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
4310 stories- Economy· MENA
Saudi Central Bank's Reserve Assets Reach Record SR1.86 Trillion
The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) has reported a significant increase in its reserve assets, reaching SR1.86 trillion in March 2026. This surge is primarily driven by a rise in investments in foreign securities, reflecting a robust investment strategy. The long-term implication suggests enhanced economic stability and increased investor confidence in Saudi Arabia's financial health.
3 sourcesMay 5Low
- Business· UAE
UAE Launches 'Make it in the Emirates 2026' Initiative to Strengthen Industrial Sector
The UAE has officially launched the 'Make it in the Emirates 2026' initiative aimed at enhancing its industrial capabilities. This initiative is driven by the need for strategic planning and flexibility in response to current economic challenges. Long-term, this move is expected to bolster the UAE's economic resilience and position it as a leader in industrial innovation on the global stage.
3 sourcesMay 5Low
- Economy· MENA
Egypt announces plan for wheat self-sufficiency by 2028
Egypt's Minister of Agriculture has unveiled a strategy for the country to achieve self-sufficiency in wheat production by 2028. This initiative is driven by the need to reduce reliance on wheat imports, as Egypt is the world's largest importer of wheat. If successful, this plan could significantly enhance Egypt's food security and reshape its agricultural landscape.
3 sourcesMay 5Moderate
- Economy· MENA
Saudi non-oil private sector returns to growth in April 2026
The Saudi non-oil private sector experienced a recovery in April 2026, with the Purchasing Managers' Index rising to 51.5, indicating growth. This shift is attributed to increased production and new orders despite ongoing regional tensions affecting raw material prices. The long-term implication suggests that sustained demand and effective cost management could bolster the sector's resilience against future disruptions.
3 sourcesMay 5Low
- Business· UAE
EgyptAir and Emirates Airlines Resume Flights to UAE as Air Traffic Normalizes
EgyptAir has resumed its flights to the UAE, marking a significant recovery in air travel within the region. This resumption follows the UAE's General Civil Aviation Authority announcement on May 2, 2026, declaring the return of normal air traffic. The long-term implication is an expected increase in passenger volumes and enhanced connectivity as airlines ramp up operations further.
4 sourcesMay 5
- Crypto· World
MegaETH's MEGA token drops 38% post-launch despite strong total value locked
The MEGA token of MegaETH experienced a significant price drop of 38% within 72 hours of its launch on major exchanges. This decline follows the token's initial surge to an all-time high, indicating immediate selling pressure from investors. The ongoing total value locked of nearly $600 million suggests potential for recovery and future growth in the cryptocurrency market.
3 sourcesMay 5Low
- Crypto· World
U.S. Senate Advances CLARITY Act for Cryptocurrency Regulation
The U.S. Senate is advancing the CLARITY Act after reaching a compromise on stablecoin yield provisions. This legislative progress is occurring now due to the finalization of these provisions, which has garnered support from the crypto industry despite ongoing concerns. The long-term implication is that this act could reshape the operational landscape for cryptocurrency firms in the U.S., influencing how they engage with consumers and regulators.
3 sourcesMay 5High
- Crypto· World
Brazil bans cryptocurrencies for cross-border payments
Brazil's central bank has enacted a ban on the use of cryptocurrencies, particularly stablecoins, for cross-border payments. This decision comes as part of a broader effort to regulate the crypto market in Brazil, where approximately 90% of crypto transactions involve stablecoins. The long-term implication may lead to a reevaluation of crypto regulations in other countries as they observe Brazil's approach, potentially fragmenting the global crypto market.
3 sourcesMay 5Low
- Crypto· World
Coinbase Advances CLARITY Act as Bitcoin Surges to $80,000
Coinbase has reported progress on a Senate deal that may facilitate the passage of the CLARITY Act, coinciding with Bitcoin reaching a price of $80,000. This surge is driven by increasing investor confidence in the cryptocurrency market amid positive regulatory developments regarding stablecoins. As regulatory clarity improves, institutional adoption of Bitcoin is expected to rise, potentially stabilizing its market value in the long term.
3 sourcesMay 5High
- Crypto· World
Paradigm Bitcoin Proposes PACTs to Safeguard Dormant Bitcoin from Quantum Threats
A new proposal for Provable Address-Control Timestamps (PACTs) was introduced to protect dormant Bitcoin holders from potential quantum computing risks. This initiative is prompted by the increasing advancements in quantum technology that could compromise Bitcoin's cryptographic security. If successful, PACTs could redefine asset management in the cryptocurrency space, ensuring the long-term viability of Bitcoin against future technological challenges.
3 sourcesMay 5Low
- Crypto· World
Bitcoin Surpasses $80,000 Amid Geopolitical Relief and ETF Demand
Bitcoin's price surged above $80,000 for the first time since January, reflecting a significant recovery in the cryptocurrency market. This increase was triggered by easing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and strong institutional demand for Bitcoin exchange-traded funds. The long-term implication suggests that ongoing geopolitical developments will continue to influence Bitcoin's price movements and its role as a hedge against economic uncertainty.
3 sourcesMay 5Moderate
- Business· World
Warren Buffett Endorses Greg Abel as New CEO of Berkshire Hathaway
Warren Buffett publicly endorsed Greg Abel as the new CEO of Berkshire Hathaway during the annual shareholder meeting on May 2, 2026. This endorsement comes after Buffett's retirement in January 2026, amidst a strong financial performance and a significant cash reserve. The long-term implication is a focus on continuity in leadership and capital allocation strategies as the company navigates a cautious market environment.
8 sourcesMay 5Low
- Economy· World
Trump Raises Tariffs on EU Automotive Imports to 25%
Donald Trump has announced a significant increase in tariffs on cars and trucks imported from the European Union, raising the rate to 25%. This decision is part of a broader trade dispute and follows recent geopolitical tensions, including the withdrawal of US troops from Germany. The long-term implication may involve retaliatory measures from the EU and further strain on international trade relations, particularly affecting the automotive sector in Germany.
3 sourcesMay 5Low
- Business· World
Spirit Airlines files for bankruptcy and ceases operations amid soaring fuel prices
Spirit Airlines has shut down operations and filed for bankruptcy on May 2, 2026. The immediate cause is the doubling of jet fuel prices linked to the ongoing war in Iran. This event raises concerns about the financial stability of the airline industry and may lead to increased market share for competitors while prompting a reevaluation of operational strategies among airlines.
4 sourcesMay 5Low
- Business· World
Berkshire Hathaway's Q1 profits more than double driven by investment growth
Berkshire Hathaway reported a more than doubling of its first-quarter profits, attributed to significant growth in investment values and operational improvements. This surge comes as the company approaches a cash reserve of nearly $400 billion, coinciding with the upcoming annual shareholder meeting. The strong financial performance positions Berkshire Hathaway for strategic investments and growth opportunities in the future.
3 sourcesMay 5Low
- Business· UAE
Dubai International Airport processes 6 million passengers amid regional unrest
Dubai International Airport has successfully handled 6 million passengers despite recent regional disruptions. The immediate cause for this achievement is the recent lifting of airspace restrictions in the UAE, which has allowed for increased flight operations. Looking ahead, the airport is poised to enhance its operational capabilities and passenger services, signaling a recovery in the aviation sector as global travel resumes.
4 sourcesMay 4Low
- Economy· MENA
Saudi Arabia launches Non-Oil Revenue Center to diversify economy
The Saudi government has established a Non-Oil Revenue Center to manage and enhance non-oil revenue sources. This initiative is driven by the need for fiscal sustainability and economic balance as the country seeks to reduce its dependence on oil revenues. The long-term implication is a strategic shift towards diversifying revenue streams, which will be critical for Saudi Arabia's economic health and sustainability efforts.
3 sourcesMay 4Low
- Economy· World
Global electric vehicle sales decline in Q1 2026 driven by major market drops
Electric vehicle sales worldwide fell by 1% in Q1 2026 compared to the same period in 2025. This downturn was primarily driven by substantial drops in sales in key markets like China and the United States, despite some gains in Europe. As the market adjusts to these changes, stakeholders will need to focus on innovation and consumer engagement to sustain growth in the electric vehicle sector.
3 sourcesMay 4Low - Crypto· World
Carrot Protocol permanently shuts down after $8 million exploit loss
Carrot Protocol has announced its permanent shutdown following an $8 million loss due to a security breach linked to the Drift Protocol. This incident, which caused Carrot's total value locked to plummet by 93%, highlights the vulnerabilities in decentralized finance platforms. The long-term implication is a likely increase in scrutiny and regulatory measures aimed at enhancing security within the DeFi sector.
3 sourcesMay 4Low - Crypto· MENA
XRP Integrates with Rakuten Wallet Amidst Regulatory Uncertainty
XRP has been integrated into Rakuten Wallet, leading to a surge in positive sentiment and social media discussions. This integration coincides with potential regulatory changes in Japan that could reduce cryptocurrency taxation, enhancing XRP's attractiveness. If these regulatory changes are implemented, XRP may experience increased demand and a breakout above its current price resistance of $1.40.
4 sourcesMay 4Low