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
4277 stories- Economy· MENA
Saudi Arabia reports largest budget deficit since 2018 amid oil revenue decline
Saudi Arabia has announced a budget deficit of SR125.7 billion for Q1 2026, marking the largest shortfall since 2018. This financial strain is primarily triggered by declining oil revenues exacerbated by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which has significantly impacted oil exports. In response to these challenges, the government is likely to accelerate its diversification efforts away from oil dependency to stabilize its fiscal situation.
4 sourcesMay 8Low
- Economy· World
Saudi Aramco Cuts June Oil Prices Amid Middle East Supply Disruptions
Saudi Aramco has reduced the official selling price for its Arab Light crude oil for June by $4 a barrel. This decision comes in response to ongoing disruptions in oil supplies due to the war in the Middle East. The long-term implication may be continued volatility in the oil market, affecting global energy prices and supply stability.
4 sourcesMay 8Low
- Economy· World
Trump increases tariffs on EU cars from 15% to 25%
President Trump has announced a significant increase in tariffs on cars and trucks imported from the European Union, raising the rate from 15% to 25%. This decision is driven by perceived non-compliance by the EU with previous trade agreements. The long-term implication may lead to escalating trade tensions and potential retaliatory measures from the EU, impacting the automotive market significantly.
5 sourcesMay 8Low
- Business· World
AirAsia X Orders 150 Airbus A220-300 Aircraft in Historic Deal
AirAsia X Berhad has placed a firm order for 150 Airbus A220-300 jets, marking the largest single firm order for the A220 program. This order is driven by AirAsia's strategy to optimize its fleet amid rising fuel costs and to expand into underserved markets across ASEAN and Central Asia. The long-term implication is a strengthened position for AirAsia in the competitive aviation market, enhancing its operational efficiency and market reach.
6 sourcesMay 8Low
- Business· World
Spirit Airlines ceases operations amid rising fuel costs and geopolitical tensions
Spirit Airlines has shut down its operations, resulting in nearly 5,000 layoffs. The immediate cause of this shutdown is attributed to rising fuel prices linked to geopolitical tensions, particularly the Iran war. This closure is expected to lead to increased airfares across the airline industry as competition diminishes.
3 sourcesMay 8Low
- Crypto· World
Coinbase Announces 14 Percent Workforce Layoffs Amid Market Volatility and AI Restructuring
Coinbase Global has announced a reduction of approximately 14 percent of its workforce, affecting around 700 employees, in response to ongoing cryptocurrency market downturns and the integration of artificial intelligence. This restructuring, led by CEO Brian Armstrong, aims to create more efficient teams by flattening the organizational structure and deploying AI agents for various tasks. The long-term implication suggests a shift in the cryptocurrency industry towards AI-driven operations, potentially leading to further layoffs and restructuring across the sector as companies adapt to market conditions.
29 sourcesMay 8Low
- Business· World
James Murdoch's Lupa Systems in Advanced Talks to Acquire Vox Media's New York Magazine and Podcast Division
James Murdoch's Lupa Systems is currently negotiating to acquire Vox Media's New York Magazine and its podcast division. This move is prompted by the ongoing challenges in the digital media industry, particularly in the advertising market. If successful, the acquisition could significantly alter the competitive landscape of digital media, especially in the podcasting sector.
5 sourcesMay 8Low
- Economy· World
Crude Oil Prices Drop Over 7% Following US Proposal for Peace Talks with Iran and Israel
On May 7, 2026, crude oil prices fell more than 7% in global markets due to optimism surrounding a US proposal for peace talks with Iran and Israel. This shift is occurring as the Trump Administration expresses hope for negotiations amid the ongoing Iran war and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Long-term, this could lead to increased stability in oil markets if peace talks progress, although US gasoline prices remain high due to supply chain issues.
11 sourcesMay 8Low
- Economy· World
Crude oil prices drop sharply as U.S. and Iran approach potential war-ending agreement
Crude oil prices fell by up to 15% intraday on May 6, 2026, following reports that U.S. officials are nearing a deal with Iran to end the ongoing war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. This development comes amid a fragile ceasefire and ongoing skirmishes, with Iran currently reviewing the U.S. proposal through Pakistan. If successful, this agreement could stabilize global oil markets and reduce energy costs significantly in the long term.
14 sourcesMay 8High
- Business· World
U.S. airlines face soaring jet fuel prices due to Iran conflict
Jet fuel prices for U.S. airlines have more than doubled in the last 48 hours, raising significant concerns within the airline industry. This surge is triggered by the ongoing war in Iran, which has disrupted fuel supply and increased costs. In the long term, airlines are likely to adjust their pricing strategies, including potential fee hikes for travelers, to mitigate the financial impact of these rising fuel costs.
3 sourcesMay 8High
- Economy· World
Gold prices decline amid inflation fears and U.S.-Iran negotiations
On May 4, 2026, gold prices fell by 0.3% to $4599.45 per ounce due to ongoing inflation concerns impacting U.S. monetary policy expectations. The immediate trigger for this decline is the market's focus on the developments in negotiations between the U.S. and Iran. In the long term, the interplay between inflation and geopolitical tensions is likely to keep gold prices volatile as market participants await further economic data and diplomatic updates.
3 sourcesMay 7Low
- Business· MENA
Saudi Arabia's Health Holding Company Distributes 2 Billion Riyals in Transition Bonuses to Employees
The Health Holding Company in Saudi Arabia has initiated the distribution of over 2 billion Riyals in transition bonuses to civil service employees who have moved from the Ministry of Health to new health clusters. This move is triggered by a Cabinet Decision aimed at enhancing the healthcare sector and recognizing employee contributions during a significant organizational shift. Long-term, this initiative aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goals, focusing on improving healthcare delivery and employee satisfaction.
5 sourcesMay 7Low
- Economy· MENA
Saudi Finance Minister Calls for Enhanced Integration Among Arab Financial Institutions
During the Joint Annual Meetings of Arab Financial Institutions, Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan emphasized the critical role of Arab financial entities in achieving economic stability and sustainable development. This call for cooperation and innovation comes as Arab states face increasing global economic challenges. The long-term implication is a strengthened collaborative framework among these institutions, potentially leading to more resilient economic growth in the region.
3 sourcesMay 7Low
- Business· UAE
UAE Exits OPEC and OPEC+ to Boost Domestic Energy Sector
The UAE has officially exited OPEC and OPEC+ organizations. This strategic move is aimed at enhancing the UAE's energy sector and was confirmed by the energy minister as being on amicable terms. The long-term implication is expected to be increased job opportunities within the UAE's energy industry as it navigates its new market landscape.
3 sourcesMay 7Low
- Economy· World
Oil prices decline amid geopolitical tensions in the Strait of Hormuz
Oil prices have fallen for the second consecutive day due to geopolitical developments affecting shipping routes. The immediate trigger for this decline is U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement regarding efforts to free ships stuck in the Strait of Hormuz. As geopolitical tensions persist, oil prices are likely to remain volatile, impacting global energy markets in the long term.
3 sourcesMay 7Moderate
- Business· UAE
Dubai begins construction of Metro Blue Line to enhance public transport infrastructure
Dubai has officially broken ground on the Metro Blue Line tunnels. The project is part of the emirate's ongoing efforts to expand its public transportation network and improve urban mobility. Successful completion of the Metro Blue Line could set a precedent for future transportation projects in the region.
4 sourcesMay 7Low
- Business· UAE
Dubai Airports Increases Flight Operations After Lifting of Airspace Restrictions
On May 2, 2026, the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority lifted airspace restrictions that had been in place since February 28 due to the US-Israel-Iran war. This decision allows Dubai Airports to scale up operations and restore flight schedules, following months of disruptions caused by security threats. The long-term implication is a significant recovery in global air traffic through Dubai International Airport, reinforcing its status as a key regional hub despite ongoing vigilance against potential threats.
7 sourcesMay 7Low
- Business· World
ServiceNow projects $30 billion in subscription revenue by 2030 driven by AI initiatives
ServiceNow has announced a forecast of $30 billion in subscription revenue by 2030, attributing this growth to its AI products. This projection comes as the company seeks to reassure investors about its growth potential amidst the evolving enterprise software landscape. In the long term, ServiceNow's commitment to AI could influence other companies in the sector to adopt similar strategies for growth.
3 sourcesMay 7Low
- Crypto· World
Payward acquires Bitnomial for $550 million to enhance U.S. crypto derivatives market
Payward has completed its acquisition of Bitnomial, securing a full range of CFTC-regulated crypto derivatives. This strategic move is driven by Kraken's aim to expand its offerings and strengthen its position in the U.S. cryptocurrency infrastructure. In the long term, this acquisition is expected to attract more institutional investors and positively influence Bitcoin market sentiment.
3 sourcesMay 7Low
- Crypto· World
MicroStrategy pauses Bitcoin purchases ahead of earnings report
MicroStrategy has announced a pause in its Bitcoin purchases as it prepares for its upcoming earnings report. This decision is driven by increasing scrutiny over the company's financial losses and the complexities of its funding strategies amid geopolitical tensions. The long-term implication may signal a cautious approach from MicroStrategy, impacting its future investment strategies in the cryptocurrency market.
3 sourcesMay 7Low