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· World
European Central Bank Plans Interest Rate Hike in June 2026 Due to Inflation from Iran Conflict
The European Central Bank is projected to raise interest rates in June 2026 as inflation in the Eurozone rises to 2.5% due to the ongoing Iran war. This anticipated increase is triggered by significant energy price shocks resulting from disruptions in oil and gas supplies. Long-term, this could lead to a tightening of monetary policy across Europe, impacting economic growth and inflation expectations.
3 sourcesApr 17Low
- Business· World
Manycore Tech Inc. Shares Surge Over 140% in Hong Kong IPO Debut
Manycore Tech Inc. shares surged over 140% during their debut on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on April 17, 2026. The immediate cause of this rally was the overwhelming investor demand, with the offering being oversubscribed 1,591 times, reflecting strong interest in Chinese AI technologies. This event positions Manycore as a leader in the AI sector, likely encouraging further investments in Chinese tech firms and boosting the overall market sentiment for AI-related stocks.
3 sourcesApr 17Low
- Business· World
Ericsson Reports Q1 2026 Earnings with Focus on Networks Growth Amid Component Cost Challenges
On April 17, 2026, Ericsson AB announced its first-quarter financial results, showcasing a 6% organic sales growth in its Networks segment despite a 10% decline in overall sales year-over-year. The immediate trigger for this performance is the rising demand for AI-related semiconductors, which has increased component costs and pressured margins. Looking ahead, Ericsson aims to leverage its Networks growth strategy to outperform the broader mobile networks market, indicating a potential shift in competitive dynamics within the telecommunications sector.
2 sourcesApr 17Low
- Economy· MENA
Malaysia's Q1 2026 GDP Growth Slows to 5.3% from 6.3% in Q4 2025
Malaysia's economy recorded a 5.3% year-on-year GDP growth in the first quarter of 2026, a decrease from the previous quarter's 6.3% expansion. This deceleration is attributed to a contraction in the mining and quarrying sector, despite continued growth in manufacturing, services, and construction. The long-term outlook suggests that sustained domestic demand will support economic resilience, although potential policy adjustments may be considered by the government in response to sector-specific challenges.
2 sourcesApr 17Low
- Business· World
Honda Motor to Close Gasoline Plants in China Amid EV Transition
Honda Motor Co. plans to shut down a gasoline-powered joint venture plant with Guangzhou Automobile Group in June 2026 and may close another with Dongfeng Motor Group in 2027. This decision is driven by a significant decline in petrol car sales and a strategic pivot towards electric vehicles, aiming to halve production capacity. The long-term implication is a substantial restructuring of Honda's operations in China, aligning with the broader industry shift towards new energy vehicles amid increasing competition from local manufacturers.
2 sourcesApr 17Low
- Economy· World
Wall Street Banks Begin Trading Credit Default Swaps on Private Credit Funds Amid Market Stress
Wall Street banks have initiated trading of credit default swaps linked to private credit funds as of April 17, 2026. This move comes in response to significant stress in the private credit sector, exacerbated by rising interest rates and market turbulence. The long-term implication may involve increased regulatory scrutiny and potential shifts in investment strategies within the private credit market.
2 sourcesApr 17Low
- Business· World
OnlyFans in Advanced Talks to Sell Minority Stake to Architect Capital at Over $3 Billion Valuation
OnlyFans has entered advanced discussions to sell a minority stake of less than 20 percent to Architect Capital, valuing the company at over $3 billion. This shift comes after previous plans for a majority stake sale were abandoned, indicating a strategic pivot in funding approaches. The long-term implication may involve a reevaluation of OnlyFans' growth strategy and investor relations as it seeks to stabilize its market position amidst changing investor interests.
2 sourcesApr 17Low
- Business· World
AD Ports Group Initiates Investment Exploration in Romania's Port of Constanța
On April 14, 2026, AD Ports Group signed a framework agreement with Romania's National Company Maritime Ports Administration SA to explore investment and development opportunities in the Port of Constanța. This strategic move is driven by the port's significant role in Eurasian trade and the growing demand for sustainable logistics solutions. The long-term implication is an enhanced Middle Corridor connectivity that could bolster trade routes between Europe and Asia.
3 sourcesApr 17Low
- Economy· MENA
Saudi Arabia Shows Economic Resilience Amid Iran War Disruptions According to IMF
The International Monetary Fund has reported that Saudi Arabia is projected to achieve a 3.1% GDP growth in 2026, the strongest among Gulf Cooperation Council states, despite the ongoing Iran war and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. This resilience is attributed to strategic infrastructure developments, such as the East-West pipeline, and ongoing diversification efforts under Vision 2030. In the long term, Saudi Arabia's ability to mitigate disruptions may solidify its economic leadership in the region while neighboring countries like Qatar face significant contractions.
3 sourcesApr 17Low
- Economy· UAE
UAE and Philippines Central Banks Sign MoU to Enhance Cross-Border Payment Systems
On April 14, 2026, the Central Bank of the UAE and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas signed a Memorandum of Understanding to integrate their instant payment platforms. This agreement is driven by the need to facilitate faster remittances for the large Filipino expatriate community in the UAE amid increasing digital payment adoption. The long-term implication is a more connected financial ecosystem that could lead to reduced transaction costs and improved financial inclusion for overseas workers.
3 sourcesApr 17Low
- Business· UAE
Dubai Properties Awards AED 1.1 Billion for Villanova Expansion with 850 Townhouses
Dubai Properties has awarded contracts worth AED 1.1 billion to Metac General Contracting for the construction of 850 townhouses in the Villanova community. This decision comes in response to the growing demand for affordable, family-oriented housing in Dubai amid population growth. The expansion is expected to enhance the mid-market housing supply and solidify Villanova's appeal as a premium residential destination.
3 sourcesApr 17Low
- Business· MENA
Fire at Cairo Clothing Factory Results in Seven Deaths and Multiple Injuries
A fire broke out at a clothing factory in Cairo's Al Zawiya Al Hamra district on April 14, 2026, leading to seven confirmed fatalities and at least 20 injuries. The incident is attributed to potential electrical system failures and safety compliance violations, prompting an investigation by authorities. This tragedy highlights ongoing safety challenges in Egypt's garment industry, likely leading to increased scrutiny and regulatory reforms in industrial safety standards.
4 sourcesApr 17Low
- Business· UAE
Dubai International Airport Maintains Status as Busiest International Airport for 12th Year
Dubai International Airport has been ranked the world's busiest for international passenger traffic for the 12th consecutive year, handling 95.2 million passengers in 2025. This ranking is attributed to Dubai's strategic positioning as a global transit hub and the recovery of international travel demand, particularly from Asia-Pacific regions. The long-term implication includes potential infrastructure strains and plans for expansion to accommodate increasing passenger traffic, with projections nearing 100 million by 2027.
6 sourcesApr 17Low
- Business· MENA
Dubai International Chamber Opens Office in Manila to Enhance UAE-Philippines Trade Relations
Dubai International Chamber inaugurated its representative office in Manila on April 14, 2026, to strengthen trade and investment ties between Dubai and the Philippines. This move is driven by the growing non-oil trade between the two nations, which reached Dh3.58 billion in 2025, reflecting a 17% increase. The establishment of the office is expected to facilitate further business partnerships and investment flows, enhancing economic collaboration in the long term.
3 sourcesApr 17Low
- Economy· MENA
Saudi Arabia's Inflation Rate Rises to 1.8% in March 2026
Saudi Arabia's annual consumer price index inflation rate increased to 1.8% in March 2026, up from 1.7% in February 2026. This rise is attributed to higher housing rents and transport costs amid ongoing regional geopolitical tensions. The long-term implication suggests that inflation may remain stable, aligning with forecasts of 1.6-2.0% for 2026, supporting the country's economic diversification goals under Vision 2030.
5 sourcesApr 17Low
- Economy· World
IMF Chief Predicts Rapid Global Economic Recovery if US-Iran Conflict Ends Soon
The International Monetary Fund's Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva announced that the global economy could rebound quickly if the ongoing US-Iran war concludes within two weeks. This optimistic forecast is driven by the potential restoration of geopolitical stability and normalization of energy supplies, which have been severely disrupted. If the conflict extends into summer, however, it could lead to heightened recessionary pressures and increased inflationary risks across global markets.
3 sourcesApr 17Low
- Economy· MENA
Saudi PIF Announces 750 Billion Riyals Investment in Local Projects from 2021 to 2025
On April 16, 2026, the Saudi Public Investment Fund disclosed that it invested nearly 750 billion riyals in domestic projects from 2021 to 2025. This announcement follows the approval of the PIF's 2026–2030 strategy aimed at economic diversification under Vision 2030. The long-term implication is a strengthened non-oil GDP and enhanced private sector participation in the Saudi economy.
3 sourcesApr 17Low
- Business· MENA
Yasir Al-Rumayyan Confirms No Cancellations for Neom Projects Amid PIF Strategy Shift
Yasir Al-Rumayyan announced that no projects within the Neom megacity development have been canceled, despite rumors suggesting otherwise. This clarification comes as the Public Investment Fund (PIF) prioritizes economic efficiency and sustainable value creation in its newly approved 2026-2030 strategy. The long-term implication is a strategic focus on phased development, particularly emphasizing the Oxagon industrial zone, which may reshape regional investment dynamics.
4 sourcesApr 17Low
- Economy· World
Spot Gold Prices Decline Amid Stronger Dollar and U.S.-Iran Peace Optimism
On April 15, 2026, spot gold prices fell 0.9% to $4,798 per ounce after reaching a one-month high earlier in the session. This decline was triggered by a firmer U.S. dollar and growing optimism regarding U.S.-Iran peace talks, which diminished safe-haven demand. In the long term, continued diplomatic progress could lead to further volatility in gold prices as market sentiment shifts.
3 sourcesApr 17Low
- Economy· World
S&P 500 Index Reaches Historic Closing High Amid U.S.-Iran Peace Optimism
The S&P 500 index closed at a record high of 7,022.95 on April 15, 2026. This surge was triggered by investor optimism surrounding potential U.S.-Iran peace talks and a ceasefire in the Middle East, reducing geopolitical risks. The long-term implication suggests a continued bullish trend in global markets as stability in the region may encourage further investment and economic growth.
5 sourcesApr 17High