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- Crypto· World
Bitcoin Surpasses $80,000 Amid Record ETF Inflows and Treasury Bond Buyback Expansion
Bitcoin surged above $80,000 on August 25, 2026, marking its first breach of that threshold since mid-May. This rally was triggered by $1.92 billion in net inflows to U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs and the U.S. Treasury's announcement to double long-term government bond buybacks. The long-term implication suggests a potential shift in market dynamics as institutional demand for Bitcoin increases, possibly leading to sustained interest in cryptocurrencies as hedges against inflation.
7 sourcesAug 28Moderate
- Crypto· World
Bitcoin Surges Past $80,000 Driven by ETF Inflows and Short Liquidations
Bitcoin surpassed the $80,000 mark on August 24, 2026, marking its highest level since May. This surge was triggered by approximately $1.9 billion in spot Bitcoin ETF inflows and over $4 billion in short position liquidations, alongside supportive macroeconomic conditions from U.S. Treasury bond buybacks. The long-term implication suggests a potential shift in market dynamics, with analysts anticipating a need for sustained demand to maintain prices above this psychological threshold.
7 sourcesAug 28Moderate
- Economy· World
Trump Administration Imposes 50% Tariffs on Canadian Goods Under Section 338
On July 20, 2026, the Trump administration announced a 50% tariff on approximately $20 billion worth of Canadian imports, effective August 19, 2026. This decision was triggered by alleged Canadian discrimination against U.S. exports in key sectors, following previous tariffs that were struck down by the Supreme Court. The long-term implication may involve heightened trade tensions and potential legal challenges, impacting U.S.-Canada relations and the USMCA negotiations.
3 sourcesAug 28Low
- Economy· World
Global Economy Shows Resilience Against Iran War Energy Shock According to IMF
The global economy has demonstrated unexpected resilience in the face of the energy shock caused by the Iran war and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. This positive assessment is attributed to strategic reserve drawdowns, increased non-Gulf supply, and a shift towards renewable energy, alongside AI investments that are counterbalancing existing fiscal pressures. Looking ahead, the ongoing risks of oil price spikes could challenge this stability, prompting potential adjustments in fiscal and monetary policies globally.
3 sourcesAug 28Low
- Economy· World
Oil Prices Drop as US Implements Economic Sanctions on Iran
Oil prices fell sharply on August 25, 2026, as traders assessed US economic sanctions threats against Iran as posing lower immediate risk to supplies than renewed military action. This shift follows US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's announcement of an "economic D-Day" campaign targeting Iran's trade networks, which has eased fears of supply disruptions. The long-term implication is a potential stabilization of oil prices as markets adjust to the new economic pressures rather than military threats.
4 sourcesAug 28Low
- Business· World
Williams Trading Cuts Dick’s Sporting Goods Price Target Amid Foot Locker Sales Decline
Williams Trading has lowered its price target for Dick’s Sporting Goods from $215 to $130 following disappointing second-quarter earnings that revealed a 3.6% sales decline at the Foot Locker unit. This adjustment is triggered by excess inventory issues and integration challenges post-acquisition of Foot Locker, which have raised concerns among analysts. The long-term implication suggests that Dick’s may need to reevaluate its product strategy and operational integration to stabilize its financial outlook.
3 sourcesAug 28Low
- Business· World
Saudi-French Strategic Partnership Council Meeting Results in €6 Billion Investment Agreements
The inaugural Saudi-French Strategic Partnership Council meeting has resulted in 21 agreements, including a €6 billion investment in Qiddiya theme parks and a $3.7 billion procurement deal with Aramco. This significant collaboration is driven by Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and France's 'Choose France' initiative, aiming to enhance economic interdependence amid global geopolitical shifts. Long-term, this partnership is likely to reshape the entertainment and tourism sectors in both nations, fostering job creation and technology transfer.
8 sourcesAug 28Low
- Economy· World
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent Faces Criticism Over Bond Market Interventions
On August 25, 2026, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent encountered significant market scrutiny regarding U.S. Treasury bond buyback operations. This backlash follows the announcement of expanded long-dated Treasury buybacks aimed at curbing rising yields amidst a national debt exceeding $40 trillion and geopolitical tensions with Iran. The long-term implication suggests a potential erosion of Treasury credibility and increased calls for fiscal reforms over market interventions.
4 sourcesAug 28Moderate
- Economy· World
US-Canada Trade War Intensifies with New 50% Tariffs on $20 Billion in Goods
The US-Canada trade war escalated on August 22, 2026, as the United States imposed 50% tariffs on approximately $20 billion worth of Canadian imports following the collapse of trade negotiations. This immediate action was triggered by longstanding disputes over various sectors, including steel and dairy, and the failure of talks that had intensified in the lead-up to the tariff announcement. In the long term, both nations face significant economic repercussions, with potential further escalations and a push from Canada to diversify its trade partnerships away from the US.
3 sourcesAug 27Moderate
- Economy· MENA
Iranian Rial Hits Record Low Amid US Economic Pressure
On August 24, 2026, the Iranian rial fell to a historic low of approximately 2.02 million rials per US dollar on the parallel market. This devaluation is triggered by intensified US economic sanctions and a naval blockade aimed at crippling Iran's oil exports and financial networks. The long-term implication is a potential pivot by Iran towards alternative trade alliances, such as BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, as it seeks to mitigate the impact of ongoing sanctions.
4 sourcesAug 27Low
- Economy· World
Saudi Arabia and France Establish $5 Billion Credit Line to Support Vision 2030
On August 24, 2026, Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Finance signed a joint statement with France's Bpifrance Assurance Export to create a credit line of up to $5 billion. This agreement is triggered by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's state visit to France, which aims to enhance economic cooperation and support infrastructure projects aligned with Vision 2030. The long-term implication is a strengthened bilateral relationship that could lead to increased foreign investment and collaboration in key sectors between the two nations.
3 sourcesAug 27Low
- Economy· UAE
UAE Insurance Sector Assets Projected at Dh164.9 Billion by 2025 with 14.9% Premium Growth
The Central Bank of the UAE reported that the insurance sector's assets are expected to reach Dh164.9 billion in 2025, reflecting a 6.1% increase from 2024. This growth is driven by the implementation of mandatory health insurance for private-sector employees and domestic workers, which began on January 1, 2025. Long-term, this expansion is likely to enhance market penetration and profitability within the UAE insurance industry, supporting further institutional investment.
4 sourcesAug 27Low
- Economy· UAE
Dubai-India non-oil trade reaches record Dh222.5 billion in 2025
Dubai-India non-oil trade has reached a record Dh222.5 billion in 2025, marking a 136.2% increase since 2016. This surge is driven by the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) that took effect in May 2022, which has facilitated a 35% growth in trade. The long-term implication is a strengthened bilateral economic relationship, with increased Indian investments and business presence in Dubai, fostering further collaboration in advanced technologies.
4 sourcesAug 27Low
- Business· MENA
Saudi Arabia recalls over 84000 Toyota Camry vehicles due to instrument panel defect
On August 24, 2026, Saudi Arabia announced the recall of 84,639 Toyota Camry vehicles from the 2025–2026 model years due to a defect in the instrument panel system. The recall was triggered by the Ministry of Commerce's identification of issues that could impair critical safety displays and functions, increasing the risk of accidents. This action reflects Saudi Arabia's ongoing commitment to vehicle safety and may lead to further recalls as part of a broader global initiative by Toyota addressing similar defects.
3 sourcesAug 27Low
- Economy· World
Gold Prices Reach Highest Level Since May Due to Treasury Buybacks and Dollar Weakness
On August 25, 2026, gold prices surged to their highest level since mid-May, with spot gold reaching 4,668.19 USD per ounce. This increase was triggered by the U.S. Treasury Department's announcement of expanded long-term bond buybacks, raising concerns over dollar depreciation and boosting investor interest. The long-term implication suggests a continued rally in gold prices as market participants await key inflation data and Federal Reserve communications.
4 sourcesAug 27Low
- Business· MENA
Parkin Expands Smart Parking Operations into Bahrain and Egypt
Parkin Company PJSC has signed a memorandum of understanding with Bahrain Car Parks Company to explore smart parking solutions, following a similar agreement in Egypt just days earlier. This strategic move is driven by Parkin's goal to enhance its regional presence in the GCC and North Africa through technology integration and data sharing. Long-term, this expansion could position Parkin as a leader in smart mobility solutions across the region, aligning with broader urban development trends.
4 sourcesAug 27Low
- Economy· World
Saudi Arabia and France Establish Reciprocal Investment Framework During Crown Prince's Paris Visit
On August 25, 2026, Saudi Arabia and France deepened their bilateral economic ties through reciprocal investments and strategic agreements during Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's visit to Paris. This shift is driven by Saudi Vision 2030's diversification needs and the historical context of a century-long diplomatic relationship. The long-term implication is the potential for increased Saudi investments in France, enhancing economic collaboration across various sectors including entertainment and technology.
10 sourcesAug 27Low
- Economy· UAE
UAE Petrol Prices Anticipated to Rise Slightly in September 2026 Amid High Brent Crude Levels
The UAE Fuel Price Committee is expected to announce a minor increase in petrol and diesel prices for September 2026, following a similar adjustment in August. This anticipated rise is driven by elevated Brent crude prices, averaging $87.7 per barrel in August, influenced by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Long-term, sustained high oil prices may lead to increased fuel costs for consumers and potential adjustments in energy policy.
3 sourcesAug 27Low
- Economy· World
Gold Prices Decline Following US PCE Inflation Data Release
Gold prices fell by approximately 1% on August 26, 2026, after the US PCE inflation data showed a year-over-year increase of 3.7%, slightly above expectations. This decline was triggered by heightened market expectations for a Federal Reserve interest-rate hike in September, as the data reinforced the likelihood of tighter monetary policy. In the long term, this could lead to a shift in investor behavior towards interest-bearing assets as rate hike probabilities solidify.
3 sourcesAug 27Moderate
- Business· World
Zillow and Redfin Settle FTC Antitrust Case Over Rental Listings Agreement
Zillow and Redfin reached a settlement with the FTC on August 24, 2026, resolving allegations of antitrust violations related to their 2025 partnership. The settlement, triggered by a lawsuit from the FTC and several states, mandates Redfin's reentry into the rental advertising market and eliminates previous anticompetitive restrictions. This outcome is expected to enhance competition in the U.S. rental market, potentially lowering costs and increasing options for renters and property managers.
4 sourcesAug 27Low