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· UAE
Emirates Transport Prepares 10,000 School Buses for 2026-2027 Academic Year
Emirates Transport has confirmed the operational readiness of approximately 10,000 school buses as of August 18, 2026. This initiative follows the completion of safety training for over 10,000 drivers and supervisors, ensuring compliance with safety protocols in collaboration with the Ministry of Education. The long-term implication is a strengthened infrastructure for student transportation across the UAE, enhancing safety and reliability for the upcoming academic year.
4 sourcesAug 20Low
- Economy· UAE
DIEZ Reports Strong H1 2026 Performance with High Occupancy and Growth Metrics
On August 18, 2026, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum announced that Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ) achieved a 96% occupancy rate and significant growth in operating companies and employment in the first half of 2026. This positive performance is attributed to DIEZ's integrated economic model and alignment with Dubai's D33 economic agenda, which focuses on attracting global investment and fostering innovation. The long-term implication suggests continued expansion and digital transformation efforts within Dubai's economic zones, enhancing the emirate's position as a global business hub.
3 sourcesAug 20Low
- Business· UAE
Ajman Reports Dh2.91 Billion in Rental Contracts for H1 2026
Ajman has recorded Dh2.91 billion in rental contracts across 73,472 agreements in the first half of 2026. This surge is attributed to flexible legislation, advanced infrastructure, and smart services that cater to resident and investor needs. The long-term implication suggests Ajman will continue to strengthen its position as a competitive real estate market within the UAE, attracting further investment and migration from neighboring emirates.
3 sourcesAug 20Low
- Economy· UAE
UAE Banking Sector Reports Dh90.8 Billion Net Profits and Dh5.3 Trillion Assets for 2025
UAE banks reported net profits of Dh90.8 billion and total assets of Dh5.3 trillion for the year 2025, as per the Central Bank of the UAE's Financial Stability Report. This significant growth is attributed to increased domestic lending and deposits, reflecting the ongoing economic recovery and diversification efforts in the UAE. The sustained profitability and asset growth indicate a robust banking sector poised for further expansion and stability in the coming years.
4 sourcesAug 20Low
- Economy· MENA
Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund Launches Integrated Economic Ecosystems Model for 2026-2030
On August 17, 2026, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) announced a strategic shift directing investments toward six integrated economic ecosystems. This transition is driven by the need to enhance asset integration and private sector participation as part of the Vision 2030 objectives. The long-term implication is a more interconnected economic framework that aims to maximize returns and foster sustainable growth through 2030.
5 sourcesAug 20Low
- Business· World
DP World Achieves Key Milestone in Port of Tartous Modernization with Crane Delivery
DP World has successfully delivered three Mobile Harbour Cranes to Syria's Port of Tartous, marking a significant milestone in its $800 million investment program. This delivery is part of a broader effort to modernize the port under a 30-year concession, aimed at enhancing Syria's trade infrastructure amid ongoing economic recovery. The long-term implication is an expected 40% increase in cargo-handling capacity, which could facilitate greater regional trade and connectivity in the Eastern Mediterranean.
5 sourcesAug 20Low
- Economy· MENA
Saudi Arabia Reports 329,000 Citizens Employed in H1 2026 with 23% Growth
The Human Resources Development Fund (Hadaf) announced the employment of 329,000 Saudi citizens in the private sector during the first half of 2026, marking a 23% increase from the previous year. This surge is attributed to ongoing labor market initiatives aimed at enhancing Saudization and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises. Long-term, this trend is likely to bolster the effectiveness of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 objectives by further integrating citizens into the workforce and addressing skills gaps.
4 sourcesAug 20Low
- Business· MENA
Groq Secures $350 Million Series A Funding at $3.5 Billion Valuation Amid Nvidia Partnership
Groq has announced a $350 million Series A funding round at a $3.5 billion valuation, marking a significant decrease from its previous valuation of $6.9 billion. This funding follows a strategic pivot towards leveraging Nvidia's technology after a licensing agreement, which has prompted the need for expanded data center capacity. The long-term implication is Groq's positioning as a key player in the AI infrastructure market, potentially reshaping its competitive landscape and operational capabilities.
5 sourcesAug 20Moderate
- Crypto· World
Greenlane Holdings Reports $19.1 Million Non-Cash Loss on BERA Treasury
Greenlane Holdings has reported a $24.8 million net loss for Q2 2026, primarily due to a $19.1 million non-cash fair value adjustment on its BERA token holdings. This financial setback is attributed to the significant decline in the value of BERA, which has dropped nearly 76% year-to-date, impacting the company's overall cash position. The long-term implication suggests potential operational sustainability challenges for Greenlane as it navigates its digital asset treasury strategy amidst ongoing market volatility.
3 sourcesAug 20Low
- Crypto· World
Austria fines Bitpanda €70,000 for MiCA compliance violations
Austria's Financial Market Authority (FMA) has imposed a €70,000 fine on Bitpanda GmbH for failing to comply with the EU's Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation. The penalty was triggered by Bitpanda's late submission of a required white paper and deficiencies in its marketing communications. This enforcement action signals increased regulatory scrutiny and oversight of cryptocurrency firms operating within the EU framework.
4 sourcesAug 20Low
- Crypto· World
Jane Street's Bitcoin ETF Holdings Surpass $1 Billion Amid Market Volatility
On August 17, 2026, Jane Street reported its Bitcoin ETF holdings exceeded $1 billion as of June 30, 2026, following a significant accumulation in Q2. This increase was triggered by the firm's role as an authorized participant in ETF operations, reflecting mechanical adjustments rather than directional investment strategies. The long-term implication suggests a strengthening of institutional infrastructure for Bitcoin ETFs, potentially enhancing liquidity and market stability in the crypto sector.
3 sourcesAug 20Low
- Crypto· World
Harmony Protocol Executes Network Rollback Following Major Token Forgery Incident
Harmony Protocol announced a full network rollback on August 17, 2026, to reverse the effects of a security exploit that occurred on August 12, allowing an attacker to mint 2.385 trillion unauthorized ONE tokens. The immediate trigger for this decision was the significant price crash of the ONE token, which fell over 30% as forged tokens flooded exchanges. This incident raises long-term concerns about blockchain immutability and the potential need for regulatory frameworks to address security vulnerabilities in decentralized systems.
3 sourcesAug 20Low
- Business· World
Strategy Raises $334 Million in MSTR Equity to Repurchase STRC and Increase USD Reserves
Strategy executed a $334 million equity raise through MSTR shares to fund preferred stock repurchases and bolster USD reserves. This move comes as the company seeks to manage its capital structure and liquidity amid changing market conditions. Long-term, this strategy may signal a shift in focus from Bitcoin accumulation to preferred stock management and liquidity enhancement.
3 sourcesAug 20Moderate
- Crypto· World
BitMart Founder Denies Fund Mismanagement Claims Amid Binance bStocks Growth
BitMart founder Sheldon Xia has publicly rejected rumors of fund mismanagement and withdrawal issues following an internal dispute within the exchange. The allegations surfaced as Binance bStocks achieved a significant market milestone, becoming the second-largest tokenized stock issuer. This incident highlights ongoing tensions in the cryptocurrency sector and may lead to increased scrutiny and regulatory actions in the industry.
3 sourcesAug 20Low
- Crypto· World
Compound DAO Launches $52 Million Institutional DeFi Initiative and New Leadership Team
On August 17, 2026, the Compound DAO approved a record $52 million development program aimed at pivoting the DeFi lending protocol towards institutional clients. This strategic shift is driven by the need to regain market share lost to competitors like Aave and to meet the growing demand for compliant onchain lending solutions. The long-term implication is a potential transformation of the DeFi landscape as institutional capital becomes more integrated into decentralized finance frameworks.
3 sourcesAug 20Low
- Crypto· World
Bitmine Immersion Technologies Acquires Nearly 5% of Ethereum Supply
On August 17, 2026, Bitmine Immersion Technologies announced the acquisition of 9,926 Ethereum tokens, raising its total holdings to 5,815,164 ETH. This strategic purchase is part of a systematic accumulation strategy initiated on June 30, 2025, aimed at controlling 5% of Ethereum's circulating supply. The long-term implication is a potential increase in validator concentration risks within Ethereum's proof-of-stake network as Bitmine solidifies its position as the largest single-entity ETH holder.
4 sourcesAug 20Low
- Crypto· World
Dutch prosecutors liquidate $2.55 million in cryptocurrency assets from bankrupt Knaken platform
Dutch prosecutors have completed the liquidation of cryptocurrency assets from the bankrupt Knaken platform, generating $2.55 million for the bankruptcy estate. This liquidation follows the Rotterdam District Court's declaration of bankruptcy on July 16, 2026, amid significant shortfalls for approximately 6,300 affected customers. The long-term implication includes ongoing scrutiny of regulatory compliance in the cryptocurrency sector and potential changes in oversight practices by Dutch authorities.
3 sourcesAug 20Low
- Crypto· World
Bitcoin Stabilizes at $64,600 Amid U.S.-Iran Diplomatic Tensions
Bitcoin maintained a price near $64,600 following U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement that no negotiations with Iran were planned. This statement comes as the U.S.-Iran conflict escalates, with oil prices remaining high and previous diplomatic efforts failing. The ongoing geopolitical instability is likely to influence cryptocurrency markets and energy prices in the long term.
4 sourcesAug 20Low
- Crypto· UAE
Institutional Investors Increase MSTR Holdings by $1.2 Billion in Q2 2026
In Q2 2026, twelve of the top fifteen institutional shareholders increased their positions in MSTR by $1.2 billion. This surge follows a significant $4.6 billion inflow in Q1 2026, reflecting a sustained interest in the company's leveraged Bitcoin treasury strategy. The ongoing accumulation suggests a long-term commitment from major asset managers to Bitcoin exposure through MSTR shares amid a growing digital asset regulatory framework in the UAE.
3 sourcesAug 20Moderate
- Crypto· World
US Treasury Proposes New Regulations for Stablecoin Issuance Under GENIUS Act
On August 17, 2026, the US Department of the Treasury issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to define stablecoin issuance and sales criteria under the GENIUS Act. This regulatory move is prompted by the need to establish compliance standards and safe harbors for both domestic and foreign stablecoin issuers ahead of upcoming prohibitions on unauthorized offerings. The long-term implication is a more structured and secure environment for stablecoin operations in the US, potentially influencing global regulatory practices in the digital asset space.
4 sourcesAug 20Low