day inflow streak. This shift was triggered by Bitcoin's price retreating below $78,000 amid changing macroeconomic conditions and inflation concerns voiced by the Federal Reserve. The long-term implication may involve increased volatility in cryptocurrency investments as market participants reassess their strategies in response to regulatory and economic signals.
6 sourcesSep 4Moderate
- Crypto· UAE
UAE Emerges as Regional Leader in Regulated Stablecoin Framework
A report by Arthur D. Little has identified the UAE as the leading model for regulated stablecoin development in the region. This recognition follows the UAE's establishment of a comprehensive regulatory framework for fiat-referenced tokens and the launch of the DDSC dirham-backed stablecoin. The long-term implication is that the UAE is positioning itself as a global digital finance hub, fostering the coexistence of international and sovereign-aligned digital currencies.
3 sourcesSep 4Low
- Crypto· World
Evernorth Holdings Secures SEC Approval for SPAC Merger and Nasdaq Listing
Evernorth Holdings received SEC effectiveness for its Form S-4 registration statement, facilitating its merger with Armada Acquisition Corp. II. This regulatory milestone is driven by increasing institutional interest in regulated cryptocurrency exposure amid evolving U.S. regulations. The successful merger and Nasdaq listing under ticker XRPN could reshape the landscape for digital asset investment vehicles in the long term.
4 sourcesSep 4Low
- Business· World
Chevron Negotiates Expansion of Venezuelan Oil Operations Following U.S. Policy Shift
Chevron has entered advanced negotiations to expand its oil operations in Venezuela by adding two heavy-oil fields. This development is triggered by the Trump administration's recent alignment with Venezuelan leadership after the military seizure of Nicolás Maduro, facilitating U.S. commercial engagement. The long-term implication is a potential increase in Venezuelan oil production capacity, which could reshape global energy markets and U.S. influence in the region.
14 sourcesSep 4Low
- Business· UAE
Emirati Women Invest Dh2.7 Billion in Sharjah Real Estate Market in 2026
Emirati women have invested Dh2.7 billion in the Sharjah real estate market from January to August 2026. This surge in investment coincides with Emirati Women’s Day and reflects ongoing national policies aimed at empowering women economically. The trend indicates a growing confidence in the real estate sector and may lead to increased female participation in various economic sectors in the future.
5 sourcesSep 4Low
- Economy· World
Canada's economy grows 3.3% in Q2 2026 despite US tariff pressures
Canada's economy expanded at a 3.3% annualized rate in the second quarter of 2026, marking a significant rebound after months of stagnation. This growth was triggered by a surge in exports and increased domestic demand, occurring just as new 50% US tariffs on Canadian goods were implemented. The long-term implication suggests that Canada may face ongoing economic volatility as it navigates retaliatory measures and trade tensions with the US.
4 sourcesSep 4Moderate
- Crypto· World
Bitfinex Securities Achieves Record $50 Million Tokenized Nickel Capital Raise for Alkemya
Bitfinex Securities completed a record $50 million tokenized capital raise for Alkemya Metacore on August 27, 2026. This unprecedented transaction is driven by the growing demand for tokenized real-world assets and the commercialization of high-purity nickel products under El Salvador's digital asset regulations. The successful offering positions Bitfinex as a leader in the tokenized commodities market, potentially influencing future investment strategies in industrial metals and digital assets.
3 sourcesSep 4Low
- Crypto· MENA
RQD* Clearing Secures $74 Million Investment for Global Expansion and Tokenization Infrastructure
RQD* Clearing has closed a $74 million minority growth investment to enhance its tokenized market infrastructure. This funding, led by Bain Capital Tech Opportunities, comes as traditional clearing systems face pressure from the rise of tokenized securities and increased institutional adoption. The long-term implication is that RQD* is positioned to become a key player in providing clearing services for digital assets, particularly in North America, Asia, and the Middle East.
3 sourcesSep 4Low