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· World
IMF Projects Global Economic Recovery Possible with Quick End to US-Iran War
The International Monetary Fund has indicated that a rapid global economic recovery could occur if the ongoing US-Iran war concludes within two weeks. This assessment comes as the conflict has led to significant disruptions in energy supplies, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, which has exacerbated inflationary pressures. If the war persists, prolonged economic instability and supply chain issues are likely to continue affecting global markets and growth forecasts.
3 sourcesApr 16Low
- Economy· UAE
UAE Reports 79.3% Hotel Occupancy Rate for 2025
On April 15, 2026, UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism Abdullah bin Tawq Al Mari announced a 79.3% hotel occupancy rate for 2025 during the Emirates Tourism Council meeting. This announcement comes as the UAE's tourism sector demonstrates resilience and growth, with 32.34 million guests and 49.21 billion AED in revenues despite regional challenges. The long-term implication suggests a continued focus on tourism as a key driver for economic diversification and sustainability in the UAE.
3 sourcesApr 16Low
- Economy· World
Gold Prices Decline as US-Iran Peace Talks Dampen Safe-Haven Demand
On April 15, 2026, spot gold prices fell 0.9 percent to $4,798 per ounce after reaching a one-month high earlier in the session. This decline was triggered by a stronger US dollar and heightened investor focus on US-Iran negotiations, which reduced the urgency for gold as a safe-haven asset. In the long term, continued developments in US-Iran relations may further influence gold prices and investor sentiment in global commodity markets.
4 sourcesApr 16Low
- Economy· World
Brent Crude Oil Prices Stabilize Near $95 per Barrel Amid Geopolitical Tensions
On April 16, 2026, Brent crude oil futures for June delivery stabilized at $94.98 per barrel, reflecting a minor increase amid balanced supply-demand dynamics. This stabilization follows a recent ceasefire in the 2026 Iran war, which has alleviated some supply disruption fears. Long-term implications suggest that continued geopolitical stability could lead to further price adjustments and influence global energy market strategies.
5 sourcesApr 16Low
- Business· UAE
Dubai Municipality Reports 36% Completion of AED 500 Million Rainwater Drainage Project in Deira
On April 15, 2026, Dubai Municipality announced that the first phase of a rainwater drainage system upgrade in Deira is 36% complete. This progress is driven by the need to enhance flood resilience following record-breaking rainfall in April 2024, which exposed vulnerabilities in existing infrastructure. The long-term implication is a significant improvement in urban flood management and increased livability in high-density areas of Dubai by the project's expected completion in 2027.
3 sourcesApr 16Low
- Economy· UAE
UAE Extends Nafis Emiratisation Programme to 2040 with Enhanced Family Support
The United Arab Emirates has announced an extension of the Nafis Emiratisation programme to 2040, introducing uncapped child allowances and monthly salary supports for Emirati families in the private sector. This decision follows the programme's success in exceeding its employment targets, with a strategic shift towards quality roles in key sectors. The long-term implication is a strengthened workforce participation among Emiratis, enhancing family stability and economic growth in the private sector.
4 sourcesApr 16Low
- Business· UAE
DEWA and Kazakhstan Consul General Discuss Renewable Energy Cooperation
On April 16, 2026, DEWA's MD & CEO Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer met with Kazakhstan's Consul General Almaz Tasbolat in Dubai to enhance bilateral cooperation in renewable energy and water management. This meeting is a continuation of previous discussions aimed at strengthening UAE-Kazakhstan economic ties and reflects DEWA's commitment to sharing its expertise in clean energy. The long-term implication is the potential for joint projects that could significantly advance sustainable development initiatives in both regions.
3 sourcesApr 16Low
- Economy· UAE
UAE and Azerbaijan CEPA Takes Effect to Boost Trade Relations
The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the UAE and Azerbaijan officially entered into force on April 15, 2026. This moment follows the completion of ratification processes and aims to enhance bilateral trade by reducing tariffs and fostering collaboration in key sectors. Long-term, this agreement is expected to significantly bolster the UAE's economic diversification strategy and increase non-oil trade with Azerbaijan, which has already seen substantial growth.
6 sourcesApr 16Low
- Business· UAE
Central Bank of the UAE Partners with Norbloc AB to Develop Nationwide e-KYC Platform
On April 15, 2026, the Central Bank of the UAE announced the development of a nationwide unified electronic Know Your Customer (e-KYC) platform in partnership with Norbloc AB. This initiative is driven by the need to streamline compliance processes and address the significant AML fines imposed on UAE financial institutions, totaling AED 380 million in the first half of 2025. The long-term implication is a more integrated financial ecosystem in the UAE, enhancing digital onboarding and compliance efficiency for financial institutions and fintech companies.
4 sourcesApr 16Low
- Economy· UAE
Dubai Financial Market Capitalization Rises by 20.3 Billion Dirhams
The Dubai Financial Market's market capitalization increased by 20.3 billion dirhams on April 15, 2026, as the DFM General Index advanced 2.56 percent. This surge was driven by foreign investor net purchases totaling 53.7 million dirhams and strong performances in key sectors like real estate and banking. The long-term implication suggests a potential stabilization of Dubai's property market and increased investor confidence amid ongoing regional geopolitical improvements.
3 sourcesApr 16Low
- Business· UAE
UAE and Jordan Finalize 2.3 Billion USD Railway Development Agreement
On April 15, 2026, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan signed a 2.3 billion USD agreement to develop a 360-kilometer railway network connecting mining areas to Aqaba port. This initiative is driven by the need to modernize Jordan's mining logistics and enhance export competitiveness amid deepening bilateral economic ties. The long-term implication is the potential for increased job creation and improved regional trade dynamics as the project progresses.
6 sourcesApr 16Low
- Economy· MENA
Saudi PIF Board Approves 2026-2030 Investment Strategy Under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman
On April 15, 2026, the Board of Directors of Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund approved its 2026-2030 investment strategy. This strategic shift is driven by the need to transition from growth and expansion to sustainable value creation, aligning with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. The long-term implication is a strengthened domestic economic ecosystem that enhances private sector participation and positions Saudi Arabia as a global investment leader.
8 sourcesApr 16High
- Economy· World
Oil Prices Stabilize Near $90 per Barrel Amid US-Iran Diplomatic Signals
Oil prices have stabilized near $90 per barrel as of April 16, 2026, reflecting market reactions to diplomatic signals indicating a potential de-escalation between the United States and Iran. This shift is occurring now due to optimism from the White House regarding a peace agreement and the possible reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, despite ongoing supply disruptions. Long-term, this could lead to increased stability in global oil markets and a reduction in economic pressure on Iran if negotiations succeed.
3 sourcesApr 16Low
- Economy· World
Spot Gold Price Reaches 4830.66 USD per Ounce Amid Weak Dollar and U.S.-Iran Peace Talks
Spot gold prices surged to 4830.66 USD per ounce on April 16, 2026, reflecting a significant rise in the global commodities market. This increase was triggered by a weakening U.S. dollar and growing optimism regarding potential U.S.-Iran negotiations aimed at resolving ongoing conflicts. Long-term, this trend may indicate a sustained demand for safe-haven assets as geopolitical tensions continue to influence market dynamics.
7 sourcesApr 16Low
- Economy· UAE
Dubai 22K Gold Price Rises to Dh539.25 Amid Renewed Iran War Tensions
Dubai's 22K gold price surged Dh4 to Dh539.25 per gram on April 16, 2026. This increase is driven by investor caution over the ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict, which has reignited safe-haven demand for gold. Long-term implications suggest continued volatility in gold prices as geopolitical tensions persist and influence market dynamics.
3 sourcesApr 16Low
- Economy· World
IEA Warns Current Oil Prices Underestimate Impact of Iran War Supply Disruptions
On April 14, 2026, the International Energy Agency (IEA) announced that current oil prices do not reflect the severe supply disruptions caused by the ongoing Iran war. This assessment comes as the IEA revises global oil demand forecasts downward, predicting a contraction of 80,000 barrels per day due to the conflict's unprecedented impact. The long-term implication suggests that continued instability in the region could lead to sustained high oil prices and economic repercussions globally.
4 sourcesApr 16High
- Business· World
FluidStack Negotiates $1 Billion Funding at $18 Billion Valuation
FluidStack is currently in advanced discussions to secure approximately $1 billion in funding, targeting an $18 billion valuation. This development follows a significant $50 billion partnership with Anthropic and reflects the growing demand for AI-optimized compute infrastructure amid GPU shortages. If successful, this funding round could further solidify FluidStack's position in the rapidly evolving AI infrastructure market.
4 sourcesApr 16Low
- Business· MENA
Glydways Raises $170 Million for Autonomous Pod Network Pilots in US and UAE
Glydways has secured $170 million in an oversubscribed Series C funding round to launch autonomous electric pod pilots in the United States and the United Arab Emirates. This funding comes as urban transit challenges intensify, prompting investors to back innovative solutions for efficient mobility. The successful pilot launches in 2026 are expected to pave the way for large-scale operations in 2027, potentially transforming urban transportation systems.
3 sourcesApr 16Low
- Business· World
Accel Raises $5 Billion Fund for Late-Stage AI Investments
Accel has closed a $5 billion fund aimed at late-stage artificial intelligence companies, marking a significant shift in venture capital focus. This move is triggered by record venture capital deployments of $297 billion in Q1 2026, reflecting a strong consensus on AI as a dominant technology platform. The long-term implication is an intensified competition for late-stage AI investments, potentially reshaping the landscape of technology funding and innovation.
4 sourcesApr 16Low
- Crypto· World
Ethereum Hyperbridge Exploit Results in 1 Billion Fake DOT Tokens Minted
An attacker exploited a verification flaw in Hyperbridge's Token Gateway contract on Ethereum, minting approximately 1 billion bridged DOT tokens valued at over $1 billion. This incident was triggered by incomplete input validation in the Merkle Mountain Range proof verifier, allowing forged proofs to bypass security checks. The long-term implication is increased scrutiny on cross-chain proof architectures and potential regulatory responses to enhance security measures in the crypto space.
3 sourcesApr 16Low