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
8384 stories- 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
- Crypto· MENA
Mirae Asset Financial Group Targets $109 Billion Digital Asset Business with Digital X
Mirae Asset Financial Group has announced a strategic target of 150 trillion won ($109 billion) for its digital asset business, centered around the newly rebranded cryptocurrency exchange Digital X. This initiative follows the group's acquisition of a 97.15% stake in Korbit and is driven by South Korea's evolving regulatory framework for digital assets, which is set to take effect in February 2027. The long-term implication is that Mirae Asset aims to establish a significant foothold in the digital asset market, potentially reshaping the financial landscape in South Korea and beyond by 2027.
3 sourcesSep 4Low
- Crypto· World
Charles Schwab Expands Crypto Trading to Include Solana, Avalanche, and Chainlink
On August 27, 2026, Charles Schwab announced the addition of Solana, Avalanche, and Chainlink to its Schwab Crypto platform. This expansion is driven by increasing client demand for a wider range of digital assets beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum, following the platform's launch in May 2026. The long-term implication suggests a growing integration of traditional finance with cryptocurrency markets, potentially leading to further asset offerings in the future.
3 sourcesSep 4Moderate
- Crypto· World
Sberbank to Accept USDT and Ethereum as Loan Collateral Pending Regulatory Approval
Sberbank has announced plans to accept USDT and Ethereum as collateral for loans, contingent on the Bank of Russia's regulatory framework set to take effect on September 1, 2026. This development follows Russia's gradual shift towards the legalization of digital assets and reflects growing institutional interest in cryptocurrencies. If approved, this move could significantly enhance the integration of cryptocurrencies into the Russian financial system and influence global market sentiment towards stablecoins and Ethereum.
3 sourcesSep 4Low
- 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
- 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· 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· World
US GDP Growth Slows to 1.5% Amid Geopolitical Tensions and Rising Imports
The U.S. economy's annualized GDP growth rate decelerated to 1.5% in the second quarter of 2026, down from 2.1% in the previous quarter. This slowdown is attributed to a surge in imports and the ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict, which has disrupted energy markets and contributed to inflation. Long-term implications may include heightened economic scrutiny during the upcoming midterm elections and potential shifts in fiscal policy to address inflationary pressures.
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
- Business· UAE
Dubai's RTA Expands Emirates Road to Alleviate Traffic Congestion
The Roads and Transport Authority of Dubai announced the addition of two lanes on Emirates Road, set to open on August 30, 2026. This expansion is a response to increasing commuter volumes between Sharjah and Dubai, particularly with the school year reopening soon after. Long-term, this infrastructure upgrade aims to enhance mobility and support economic connectivity in the region.
9 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
- Business· MENA
Mawani Launches ONE RC2 Shipping Service at Jeddah Islamic Port
On August 26, 2026, the Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) added the RC2 shipping service operated by Ocean Network Express (ONE) to Jeddah Islamic Port. This initiative is part of Saudi Arabia's strategy to enhance its logistics capabilities and strengthen its position as a global logistics hub. The long-term implication is an expected increase in maritime trade efficiency and connectivity between the Red Sea and key markets in Asia and the Middle East.
3 sourcesSep 4Low
- Business· World
Salesforce Shares Rise 22.6% Following Strong Q2 Earnings and Anthropic Partnership
Salesforce shares surged 22.6% on August 27, 2026, marking a significant stock market reaction to the company's fiscal Q2 earnings that exceeded expectations and the announcement of an expanded partnership with Anthropic. This surge was triggered by a $2.6 billion mark-to-market gain from Salesforce's investment in Anthropic and the integration of AI capabilities into its products. The long-term implication suggests a potential shift in the enterprise software landscape as AI becomes increasingly embedded in business operations, alleviating investor concerns over traditional SaaS models.
3 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
- 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· 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
- Business· UAE
Dubai Real Estate Achieves AED 12 Billion in Weekly Transactions
Dubai's real estate market recorded AED 12 billion in transactions for the week ending August 28, 2026. This surge is driven by sustained investor demand and ongoing economic diversification efforts in the region. The long-term implication suggests continued growth and stability in Dubai's property sector, reinforcing its status as a key economic driver.
3 sourcesSep 4Low
- Crypto· World
Starkware Mines First Quantum-Safe Bitcoin Transaction on Mainnet
Starkware successfully executed the first quantum-safe Bitcoin transaction on the mainnet, utilizing the Quantum-Safe Bitcoin method. This milestone comes as discussions intensify around the vulnerabilities of Bitcoin's current cryptographic methods in the face of potential quantum computing threats. The long-term implication is a push towards adopting quantum-resistant solutions within the Bitcoin ecosystem, potentially leading to future protocol upgrades.
4 sourcesSep 4Low
- Crypto· World
BitGo Acquires NYDIG Institutional Trading Business to Enhance Digital Asset Services
BitGo has completed the acquisition of NYDIG's institutional trading business, integrating new capabilities into its digital asset platform. This strategic move is driven by the increasing institutional adoption of digital assets and a favorable regulatory environment in the U.S. The acquisition positions BitGo to expand its market share and enhance its service offerings in the evolving crypto landscape.
6 sourcesSep 4Low
- Business· World
Lambda Raises $1 Billion in Private Debt for Nvidia GPU Deployment with Microsoft
Lambda has secured approximately $1 billion in private debt to finance the purchase of Nvidia GPUs for lease to Microsoft. This financing, arranged by JPMorgan, comes amid a significant global increase in AI-related debt financing, which has surpassed $400 billion in 2026. The long-term implication is that Lambda's continued expansion in AI infrastructure may position it for a potential IPO in 2027 as demand for GPU capacity remains high.
3 sourcesSep 4Low