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
8664 stories- Business· UAE
UAE Ministry of Community Empowerment Launches AED 100 Million Fund for Non-Profit Organizations
On April 16, 2026, the Ministry of Community Empowerment launched the AED 100 million Non-Profit Organisations Empowerment Fund in Dubai. This initiative is driven by the UAE's commitment to enhance the capacity of non-profit organizations and promote social stability at a time when targeted community support is increasingly vital. The long-term implication is a strengthened non-profit sector that could lead to improved societal resilience and job creation across the UAE.
3 sourcesApr 19Low
- Economy· World
US Dollar Index Declines for Second Week as Middle East Ceasefire Takes Effect
The US Dollar Index (DXY) has recorded its second consecutive weekly decline, stabilizing at 98.235 amid a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. This shift is driven by optimism surrounding reduced geopolitical tensions and prospective US-Iran negotiations. Long-term, this trend may lead to a reallocation of investments towards risk assets as safe-haven demand diminishes.
4 sourcesApr 19Low
- Economy· World
Silver Spot Prices Exceed $80.81 per Ounce Amid Strong Demand
Silver spot prices surged above $80.81 per ounce on April 19, 2026, marking a 3.03% increase during live trading. This rise is driven by robust buying momentum as investors seek safe-haven assets and industrial demand from technology sectors. Analysts predict further price advances towards $82 per ounce, contingent on upcoming US economic data releases.
5 sourcesApr 19Low
- Economy· UAE
Dubai Financial Market Index Surges Over 10% Amid Investor Confidence and Regional Stability
The Dubai Financial Market General Index has increased by more than 10% since early April 2026. This surge is driven by heightened investor confidence linked to prospects for de-escalation in regional tensions and strong economic fundamentals in the UAE. The long-term implication suggests a continued upward trend in the market as investors anticipate upcoming quarterly profits and dividends.
3 sourcesApr 19Low
- Business· UAE
Dubai Real Estate Market Sees 11.72 Billion Dirhams in Transactions Over One Week
Dubai's real estate market recorded transactions valued at 11.72 billion dirhams across 4,000 deals in the past week. This surge is attributed to sustained investor interest in residential units and land parcels, reflecting a robust quarterly performance. The ongoing strength of the sector suggests continued growth and stability in property values, bolstering economic contributions from real estate activities in the region.
5 sourcesApr 19Low
- Business· UAE
Dubai Chambers and Textile Merchants Group Collaborate to Enhance Textile Sector Resilience
On April 17, 2026, Dubai Chambers held a meeting with the Textile Merchants Group to discuss strategies for strengthening the textile sector's resilience amid global challenges. This initiative is driven by ongoing geopolitical tensions and trade disruptions that have prompted extensive consultations with private sector groups. The long-term implication is a reinforced position for Dubai as a leading global textile trade hub, enhancing competitiveness and sustainability in the sector.
3 sourcesApr 19Low
- Economy· World
Saudi Finance Minister Al-Jadaan Attends First G20 Meeting Under U.S. Presidency
On April 16, 2026, the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors convened in Washington, D.C. to discuss global economic challenges and policy coordination. The meeting was triggered by ongoing geopolitical tensions and economic pressures, emphasizing the need for stable energy markets and proactive policies. This gathering signals a potential shift towards enhanced international collaboration on economic stability amid rising global imbalances and market volatility.
4 sourcesApr 19Low
- Economy· UAE
UAE Federal Tax Authority Initiates Emirati Tax Agent Programme to Certify 500 Nationals
On April 18, 2026, the UAE's Federal Tax Authority launched the first phase of the Emirati Tax Agent Programme, commencing training for 50 Emirati nationals. This initiative is driven by the need to address the shortage of qualified local tax professionals following the implementation of VAT and corporate tax in the UAE. Long-term, this programme aims to enhance Emiratization efforts and strengthen the UAE's position as a global business hub by developing a sustainable pool of certified tax agents.
3 sourcesApr 19Low
- Business· UAE
Mohammed Bin Rashid Housing Establishment Wins Global Gold Award for Innovative Public Sector Project
On April 16, 2026, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Housing Establishment received the Gold Award for the Best Innovative Project in the Public Sector at the Global Innovation Management Institute Awards. This recognition is attributed to MBRHE's 'Smart Housing Experience' initiative, which enhances digital solutions in housing services and aligns with Dubai's Urban Plan 2040. The award positions Dubai as a leader in global innovation and reinforces the commitment to sustainable public services.
3 sourcesApr 19Low
- Business· MENA
Dubai Chambers and Philippine Chamber of Commerce Enhance Bilateral Investment Cooperation
Dubai Chambers held high-level meetings in Manila to strengthen investment and trade ties with the Philippines. This initiative follows a series of previous engagements and aims to capitalize on the growing non-oil trade, which reached AED 3.58 billion in 2025. The long-term implication is expected to be a significant increase in bilateral trade and investment opportunities across various sectors, including technology and real estate.
3 sourcesApr 19Low
- Economy· World
U.S. Department of Energy Allocates 26 Million Barrels from Strategic Petroleum Reserve Amid Iran War
On April 17, 2026, the U.S. Department of Energy announced contracts for 26 million barrels of crude oil exchanges from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve's West Hackberry site to nine companies. This action is a response to supply disruptions caused by the ongoing Iran war, which has led to surging oil prices. The long-term implication is a potential stabilization of global oil markets, which may influence energy prices and economic conditions in oil-dependent regions like the UAE.
3 sourcesApr 19Low
- Business· World
OpenAI shifts focus to enterprise AI amid competition from Anthropic
OpenAI has announced a strategic pivot towards enterprise AI, launching a new model named 'Spud' while deprioritizing consumer projects. This shift is driven by competitive pressures from Anthropic, which has gained traction in enterprise adoption with its AI offerings. The long-term implication is a projected increase in enterprise revenue to 50% by year-end, indicating a significant transformation in OpenAI's business model and market positioning.
3 sourcesApr 19High
- Business· World
Apple Reports 30% Recycled Material in 2025 Shipments and Moves to Plastic-Free Packaging
On April 16, 2026, Apple Inc. announced that its 2025 product shipments achieved a record 30 percent recycled material content, alongside a complete transition to fiber-based packaging. This milestone is part of Apple's ongoing Apple 2030 initiative aimed at achieving supply chain carbon neutrality, driven by increasing global sustainability regulations. The long-term implication is a significant shift in the tech industry towards sustainable practices, potentially influencing competitors and setting new standards for corporate environmental responsibility.
3 sourcesApr 19Low
- Business· World
Upscale AI Negotiates $180–200 Million Funding Round at $2 Billion Valuation
On April 16, 2026, Upscale AI entered negotiations for its third funding round, seeking to raise $180–200 million at a $2 billion valuation. This move is prompted by the company's rapid growth and investor confidence in its AI infrastructure solutions despite not having launched a commercial product yet. The long-term implication suggests a continued influx of capital into the AI infrastructure sector, potentially leading to increased competition and innovation in the field.
3 sourcesApr 19Low
- Crypto· World
U.S. Lawmakers Near Final Agreement on CLARITY Act Stablecoin Yield Provisions
On April 16, 2026, U.S. lawmakers neared a deal on the CLARITY Act's stablecoin yield provisions amid final negotiations. The immediate causality stems from bipartisan efforts to resolve jurisdictional disputes between the SEC and CFTC while addressing concerns from traditional banks and crypto firms. The long-term implication is expected to pave the way for a clearer regulatory framework for digital assets, potentially increasing institutional participation in the crypto market.
3 sourcesApr 19Moderate
- Crypto· World
UK FCA Initiates Consultation on Cryptoasset Regulation Ahead of 2027 Implementation
The UK Financial Conduct Authority has launched consultation paper CP26/13 to clarify authorization requirements for cryptoasset activities. This move is prompted by the upcoming transition to the Financial Services and Markets Act regime, effective October 2027. The long-term implication is a more structured regulatory environment for crypto firms operating in the UK, potentially influencing global standards in crypto regulation.
3 sourcesApr 19Low
- Business· World
Slash Financial Secures $100 Million Series C Funding at $1.4 Billion Valuation
Slash Financial achieved a $1.4 billion valuation following a $100 million Series C funding round on April 16, 2026. This funding was driven by the company's integration of stablecoin payments for B2B applications, reflecting a growing demand for efficient financial solutions in the fintech sector. The long-term implication is the potential for Slash to expand its AI-driven financial services, positioning itself as a leader in the evolving landscape of business banking and stablecoin usage.
5 sourcesApr 19Moderate
- Crypto· World
Morgan Stanley Launches First Spot Bitcoin ETF by Major U.S. Bank on NYSE
Morgan Stanley Investment Management launched the Morgan Stanley Bitcoin Trust (MSBT), the first spot Bitcoin exchange-traded product by a major U.S. bank, on April 8, 2026. This launch follows the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs in January 2024, allowing major banks to enter the digital asset space. The introduction of MSBT is expected to accelerate institutional adoption of Bitcoin and intensify competition among existing Bitcoin ETFs.
3 sourcesApr 19Moderate
- Crypto· World
Bitcoin perpetual futures funding rates hit record lows amid price rally
On April 16, 2026, Bitcoin perpetual futures funding rates fell to -0.005%, the most negative since 2023. This decline coincided with a Bitcoin price increase from the low-to-mid $60,000s to approximately $75,000, indicating a significant short positioning in the market. The long-term implication suggests a potential local market bottom, with analysts predicting a possible short squeeze as bearish positions unwind.
3 sourcesApr 19Moderate
- Crypto· World
Flow Capital Partners to Tokenize $150 Million Private Credit Fund on DigiFT Platform
On April 17, 2026, Flow Capital Partners announced plans to tokenize its $150 million private credit fund. This initiative is driven by a partnership with DigiFT to enhance investor access through blockchain technology amid a growing trend in real-world asset tokenization. The long-term implication is a potential expansion of the fund to $250 million, targeting increased capital and returns in the Asia-Pacific credit market.
3 sourcesApr 19Low