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- Economy· MENA
Saudi Economic Council Reviews Vision 2030 Progress Amid Global Challenges
The Saudi Council of Economic and Development Affairs convened a video conference to evaluate the nation's economic resilience and progress towards Vision 2030 objectives. This meeting was triggered by ongoing global economic challenges and the need to assess the effectiveness of current policies and initiatives. The long-term implication is an anticipated acceleration in the implementation of Vision 2030's third phase, aimed at further economic diversification and stability in the region.
7 sourcesApr 18Low
- Business· UAE
UAE and China's Jereh Group Sign MoU for Clean Energy and Manufacturing Platform
On April 17, 2026, the UAE Ministry of Investment signed a memorandum of understanding with China's Jereh Group to develop an integrated clean energy and manufacturing platform. This initiative is driven by the UAE's commitment to enhance its energy strategy and strengthen economic ties with China amid a backdrop of increasing bilateral trade. The long-term implication is a significant advancement in the UAE's clean energy capabilities and industrial innovation, positioning it as a regional hub for sustainable technologies.
4 sourcesApr 18Low
- 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 maritime services 24/7 at Dubai's ports. This announcement follows escalating tensions in the Middle East, including disruptions affecting regional shipping routes and port operations. The long-term implication is that Dubai is positioning itself as a resilient logistics hub, potentially increasing its strategic importance in global supply chains during times of crisis.
3 sourcesApr 18Low
- Economy· World
Gold Prices Stabilize Near $4,800 per Ounce Amid US-Iran Ceasefire Prospects
On April 17, 2026, gold prices stabilized near $4,800 per ounce, marking a fourth consecutive weekly gain. This stabilization is driven by reduced geopolitical risks following a temporary ceasefire and ongoing U.S.-Iran diplomatic efforts. Long-term, this trend suggests a potential shift in safe-haven demand dynamics as geopolitical tensions ease and market conditions stabilize.
7 sourcesApr 18Low
- Economy· World
US Dollar Index Declines as Middle East Tensions Ease
The US Dollar Index recorded its second consecutive weekly decline, closing at 98.20 on April 17, 2026. This shift is attributed to a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, potential US-Iran negotiations, and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, which diminished safe-haven demand. Long-term, this de-escalation may stabilize oil prices and influence global currency markets as investor sentiment shifts towards riskier assets.
5 sourcesApr 18Low
- Economy· World
Stoxx Europe 600 Index Rises Following Iran's Reopening of Strait of Hormuz
On April 17, 2026, the Stoxx Europe 600 index advanced amid ongoing market recovery triggered by Iran's full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz during a US-Iran ceasefire. This shift follows a period of heightened geopolitical tension and energy supply disruptions that had previously pressured European markets. The long-term implication suggests a potential stabilization of energy prices and renewed investor confidence in European equities as geopolitical risks diminish.
3 sourcesApr 18Low
- Economy· World
US Futures Contracts Surge as Middle East De-Escalation Signals Emerge
US futures contracts rose on April 17, 2026, as investors responded positively to de-escalation signals in the US-Iran war and the Lebanon-Israel ceasefire. This shift was triggered by President Trump's indication of a potential peace agreement with Iran and Iran's announcement of the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping. The long-term implication suggests a sustained risk appetite in global markets, potentially leading to further declines in oil prices and increased investment activity.
3 sourcesApr 18Low
- Economy· World
Saudi Finance Minister Discusses Economic Resilience and Investment at U.S. Roundtable
On April 14, 2026, Saudi Minister of Finance Mohammed Al-Jadaan participated in a roundtable meeting organized by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C. This event was triggered by ongoing discussions at the IMF and World Bank Spring Meetings, focusing on Saudi Arabia's economic stability and investment opportunities amid global uncertainties. The long-term implication is that Saudi Arabia aims to strengthen its position as a reliable global economic partner through continued reforms and transparency initiatives under Vision 2030.
3 sourcesApr 18Low
- Business· World
Saudi Finance Minister Engages U.S. Business Leaders on Economic Resilience
Saudi Minister of Finance Mohammed Al-Jadaan participated in a roundtable meeting with U.S. Chamber of Commerce leaders to discuss Saudi Arabia's economic resilience and investment opportunities. This engagement is driven by ongoing structural reforms and the need to bolster international economic ties amid global uncertainties. The long-term implication is a strengthened Saudi-U.S. partnership that may enhance regional investment flows and support Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 objectives.
3 sourcesApr 18Low
- Economy· UAE
Dubai Financial Market Index Surges Over 10% Driven by Investor Confidence
The Dubai Financial Market general index has risen more than 10% since early April 2026, closing at 5,987.42 points on April 17. This surge is attributed to strengthened investor trust in the UAE's economic fundamentals and government support, alongside opportunistic buying as regional tensions eased. The long-term implication suggests a sustained upward momentum in the UAE markets, potentially attracting more foreign investment and enhancing economic stability.
6 sourcesApr 18Low
- Economy· UAE
UAE Economy Achieves 9th Global Ranking in Goods Exports Amid Non-Oil Sector Growth
The United Arab Emirates economy has reinforced its global standing by achieving a ninth-place ranking in goods exports as of April 18, 2026. This milestone is driven by the expansion of the non-oil sector and the signing of Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements in the first quarter of 2026. Looking ahead, the UAE aims to further diversify its economy and increase non-oil trade to 4 trillion dirhams by 2031, indicating a strategic shift towards sustainable growth amidst regional challenges.
3 sourcesApr 18Low
- Business· UAE
Dubai Real Estate Transactions Surge to 11.72 Billion AED in Mid-April 2026
Dubai's real estate sector reported transactions totaling 11.72 billion AED for the week ending April 17, 2026. This surge is attributed to sustained demand from both local and international investors, reflecting ongoing market strength despite regional dynamics. The long-term implication suggests continued investment opportunities and economic contributions from the real estate sector in Dubai.
4 sourcesApr 18Low
- Business· UAE
Dubai Chambers and Textile Merchants Group Meet to Strengthen Fabrics Sector Resilience
On April 17, 2026, Dubai Chambers held a meeting with the Textile Merchants Group to discuss strategies for enhancing the resilience and sustainable growth of the fabrics trade sector. This initiative is driven by the need to adapt to global economic changes and supply chain disruptions. The long-term implication is a reinforced position for Dubai as a leading international hub for textiles, supporting local employment and business opportunities.
3 sourcesApr 18Low
- Business· World
Spektr Secures $20 Million Series A Funding to Enhance Financial Compliance Automation
Spektr, an AI startup based in Copenhagen, raised $20 million in Series A funding to automate compliance workflows in financial services. The funding round, led by New Enterprise Associates, comes as financial institutions face increasing regulatory pressures to streamline KYC and KYB processes. This investment is expected to accelerate Spektr's platform expansion and global adoption among banks and fintechs, potentially reshaping compliance operations in the industry.
3 sourcesApr 18Low
- Business· World
Accel Raises $5 Billion for Late-Stage AI Investments
On April 15, 2026, Accel announced the closure of a $5 billion fund aimed at late-stage artificial intelligence companies. This significant capital raise follows a record $297 billion in global venture capital deployments in Q1 2026, indicating a robust interest in AI infrastructure. The long-term implication is a likely acceleration in AI innovation and scaling, as major players secure substantial funding to enhance their market positions.
4 sourcesApr 18Low
- Business· UAE
Apple Reports 30% Recycled Material in 2025 Shipments and Completes Plastic-Free Packaging Transition
Apple has announced that 30% of materials in products shipped during 2025 will consist of recycled content, marking a significant milestone in its environmental efforts. This achievement is driven by Apple's ongoing commitment to sustainability and carbon neutrality across its supply chain by 2030. The long-term implication is a potential shift in industry standards towards increased use of recycled materials, influencing competitors and consumer expectations alike.
3 sourcesApr 18Low
- Business· World
Upscale AI in Advanced Funding Talks at $2 Billion Valuation
Upscale AI is currently negotiating to raise between $180 million and $200 million at a valuation of $2 billion, marking its third funding round since its launch. This surge in funding interest is driven by the growing demand for AI infrastructure solutions amid a booming market for scalable GPU interconnects. If successful, this funding will further solidify Upscale AI's position in a projected $100 billion annual market for AI networking by the end of the decade.
3 sourcesApr 18Low
- Business· World
Cursor AI Startup Negotiates $2 Billion Funding at $50 Billion Valuation Following Revenue Surge
On April 17, 2026, Cursor, an AI-powered coding startup, entered advanced talks to secure at least $2 billion in funding at a $50 billion valuation. This development is driven by a significant increase in enterprise revenue, which is projected to reach over $6 billion in annualized run rate by the end of 2026. The long-term implication suggests that Cursor's competitive position in the AI coding tools market will strengthen, potentially reshaping industry dynamics and investor interest in similar startups.
3 sourcesApr 18Moderate
- Crypto· MENA
eToro to Acquire Zengo for $70 Million to Enhance Crypto Services
On April 15, 2026, eToro announced an agreement to acquire Zengo, a self-custodial cryptocurrency wallet provider, for approximately $70 million. This acquisition is driven by eToro's strategy to integrate Zengo's advanced wallet technology to expand its digital asset services amid a growing demand for self-custody solutions. The long-term implication is a strengthened position for eToro in the evolving crypto landscape, particularly in bridging traditional finance with decentralized finance offerings.
4 sourcesApr 18Low
- Crypto· World
Virginia Enacts Law for In-Kind Transfer of Unclaimed Digital Assets
On April 13, 2026, Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger signed House Bill 798 into law, establishing a framework for the handling of unclaimed digital assets, including cryptocurrency. This legislative action is prompted by the need to address uncertainties in the existing unclaimed property framework amid increasing digital asset adoption. The long-term implication is that Virginia may set a precedent for other states to follow in regulating unclaimed digital assets, potentially influencing national standards in the industry.
3 sourcesApr 18Low