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
8690 stories- Economy· UAE
UAE Central Bank Partners with Vermeg to Develop Central Securities Depository for National Debt and Sukuk Markets
On April 13, 2026, the Central Bank of the UAE appointed Vermeg as the lead technology partner for a consortium developing a Central Securities Depository platform for government debt securities and Sukuk. This initiative is driven by the UAE's goal to modernize its financial infrastructure and enhance its capital markets competitiveness. The long-term implication is a strengthened financial ecosystem that could attract more international investment and support the integration of digital assets into the market.
5 sourcesApr 16Low
- Business· UAE
DWTC Free Zone partners with Wio Bank to enhance digital banking for businesses
On April 13, 2026, the Dubai World Trade Centre Free Zone signed a memorandum of understanding with Wio Bank PJSC to improve digital banking services for its business community. This partnership aims to expedite account opening and provide dedicated support, responding to the growing demand for efficient banking solutions in Dubai's competitive market. The long-term implication is a strengthened position for Dubai as a global business hub, attracting more entrepreneurs and startups to the region.
3 sourcesApr 16Low
- Economy· UAE
Emirates Development Bank Commences Daily AED 20 Million Financing to Support UAE Businesses
On April 14, 2026, Emirates Development Bank announced a daily financing injection of AED 20 million to support businesses in the UAE. This initiative is a direct response to ongoing global supply chain pressures and aims to ensure liquidity and operational continuity for key sectors. Long-term, this move is expected to enhance the resilience of the UAE's private sector and solidify its position as a stable business hub amid external challenges.
3 sourcesApr 16Low
- Economy· World
European Stock Indices Rise Amid US-Iran Dialogue Hopes
European stock indices increased by 0.6% on April 14, 2026, driven by optimism surrounding potential renewed negotiations between the United States and Iran. This surge follows a recent blockade imposed by the U.S. on Iranian ports and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which has heightened market volatility. Long-term, sustained diplomatic efforts could stabilize European markets and alleviate energy import vulnerabilities linked to the ongoing tensions in the region.
3 sourcesApr 16Low
- Economy· MENA
Historic Oil Supply Disruption in Strait of Hormuz Due to Geopolitical Conflict
The global oil supply has dropped by 10.1 million barrels per day, marking the largest disruption in history, as reported by the IEA. This crisis was triggered by U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iran that began on February 28, 2026, leading to a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Long-term implications include potential stagflation and a significant contraction in global oil demand forecasts for 2026.
4 sourcesApr 16Moderate
- Economy· MENA
Saudi Arabia's GDP Growth Resilience Amid Gulf Economic Disruptions
The International Monetary Fund has forecasted Saudi Arabia's GDP to grow by 3.1 percent in 2026, contrasting sharply with Qatar's projected contraction of 8.6 percent due to ongoing geopolitical tensions. This shift is triggered by the Iran war, which has disrupted energy supply chains and led to significant economic revisions across the Gulf region. Long-term, Saudi Arabia's infrastructure diversification and oil export capabilities may position it as a stabilizing force in the Gulf economy amidst regional volatility.
3 sourcesApr 16Low
- Business· World
AD Ports Group Signs Investment Agreement for 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 opportunities in the Port of Constanța. This agreement is driven by AD Ports Group's strategy to enhance its presence along the Middle Corridor trade route amid ongoing geopolitical shifts. The long-term implication is a strengthened trade connectivity in the Black Sea region, supporting both Romania's economic growth and AD Ports Group's international expansion efforts.
3 sourcesApr 16Low
- 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 payment infrastructures. This initiative is driven by the need to facilitate efficient remittances for the large Filipino expatriate community in the UAE, which significantly contributes to the Philippine economy. Long-term, this agreement is expected to strengthen economic ties and promote financial innovation between the two nations.
3 sourcesApr 16Low
- Business· UAE
Dubai Properties Awards 1.1 Billion Dirham Contracts for Vilanova Residential Expansion
Dubai Properties has awarded contracts worth approximately 1.1 billion dirhams to Metac General Contracting for the construction of 850 townhouses in the Vilanova residential complex. This decision comes in response to the increasing demand for premium family-oriented housing in Dubai, particularly in suburban areas. The expansion is expected to enhance the housing supply for middle and upper-middle-class families, further solidifying Dubai's position in the real estate market.
3 sourcesApr 16Low
- Business· MENA
Fire at Cairo Clothing Factory Results in Seven Fatalities
On April 14, 2026, a fire at a clothing factory in Cairo's Al Zawiya Al Hamra district killed seven people and injured 20. The incident is believed to have been triggered by electrical faults or safety violations, prompting an immediate investigation by authorities. This tragedy highlights ongoing safety challenges in Egypt's manufacturing sector, likely leading to increased scrutiny and regulatory reforms in industrial safety standards.
4 sourcesApr 16Low
- Business· UAE
Dubai International Airport Maintains Status as World's Busiest International Airport for 12th Year
Dubai International Airport (DXB) has been ranked as the world's busiest international airport for the 12th consecutive year in 2025, processing a record 95.2 million passengers. This achievement is attributed to a surge in tourism and the expansion of Emirates Airline, coinciding with a global recovery in international travel. The long-term implication suggests that continued investment in airport infrastructure will be necessary to accommodate growing passenger demand amid geopolitical tensions affecting regional air traffic.
6 sourcesApr 16Low
- Business· UAE
Jumeirah Burj Al Arab Begins 18-Month Restoration After 27 Years of Operation
Jumeirah Burj Al Arab has closed for an 18-month phased restoration program, marking its first major refurbishment since opening in 1999. This initiative is driven by the need to enhance the hotel's interiors and preserve its heritage amid evolving hospitality standards. The long-term implication is expected to elevate the luxury sector's vitality in Dubai upon the hotel's projected reopening in late 2027.
3 sourcesApr 16Moderate
- Business· MENA
Dubai Chambers Opens Representative Office in Manila to Enhance UAE-Philippines Trade Relations
Dubai International Chamber inaugurated its new representative office in Manila on April 14, 2026, to bolster economic ties between the UAE and the Philippines. This initiative is driven by the growing non-oil trade, which reached Dh3.58 billion in 2025, reflecting a 17 percent increase year-on-year. The long-term implication is the potential for increased bilateral investment and business partnerships, supporting Dubai's strategy to establish 50 international offices by 2030.
3 sourcesApr 16Low
- Economy· World
European Stocks Decline Amid Mixed Earnings and US-Iran Diplomatic Developments
European stocks experienced a decline on April 15, 2026, with the STOXX Europe 600 index closing down 0.4% as investors reacted to disappointing earnings in the luxury sector amidst the ongoing Iran War. The immediate trigger for this market movement was the mixed performance of major companies and the uncertainty surrounding US-Iran peace talks, which were hinted at by President Trump. In the long term, the volatility in the luxury sector and geopolitical tensions may lead to increased caution among investors and potential shifts in market strategies across Europe.
3 sourcesApr 16Low
- Economy· UAE
UAE and Uzbekistan Strengthen Economic Ties in Dubai Meeting
UAE Minister of Economy Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri met with Uzbekistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Investments to enhance bilateral economic partnerships. This meeting is driven by the UAE's recent economic reforms and a significant increase in Uzbek tourism and business presence in the UAE. The long-term implication is a deepening of economic integration between the two nations, with plans for further collaboration at the upcoming Investopia Tashkent event.
3 sourcesApr 16Low
- Economy· World
Saudi Finance Minister Engages U.S. Chamber of Commerce on Economic Resilience
On April 14, 2026, Saudi Minister of Finance Mohammed Al-Jadaan participated in a roundtable meeting hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C. This event was triggered by the ongoing 2026 IMF and World Bank Spring Meetings, highlighting Saudi Arabia's economic reforms and investment opportunities amid global uncertainties. Long-term, this engagement is likely to strengthen U.S.-Saudi economic ties and enhance foreign direct investment in the Kingdom as it diversifies its economy under Vision 2030.
3 sourcesApr 16Low
- Economy· MENA
Saudi Arabia's Inflation Rate Increases to 1.8% in March 2026
Saudi Arabia's annual consumer price inflation rate rose to 1.8% in March 2026, up from 1.7% in February. This increase is attributed to higher housing rents and personal care product prices amid stable economic conditions under Vision 2030. The long-term implication suggests continued inflationary pressures may influence economic policies and consumer behavior in the region.
5 sourcesApr 16Low
- Economy· MENA
Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund Approves 2026-2030 Strategy with 80% Domestic Investment Focus
On April 15, 2026, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) board approved a new five-year strategy that allocates 80 percent of its investments to domestic projects. This shift is driven by economic pressures, including low oil prices and a projected budget deficit, prompting a reevaluation of previous international investment commitments. The long-term implication is a strengthened focus on domestic revenue generation and private sector participation, aligning with the goals of Vision 2030.
3 sourcesApr 16Moderate
- Economy· MENA
Saudi Public Investment Fund Announces SAR 750 Billion Local Investments for 2021-2025
On April 15, 2026, the Saudi Public Investment Fund revealed plans to invest nearly SAR 750 billion in local projects from 2021 to 2025, which constitutes 70 percent of its total investments. This announcement follows the approval of the PIF's 2026-2030 strategy by its Board of Directors, led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, as part of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 economic diversification efforts. The long-term implication is a significant shift towards a more diversified economy, potentially enhancing private sector engagement and reducing reliance on oil revenues.
5 sourcesApr 16Moderate
- Economy· UAE
Nafis Program Announces Gradual Reduction in Salary Support for Emiratis Earning Over 20,000 AED
The UAE's Nafis program has clarified its plan to gradually reduce financial support for Emiratis in the private sector whose salaries exceed 20,000 AED, starting in September 2026. This decision is driven by a shift towards transitional empowerment and labor market reforms aimed at promoting self-sufficiency among Emirati workers. Long-term, this adjustment may lead to increased emphasis on performance-driven culture and skill development within the UAE's workforce.
3 sourcesApr 16Low