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
8714 stories- Economy· World
IMF Reports Significant Economic Impact of Wars on Affected Nations
On April 8, 2026, the International Monetary Fund released research indicating that wars lead to an average GDP decline of 7% over five years in conflict-affected countries. This assessment is prompted by the highest levels of armed conflict since World War II and the ongoing geopolitical tensions, particularly the Iran war. The findings suggest that nations must prioritize early stabilization and domestic investments to mitigate long-term economic scarring from conflicts.
2 sourcesApr 8Low
- Economy· World
US Aluminum Billet Premiums Rise 12% Due to Iran War Supply Disruptions
Rio Tinto and Century Aluminum have increased US aluminum billet premiums by 12% in response to supply disruptions caused by the ongoing Iran war. The immediate trigger for this price hike is the significant reduction in aluminum imports from the Persian Gulf, which supplies nearly 20% of the US market. Long-term, this could lead to sustained higher prices and a shift towards domestic sourcing as global aluminum supply remains tight amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
2 sourcesApr 8Low
- Business· UAE
UAE Business Leaders Anticipate Economic Stabilization Following US-Israel-Iran Ceasefire
On April 8, 2026, a two-week ceasefire was agreed upon by the United States, Israel, and Iran amid the ongoing conflict. This truce is expected to restore investor confidence and reduce operational risks for UAE businesses, allowing for better forward planning. In the long term, this development may reinforce the UAE's position as a resilient global business hub, facilitating gradual economic recovery from the recent turmoil.
2 sourcesApr 8Low
- Business· World
Airlines Increase Baggage Fees and Fuel Surcharges Due to Rising Jet Fuel Prices
On April 7, 2026, major airlines including Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and WestJet announced increases in checked baggage fees and fuel surcharges. This decision was triggered by an 88% surge in jet fuel prices following the U.S.-Israeli war in Iran, which disrupted global oil supplies. The long-term implication is a potential shift in consumer travel behavior and increased operational costs for airlines, leading to further adjustments in pricing strategies across the industry.
2 sourcesApr 8Moderate
- Economy· World
UK House Prices Decline Amid Middle East Conflict and Rising Mortgage Rates
UK house prices fell by 0.5% in March 2026, marking a significant downturn as geopolitical tensions from the Middle East conflict impacted market stability. The immediate trigger for this decline is the uncertainty surrounding the Iran war, which has raised inflation expectations and mortgage rates to their highest levels since July 2024. In the long term, this situation may lead to further softening of the housing market and potential interventions from the Bank of England to stabilize economic conditions.
3 sourcesApr 8Low
- Economy· MENA
World Bank Cuts MENA 2026 Growth Forecast to 1.8 Percent Amid Regional Conflicts
The World Bank has revised its growth forecast for the MENA region to 1.8 percent for 2026, halving its previous estimate due to escalating regional conflicts and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. This adjustment comes in light of significant disruptions to oil and LNG exports, particularly affecting countries like Qatar and Iraq. Long-term, this could lead to increased economic instability in the region and necessitate further government interventions to support affected economies.
2 sourcesApr 8Low
- Business· UAE
Union Cooperative Society Approves 14% Cash Dividend for Fiscal Year 2025
Union Cooperative Society has approved a 14% cash dividend distribution for fiscal year 2025 during its 44th General Assembly Meeting held on April 7, 2026. This decision follows a robust financial performance, with net profits rising to AED 338 million, reflecting the cooperative's commitment to shareholder value amid a favorable economic climate in Dubai. The long-term implication suggests continued investor confidence and potential for further growth in the UAE retail sector as consumer demand remains strong.
2 sourcesApr 8Low
- Business· UAE
QatarEnergy Restarts LNG Production at Ras Laffan Following Ceasefire
On April 8, 2026, Qatar mobilized engineers and workers to resume production at the Ras Laffan LNG plant in Qatar, the world's largest liquefied natural gas export facility, following a ceasefire in the Middle East conflict. The immediate trigger for this mobilization was the recent ceasefire that allowed for safe access to the facility, which had been offline since early March due to Iranian missile strikes. Long-term, this restart is expected to stabilize regional natural gas prices and alleviate rising electricity costs in the UAE, which had surged during the outage.
2 sourcesApr 8Low
- Economy· MENA
U.S. Dollar Index Drops 1.2% After U.S.-Iran Ceasefire Agreement
The United States and Iran announced a two-week ceasefire on April 8, 2026. This agreement was triggered by escalating tensions and a self-imposed deadline for Iran to comply with U.S. demands regarding the Strait of Hormuz. If the de-escalation holds, it may lead to sustained pressure on the U.S. dollar and a shift in market dynamics favoring risk-sensitive assets.
2 sourcesApr 8Moderate
- Business· World
FedEx Freight Targets 10-12% Core Operating Profit Growth Ahead of Spinoff
FedEx Freight has announced a target of 10-12% average core operating profit growth and 4-6% revenue growth during its inaugural investor day. This announcement comes as the company prepares for its spinoff from FedEx Corporation, aimed at optimizing its operations in the less-than-truckload sector. The long-term implication is that the spinoff could enhance FedEx Freight's focus and efficiency, potentially leading to improved market positioning in a challenging industry environment.
2 sourcesApr 8Low
- Business· MENA
SoftBank Corp. Launches First Euro-Denominated Bond Sale to Fund AI Investments
On April 8, 2026, SoftBank Corp. mandated banks for investor calls regarding its inaugural euro-denominated bond sale. This move is prompted by SoftBank Group's aggressive push into artificial intelligence, including plans to raise up to $40 billion for investments in OpenAI. The long-term implication is a significant increase in funding for AI infrastructure, potentially reshaping the tech landscape and enhancing regional tech growth in areas like the UAE.
2 sourcesApr 8Low
- Crypto· World
Swiss Banks Launch Collaborative Sandbox for CHF-Pegged Stablecoin Testing
On April 8, 2026, six major Swiss banks initiated a collaborative sandbox to test a Swiss franc-pegged stablecoin. This move comes in response to the lack of a regulated CHF stablecoin, aiming to enhance payment flows and explore programmable money applications. The long-term implication is the potential establishment of a regulated CHF stablecoin that could reshape the Swiss digital asset landscape and reduce reliance on USD stablecoins.
2 sourcesApr 8High
- Business· World
Delta Air Lines Halts Q2 2026 Capacity Growth Amid Rising Jet Fuel Costs Linked to Iran Conflict
On April 8, 2026, Delta Air Lines announced the removal of all planned capacity growth for the second quarter due to a significant increase in jet fuel prices. This surge in fuel costs, nearly doubling since late February 2026, is attributed to the ongoing conflict in Iran, which has disrupted global supply chains. In the long term, the airline industry may see a separation between stronger and weaker players as sustained high fuel prices force adaptations or exits from the market.
2 sourcesApr 8Low
- Business· World
Shinhan Bank Initiates $2.1 Billion Share Sale of Samsung Electronics Stock
On April 8, 2026, Shinhan Bank launched a $2.1 billion share sale of Samsung Electronics stock through an accelerated block trade. This move is driven by the Lee family's ongoing efforts to liquidate holdings to cover substantial inheritance tax liabilities following the death of Chairman Lee Kun-hee. The long-term implication may involve continued pressure on Samsung's share price as the family seeks to divest further amidst fluctuating market conditions.
2 sourcesApr 8Low
- Economy· World
Gold Prices Surge to Near Three-Week High After U.S.-Iran Ceasefire Agreement
Gold prices rose to a nearly three-week high on April 8, 2026, following a two-week ceasefire agreement between the U.S. and Iran. This truce was triggered by Iran's proposal for negotiations, which eased fears of energy disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. The long-term implication may involve a stabilization of global commodity markets if negotiations lead to a more permanent resolution of tensions.
2 sourcesApr 8Low
- Economy· World
Reserve Bank of India Holds Repo Rate Steady Amid US-Iran Ceasefire and Currency Pressures
On April 8, 2026, the Reserve Bank of India decided to maintain its repo rate at 5.25 percent in response to ongoing economic pressures. This decision comes after a two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran, which has led to significant oil supply disruptions and a sharp depreciation of the Indian rupee. Long-term, the RBI's neutral stance suggests a cautious approach to managing inflation risks while monitoring the economic fallout from geopolitical tensions.
2 sourcesApr 8Moderate
- Economy· World
European Stock Markets Surge Over 3% Following U.S.-Iran Ceasefire Announcement
Major European stock indices increased by over 3% after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a two-week ceasefire with Iran. This rally was triggered by the restoration of investor confidence amid expectations of reopening the Strait of Hormuz, which had been closed due to prior conflict. The long-term implication is a potential stabilization of energy prices and market conditions in Europe and the wider region as geopolitical tensions ease.
3 sourcesApr 8High
- Business· MENA
Shell Revises Q1 2026 Gas Production Forecast Amid Middle East Conflict
On April 8, 2026, Shell plc announced a downward revision to its first-quarter integrated gas production forecast due to impacts from the ongoing Middle East conflict. The immediate cause of this adjustment stems from damage to Shell's Qatari operations as a result of missile attacks and infrastructure disruptions. Long-term implications include heightened global energy prices and potential shortages in European and Asian markets as the conflict continues to affect supply chains.
3 sourcesApr 8Low
- Economy· World
European Natural Gas Futures Drop 18% After US-Iran Ceasefire Announcement
European natural gas futures contracts fell 18% on April 8, 2026, following a conditional two-week ceasefire agreement announced by U.S. President Donald Trump with Iran. This significant price drop is attributed to trader relief over reduced geopolitical tensions that had previously disrupted energy supplies. In the long term, this truce may stabilize energy prices and influence global market dynamics as compliance is monitored.
2 sourcesApr 8Moderate
- Economy· UAE
Dubai Financial Market Index Rises 8.5% Following US-Iran Ceasefire Announcement
On April 8, 2026, the Dubai Financial Market General Index surged by 8.5%, marking its largest intraday gain in a decade. This rally was triggered by the announcement of a two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran, which alleviated investor fears following weeks of conflict-related volatility. The long-term implication suggests a potential stabilization in the Gulf markets and renewed investor confidence in the region's economic recovery.
4 sourcesApr 8Low