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
8644 stories- Economy· UAE
UAE Ministry of Economy Launches Digital Platform for Real-Time Price Monitoring of Essential Goods
On 20 February 2025, the Ministry of Economy of the United Arab Emirates launched a National Digital Platform for monitoring prices of essential commodities. This initiative is a response to regional supply chain pressures and aims to enforce price ceilings while enhancing consumer protection. Long-term, this platform is expected to stabilize the market and bolster consumer confidence in the UAE's economic framework.
3 sourcesApr 19Low
- Business· UAE
Dubai's Residential Rental Market Surges to Dh32.2 Billion Amid Regional Conflict
Dubai's rental market recorded contracts worth Dh32.2 billion in Q1 2026, reflecting a robust demand despite geopolitical tensions. The immediate trigger for this growth is the ongoing US-Israel conflict with Iran, which began on February 28, 2026, yet the market has shown resilience with a significant drop in cancellations. Long-term, this stability suggests that Dubai's regulatory framework may continue to attract investors and maintain rental demand even in times of regional instability.
2 sourcesApr 19Low
- Economy· UAE
UAE Increases U.S. Treasury Securities Holdings to $119.9 Billion
The United Arab Emirates has raised its holdings of U.S. Treasury securities to $119.9 billion as of February 2026, marking a $7.5 billion increase from January. This surge is driven by the UAE's strategy to invest surplus reserves in low-risk assets amid global economic uncertainties. Long-term, this move reinforces the UAE's financial stability and its commitment to maintaining the dirham's peg to the U.S. dollar while diversifying its investment portfolio.
2 sourcesApr 19Low
- Economy· World
U.S. Energy Secretary Warns Gas Prices May Remain Above $3 Until 2027
U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright announced that gasoline prices are unlikely to drop below $3 per gallon until 2027 during a CNN interview. This projection follows a surge in gas prices above $4 per gallon, driven by supply disruptions due to the ongoing U.S.-Israel war in Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The long-term implication suggests that consumers will continue to face elevated fuel costs, impacting inflation and economic recovery efforts in the near future.
3 sourcesApr 19Moderate
- Economy· World
U.S. Energy Secretary Predicts Gas Prices Below $3 Unlikely Until 2027 Amid Iran Tensions
U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright announced that national average gas prices are unlikely to drop below $3 per gallon until 2027 due to ongoing Iranian restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz. This forecast comes as prices have surged above $4 per gallon for the first time since 2022, following U.S. and Israeli military actions against Iran. The long-term implication suggests continued volatility in global oil markets, potentially exacerbating inflation and consumer costs in the U.S. and beyond.
3 sourcesApr 19High
- Crypto· World
RaveDAO Disclaims Responsibility for RAVE Token's 11,000% Surge and 80% Crash
The RAVE token associated with RaveDAO experienced a dramatic price surge from $0.25 to nearly $28 before plummeting over 80% within 48 hours. This volatility was triggered by allegations from on-chain analyst ZachXBT regarding insider control of over 90% of the token's supply, leading to investigations by exchanges Binance and Bitget. The long-term implication may involve increased scrutiny and regulatory measures in the cryptocurrency market to address manipulation concerns and protect investors.
4 sourcesApr 19High
- Business· UAE
Dubai Municipality Unveils 'Work from Park' Initiative for Tech-Enabled Workspaces
Dubai Municipality launched the 'Work from Park' initiative on April 19, 2026, introducing flexible workspaces in public parks. This initiative is driven by the need to adapt urban spaces for remote work, aligning with Dubai's strategic urban planning goals. Long-term, this could redefine public parks as multifunctional hubs, enhancing productivity and quality of life in the city.
2 sourcesApr 19Low
- Business· World
Alcoa Corporation in Advanced Negotiations to Sell Massena East Smelter to NYDIG for Cryptocurrency Mining
Alcoa Corporation has disclosed advanced negotiations to sell its dormant Massena East smelter site in upstate New York to Bitcoin mining firm NYDIG. This transaction is driven by the need to repurpose idle industrial assets for cryptocurrency mining, leveraging existing hydropower infrastructure. The long-term implication is a significant shift in industrial focus towards digital assets and high-performance computing, potentially influencing energy markets and local economies.
2 sourcesApr 19Low
- Business· World
Intel Corporation reports significant stock recovery amid AI market shift
Intel Corporation has achieved an 88% year-to-date stock increase as of April 19, 2026, driven by a strategic pivot towards AI inference workloads favoring CPUs. This turnaround is occurring now due to the company's recent cost reductions and partnerships, despite ongoing manufacturing challenges and competitive pressures from Nvidia and TSMC. Looking ahead, Intel's focus on AI and foundry services may position it for long-term growth, particularly as the demand for energy-efficient data centers rises in markets like the UAE.
2 sourcesApr 19Moderate
- Business· MENA
IEA Proposes Basra-Ceyhan Oil Pipeline to Enhance Energy Security
On April 19, 2026, IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol proposed a new oil pipeline from Iraq's Basra to Turkey's Ceyhan to bypass the increasingly volatile Strait of Hormuz. This initiative is driven by significant disruptions in oil exports due to escalating US-Iran tensions, which have caused Iraqi oil exports to plummet by over 80%. If realized, the pipeline could stabilize energy supplies for Iraq, Turkey, and Europe, reducing reliance on the strait and mitigating future supply risks.
2 sourcesApr 19Low
- Economy· World
Oil Prices Drop Over 10% Following Iran's Temporary Reopening of Strait of Hormuz Amid Ceasefire
Oil prices fell more than 10% on April 17, 2026, after Iran announced the temporary reopening of the Strait of Hormuz in conjunction with a U.S.-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. This shift occurred as geopolitical tensions eased following nearly two months of closure that had previously driven prices to record highs. The long-term implication suggests continued volatility in oil prices as Iran's reopening is conditional and may be reversed depending on U.S. actions and regional stability.
6 sourcesApr 19Very High
- Business· UAE
Anantara World Islands Dubai Resort permanently closes amid regional tourism downturn
Anantara World Islands Dubai Resort ceased operations on April 10, 2026. The closure is attributed to a significant downturn in tourism caused by the ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict, which has severely impacted the UAE's hospitality sector. This event signals a potential shift in the regional tourism landscape, prompting other hotels to reconsider their operational strategies in response to declining visitor numbers.
3 sourcesApr 19Low
- Business· UAE
Aldar Properties Secures AED 5 Billion Sustainability-Linked Credit Facility
Aldar Properties PJSC has successfully closed a AED 5 billion syndicated sustainability-linked revolving credit facility. This move comes as part of Aldar's strategy to enhance liquidity amid a strong UAE real estate market and reflects growing investor confidence in its financial stability. The facility is expected to support Aldar's expansion plans and project delivery across Abu Dhabi and Dubai, contributing to market stability and increased housing options.
3 sourcesApr 19Low
- Economy· World
Gold Prices Stabilize as US-Iran Peace Talks Progress
On April 16, 2026, gold prices stabilized with spot gold reaching $4,793.09 per ounce amid ongoing US-Iran peace negotiations. The immediate trigger for this stabilization was reported progress by a Pakistani mediator, which has eased market tensions despite unresolved issues regarding Iran's nuclear program. Long-term implications suggest that continued negotiation success could lead to further increases in gold prices and potential Federal Reserve rate cuts, impacting global markets.
3 sourcesApr 19Low
- Business· UAE
Nasdaq Dubai Achieves $8 Billion in Fixed Income Listings in Q1 2026
Nasdaq Dubai has recorded 18 fixed income listings totaling over $8 billion in the first quarter of 2026. This surge in listings is driven by sustained issuer activity and strong investor demand, particularly from UAE-based entities. The long-term implication is the strengthening of Dubai's position as a global financial hub, enhancing access to diversified debt markets for local and international investors.
4 sourcesApr 19Low
- Economy· UAE
UAE Ministry of Human Resources Confirms Private Sector Salary Stability Amid Regional Conflicts
On April 16, 2026, the UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation announced that private sector salaries are being paid on time and the job market remains stable despite ongoing regional tensions involving Iran. This stability is attributed to the effective monitoring of the Wage Protection System, which covers 99% of private sector workers and ensures compliance with timely wage payments. The long-term implication suggests that the UAE's labor market resilience may bolster investor confidence and maintain economic stability in the face of regional uncertainties.
3 sourcesApr 19Low
- Economy· UAE
UAE Ministry Confirms Job Stability Amid Regional Tensions
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation announced that ongoing regional developments have no impact on private sector job stability in the UAE. This affirmation comes in response to heightened geopolitical tensions following the US-Israel-Iran conflict, which raised concerns about job security. The long-term implication suggests that the UAE's proactive measures and resilient economy may continue to attract investment and maintain employment levels despite external pressures.
3 sourcesApr 19Low
- Economy· MENA
Saudi Council Reviews Vision 2030 Progress and Economic Resilience in Recent Meeting
The Saudi Council of Economic Affairs and Development held a video conference on April 16, 2026, to assess the progress of Vision 2030 and the Kingdom's economic resilience. This meeting was triggered by ongoing geopolitical tensions and the need to evaluate public sector performance and privatization outcomes. The long-term implication is the anticipated implementation of adopted recommendations to further enhance Saudi Arabia's economic strategies and infrastructure developments.
6 sourcesApr 19Low
- Business· UAE
Dubai Ports Authority Ensures 24/7 Operational Readiness Amid Regional Maritime Tensions
On April 17, 2026, the Dubai Ports Authority confirmed its continuous operational readiness to provide comprehensive maritime services in response to regional tensions affecting shipping routes. This announcement comes as major carriers have suspended bookings and imposed emergency rates due to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. The long-term implication is that Dubai aims to maintain its status as a global logistics hub, ensuring supply chain stability for its residents and businesses during ongoing volatility.
3 sourcesApr 19Low
- Business· UAE
UAE and China's Jereh Group Collaborate on Clean Energy Initiative
On April 16, 2026, the UAE Ministry of Investment signed a Memorandum of Understanding with China's Jereh Group to establish an integrated clean energy and manufacturing platform. This partnership is driven by the UAE's commitment to its Energy Strategy 2050, aiming to enhance its low-carbon energy mix and manufacturing capabilities. The long-term implication is the potential positioning of the UAE as a regional hub for advanced clean energy technologies and manufacturing over the next 3 to 5 years.
3 sourcesApr 19Low