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· UAE
US Treasury Targets Banque Misr UAE Branches Over Iranian Financial Links
On August 28, 2026, the US Treasury's FinCEN proposed restrictions on Banque Misr's UAE branches due to their alleged involvement in processing $1.8 billion in transactions for companies linked to Iranian shadow banking. This action is part of a broader initiative to isolate Iran from the US dollar and global financial systems amid ongoing sanctions. The long-term implication may involve increased scrutiny of financial institutions in the UAE and potential shifts in regional banking practices to comply with US regulations.
5 sourcesSep 4Low
- Crypto· World
Solana Validators Approve Proposal to Double Annual Disinflation Rate
On August 28, 2026, Solana validators approved proposal SGP-0002 to double the network's annual disinflation rate from 15% to 30%. This decision was influenced by ongoing discussions about the network's inflation strategy and the need to adapt to increasing transaction volumes and ETF inflows. The long-term implication is a significant reduction in SOL issuance, which may impact staking yields and the overall market dynamics for SOL holders.
4 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
- Business· UAE
UAE Real Estate Sector Achieves Significant Growth in H1 2026
On August 29, 2026, the UAE real estate sector reported robust first-half performance across major emirates. This surge is driven by heightened investment demand, expanded development projects, and diversified investor bases amid ongoing regulatory enhancements. The long-term implication suggests continued momentum in the market, with expectations of sustained project deliveries and foreign investment inflows into the second half of the year.
3 sourcesSep 4Low
- Crypto· World
Solana Doubles Disinflation Rate to Address Supply Dilution Concerns
Helius Labs' SIMD-0550 proposal has been approved, increasing Solana's annual disinflation rate from 15% to 30%. This change comes after extensive outreach to validators and aims to mitigate long-standing issues regarding token supply dilution. The long-term effect may lead to reduced SOL emissions and potentially stabilize the token's market value amidst ongoing economic pressures.
3 sourcesSep 4Moderate
- 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
- Crypto· World
Bitcoin Surpasses $80,000 Threshold Amid US Treasury Interventions
On August 25, 2026, Bitcoin exceeded $80,000 for the first time since mid-May, marking a 28% gain since the start of August. This surge was triggered by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's bond buyback measures and President Trump's push for clearer cryptocurrency regulations, which weakened the dollar and boosted market sentiment. The long-term implication suggests that Bitcoin could continue to rise, potentially reaching $95,000–$100,000 if the current momentum is sustained.
3 sourcesSep 4Moderate
- Economy· World
Wall Street Indexes Decline Ahead of Nvidia Earnings Following Inflation Data
Wall Street indexes closed modestly lower on August 26, 2026, as investors reacted to a hotter-than-expected inflation reading of 3.7 percent. This cautious trading environment was compounded by anticipation of Nvidia's quarterly earnings report, which ultimately exceeded expectations. The long-term implication suggests a continued focus on inflation trends and corporate earnings as key drivers of market sentiment and investment strategies.
3 sourcesSep 4Moderate
- Crypto· World
Revolut Launches Phased Rollout of Euro-Backed Stablecoin EURR in Europe
Revolut has commenced the phased rollout of its EURR euro-backed stablecoin across select European markets, starting on 26 August 2026. This initiative is driven by European regulatory efforts to promote euro-denominated stablecoins and reduce reliance on USD alternatives. The long-term implication is a potential shift in the stablecoin market dynamics, favoring euro-backed tokens and increasing competition with USD-pegged options.
6 sourcesSep 4Low
- Crypto· World
Unstoppable Domains Withdraws from ICANN 2026 TLD Applications and Initiates Customer Refunds
Unstoppable Domains announced it will not pursue applications for Web3 top-level domains in ICANN's 2026 expansion round, opting instead to refund eligible customers. This decision was triggered by prohibitive compliance costs and regulatory requirements that conflict with the principles of blockchain ownership. The long-term implication suggests a potential shift in focus for the company towards infrastructure services and partnerships rather than traditional domain registration.
4 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
- Economy· World
US Dollar Stabilizes Near Weekly High Ahead of Jackson Hole Symposium
On August 29, 2026, the US dollar stabilized near its highest level in a week against major currencies. This stabilization is occurring as investors exercise caution ahead of Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh's address at the Jackson Hole symposium, following recent US inflation data and Treasury buyback announcements. The long-term implication suggests that market participants will closely monitor the outcomes of the symposium for future monetary policy directions and potential rate hikes by the Federal Reserve.
3 sourcesSep 4Low
- Business· World
Nvidia Reports Record Quarterly Profit of $59.69 Billion Fueled by AI Chip Demand
Nvidia announced a more than doubling of its quarterly profit to $59.69 billion, driven by surging demand for AI chips. This remarkable growth is attributed to major technology companies investing heavily in artificial intelligence infrastructure at this critical juncture. Looking ahead, Nvidia's strong forward guidance suggests continued dominance in the AI sector despite ongoing supply chain challenges.
11 sourcesSep 4Moderate
- 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
- Economy· UAE
UAE Gold Prices Drop to Dh536.75 per Gram Amid Global Bullion Decline
Gold prices in the UAE fell to Dh536.75 per gram for 24-carat gold on August 29, 2026, reflecting a global slump in bullion prices. This decline was triggered by comments from US Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh, which heightened expectations for a September interest rate hike and strengthened the US dollar. In the long term, this trend may lead to continued volatility in gold prices as investors react to shifting US monetary policy and its impact on global markets.
4 sourcesSep 4Low
- Economy· MENA
US Increases Sanctions on Iran Amid Ongoing Conflict
Iranian leaders have publicly acknowledged severe economic challenges due to intensified US sanctions and the ongoing war. The immediate trigger for this escalation is the launch of Operation Economic Outcast by the US Treasury, aimed at crippling Iran's revenue sources. Long-term implications include further economic contraction in Iran and potential disruptions in regional trade and oil markets.
4 sourcesSep 4Moderate
- Economy· MENA
Saudi Tadawul All Share Index Records Eighth Consecutive Gain Closing at 11,259.90
On August 26, 2026, the Saudi stock market's main index (TASI) closed higher by 28.29 points, marking the highest close in over four months. This upward trend is attributed to sustained positive momentum in the equity market, driven by stable regional economic conditions and increased investor interest. The long-term implication suggests a potential shift in investor confidence and market stability, which could influence broader GCC equity flows.
3 sourcesSep 4Low
- Business· UAE
Huda Al Musallami Becomes UAE’s First Emirati Woman Training Captain
On August 28, 2026, Captain Huda Al Musallami was announced as the UAE’s first Emirati woman training captain at Etihad Airways. This milestone coincides with Emirati Women’s Day and reflects the UAE's ongoing commitment to gender equality and the advancement of Emirati women in aviation. The long-term implication is the potential for increased representation of women in leadership roles within the aviation sector and beyond, fostering a more inclusive workforce in the UAE.
3 sourcesSep 4Low
- Business· World
OpenAI Experiences Significant Executive Turnover with 14 Departures in 2026
OpenAI has reported the departure of 14 senior executives in 2026, marking a substantial leadership shift at its San Francisco headquarters. This wave of exits is attributed to a combination of health issues, strategic disagreements, and the pursuit of new ventures, coinciding with the company's efforts to scale and prepare for a potential IPO. The long-term implications may include delays in the IPO timeline and challenges in maintaining competitive positioning against rivals in the AI sector.
3 sourcesSep 4Moderate
- Crypto· World
Bullish Launches $100 Million Stablecoin Debt Facility for GPU-Backed AI Loans
Bullish has announced a $100 million stablecoin debt facility to USD.AI to support GPU-backed AI infrastructure loans. This move is driven by the increasing demand for private credit in the AI sector, particularly for high-performance GPUs. The long-term implication is the potential for enhanced liquidity and market-making in the tokenized private credit space, further integrating crypto with traditional asset financing.
4 sourcesSep 4Low