
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- Business· World
Unitree Robotics experiences significant post-IPO valuation correction after Shanghai debut
Unitree Robotics' shares fell approximately 45% from their peak valuation of $66 billion following its IPO on August 19, 2026. This decline was triggered by concerns over speculative excess and the dynamics of China's IPO pricing mechanisms amid a backdrop of technological self-sufficiency initiatives. The long-term implication suggests a potential reevaluation of IPO strategies in the robotics sector, impacting future listings and investor sentiment.
3 sourcesAug 27Moderate
- Business· World
Navitas Semiconductor acquires Claros to enhance AI power solutions
Navitas Semiconductor announced the acquisition of Claros Inc. for up to $232.8 million, aimed at integrating advanced power delivery technologies for AI processors. This strategic move is driven by the increasing power demands in data centers due to rapid growth in AI workloads. The acquisition is expected to significantly expand Navitas' market reach, projecting a serviceable addressable market exceeding $8 billion by 2030.
3 sourcesAug 27Moderate
- Economy· World
Oil Prices Drop Nearly 5% Amid Unconfirmed U.S.-Iran Ceasefire Reports
On August 24, 2026, oil prices fell by nearly 5% following unverified reports of a ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran. This decline was triggered by market reactions to geopolitical tensions and ongoing U.S. sanctions against Iran, which heightened sensitivity to any potential de-escalation signals. If confirmed, the ceasefire could lead to a stabilization of oil prices and a shift in energy market dynamics in the long term.
3 sourcesAug 27Moderate
- Economy· World
Fed Chairman Kevin Warsh Under Pressure Ahead of Jackson Hole Speech on Rate Hikes
Kevin Warsh, the Federal Reserve Chairman, is set to deliver his first keynote address at the Jackson Hole symposium amid increasing market anxiety over persistent inflation. This pressure arises from recent inflation data exceeding expectations and a lack of clear communication from Warsh regarding potential interest rate increases. The long-term implication is that his address could significantly influence market confidence and the Fed's future monetary policy direction, particularly regarding rate adjustments in the coming months.
6 sourcesAug 27Moderate
- Business· World
Anthropic Leads Betting Odds for Largest IPO of 2026 Surpassing SpaceX
Anthropic has overtaken SpaceX in Polymarket odds for the largest IPO of 2026, now favored at 58% probability. This shift follows Anthropic's confidential SEC filing and accelerated revenue growth, prompting increased investor confidence. The long-term implication suggests a potential October IPO that could redefine market valuations in the AI sector, targeting a $2 trillion valuation and $100 billion raise.
4 sourcesAug 27Moderate
- Business· World
Shein Launches Hong Kong IPO Valued at $27 Billion Amidst Significant Decline
Shein has initiated its Hong Kong IPO process, targeting a valuation of up to $27 billion, a sharp decline from its previous peak of nearly $100 billion. This move comes as the company faces slowing revenue growth, increased competition, and regulatory pressures, prompting a shift from earlier plans for listings in New York and London. The long-term implication suggests a recalibration of investor expectations towards profitability over hyper-growth in the fast-fashion sector amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions and trade challenges.
6 sourcesAug 27Low
- Business· World
Norway Advances Barents Sea Oil and Gas Development Amid EU Policy Review
Norway has confirmed its commitment to continue oil and gas development in the Barents Sea as of August 24, 2026. This decision comes in response to the EU's reassessment of its Arctic drilling moratorium, driven by energy security concerns linked to geopolitical tensions in Ukraine and Iran. The long-term implication is that Norway aims to solidify its role as a key energy supplier to Europe, potentially influencing EU energy policy and market dynamics.
3 sourcesAug 27Moderate
- Business· World
Saudi Arabia and France Sign €6 Billion MoU for Theme Parks Near Paris
On August 24, 2026, Saudi Arabia and France formalized a €6 billion investment agreement to develop three theme parks near Paris. This initiative is driven by Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 strategy, aiming to diversify its economy and enhance global entertainment investments. The long-term implication includes a significant boost in job creation and potential competition with established European theme parks like Disneyland Paris.
15 sourcesAug 27Low
- Economy· MENA
Iranian Rial Hits Record Low Amid Intensified US Sanctions
On August 24, 2026, Iran's rial reached an all-time low of approximately 2.02 million rials per US dollar on the parallel market. This depreciation is driven by escalating US economic sanctions and the effective halt of oil exports due to naval blockades. The long-term implication is a potential deepening of Iran's economic crisis, which may lead to increased social unrest and further diplomatic isolation.
6 sourcesAug 27Low
- Economy· World
Oil Prices Decline Following U.S. Announcement of New Sanctions on Iran
On August 24, 2026, global oil prices fell over 2 percent in response to a U.S. Treasury Department announcement detailing intensified sanctions targeting Iran. The announcement, made by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, comes amid ongoing U.S.-Iran tensions and follows a recent interim peace agreement that had temporarily eased supply disruptions. This shift indicates a potential escalation in economic pressure on Iran, likely leading to further volatility in global oil markets and geopolitical tensions in the region.
13 sourcesAug 27Low
- Economy· MENA
Saudi Arabia's Construction Cost Index Increases by 2.3 Percent Year-on-Year in July 2026
Saudi Arabia's Construction Cost Index rose by 2.3 percent year-on-year in July 2026, as reported by the General Authority for Statistics. This increase is primarily driven by higher equipment and machinery rental costs amid ongoing infrastructure development projects. The sustained rise in construction costs indicates continued economic pressure and demand for construction inputs as the country advances its Vision 2030 initiatives.
3 sourcesAug 26Low
- Economy· MENA
Oman Sees 13 Percent Increase in Public Revenues to $17.2 Billion in H1 2026
Oman's public revenues rose 13 percent to 6.60 billion Omani rials ($17.2 billion) in the first half of 2026, driven by a 10 percent increase in net oil revenues and a 32 percent surge in net gas revenues. This increase is occurring as Oman continues to advance its economic diversification agenda under the 11th Five-Year Development Plan amid fluctuating hydrocarbon prices. The long-term implication is a potential strengthening of Oman's fiscal position, which may enhance its resilience against global economic uncertainties.
4 sourcesAug 26Low
- Economy· World
Gold Prices Reach Three-Month High Amid Weak Dollar and Inflation Concerns
On August 24, 2026, spot gold prices surged above $4640 per ounce, marking the highest level in over three months. This increase was triggered by a weaker US dollar due to the US Treasury's expanded bond buyback program and market anticipation of upcoming inflation data. Long-term, this trend suggests a continued shift towards safe-haven assets as geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties persist.
4 sourcesAug 26Low
- Business· MENA
Egypt and UAE Enhance Energy Cooperation with New Drilling Initiative
Egypt and the UAE have initiated discussions to expand oil and gas drilling operations in Egypt, focusing on a five-year plan to increase hydrocarbon production. The immediate trigger for this collaboration is the meeting between Egyptian Minister Karim Badawi and ADNOC Drilling CEO Abdullah Ateya Al Messabi, aimed at leveraging UAE expertise for accelerated drilling efforts. This partnership is expected to bolster Egypt's energy sector and attract further foreign investment in its oil and gas industry.
3 sourcesAug 26Low
- Economy· World
France Becomes Fourth-Largest Foreign Direct Investor in Saudi Arabia
On August 24, 2026, Saudi Investment Minister Fahd Al-Saif announced that France is now the fourth-largest source of foreign direct investment in Saudi Arabia during a roundtable in Paris. This shift is attributed to the doubling of French FDI stock to €16.3 billion since 2024, facilitated by over 650 licenses across various sectors as part of Saudi Vision 2030. The long-term implication suggests a strengthening of bilateral economic ties and increased foreign participation in Saudi Arabia's diversification efforts.
3 sourcesAug 26Low
- Crypto· World
Bitcoin Surpasses $80,000 for the First Time Since May Amid US Treasury Bond Buybacks
On August 25, 2026, Bitcoin exceeded $80,000 for the first time since mid-May, marking a 28% gain since the start of August. This surge was triggered by US Treasury interventions aimed at stabilizing long-term bond yields, alongside renewed institutional interest in Bitcoin ETFs and legislative efforts for clearer cryptocurrency regulations. The long-term implication suggests a potential further rally for Bitcoin, possibly reaching $95,000–$100,000 if current momentum continues.
3 sourcesAug 26High
- Business· World
Hugging Face Engages Banks for $13 Billion Acquisition Talks
Hugging Face is exploring a potential acquisition valued at $13 billion, as reported on August 23, 2026. This move comes amid increasing market demand for AI infrastructure assets and follows the company's significant revenue growth and previous valuation of $4.5 billion. The long-term implication could see further consolidation in the AI sector, potentially impacting the company's independence and future strategic direction.
4 sourcesAug 26Moderate
- Crypto· World
XRP Experiences Largest Weekly Surge in 21 Months Following US Treasury Bond Buyback Expansion
XRP surged approximately 50% from August 19-23, 2026, marking its strongest weekly performance since late 2024. This rally was triggered by the US Treasury's announcement to double its long-term bond buyback operations, which traders interpreted as liquidity support. The long-term implication suggests a potential shift in market dynamics as cryptocurrencies may benefit from ongoing government interventions in debt markets.
3 sourcesAug 26Moderate
- Crypto· World
Federal Reserve Study Links Bitcoin Returns to Increased U.S. Household Crypto Investments
The Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland has released a working paper indicating that information on Bitcoin's historical returns significantly boosts U.S. households' cryptocurrency allocations and purchases. This surge in interest is attributed to the study's experimental design, which demonstrated that participants exposed to Bitcoin's past performance were more likely to increase their crypto investments. Long-term, this could lead to greater volatility in cryptocurrency markets as belief feedback loops influence consumer spending and investment behaviors.
4 sourcesAug 26Low
- Crypto· World
Crypto Groups Sue Illinois Over Digital Asset Tax Act
On August 21, 2026, the Blockchain Association and Crypto Council for Innovation filed a lawsuit in Illinois challenging the state's Digital Asset Tax Act, which imposes a 0.2% tax on digital asset transactions. This legal action is prompted by concerns that the tax violates constitutional provisions and could lead to discriminatory treatment of digital asset businesses. If successful, the lawsuit could set a precedent affecting state-level taxation of digital assets across the U.S.
4 sourcesAug 26Low