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- Business· UAE
UAE Exits OPEC Effective May 1 2026
The United Arab Emirates has formally announced its exit from OPEC, effective May 1, 2026. This decision follows ongoing disputes over production quotas and regional disruptions linked to the Iran war, prompting the UAE to pursue independent oil production strategies. The long-term implication is a potential increase in oil price volatility and oversupply risks as OPEC's influence diminishes in the global market.
22 sourcesMay 3Low
- Business· World
Air Canada Suspends 2026 Financial Guidance Amid Jet Fuel Price Volatility
Air Canada has suspended its full-year financial guidance for 2026 due to volatile jet fuel prices. The immediate cause is the surge in fuel costs linked to the ongoing war in Iran, which has created uncertainty in the market. This situation may force Air Canada to reevaluate its strategies to manage fuel cost fluctuations and maintain profitability in the long term.
3 sourcesMay 3Low - Economy· World
Bank of England Holds Interest Rates Steady Amid Iran War Inflation Risks
The Bank of England has decided to maintain interest rates at 3.75% as of April 30, 2026, in response to rising inflation risks linked to the ongoing Iran war. This decision is driven by the central bank's cautious assessment of the economic impacts of the conflict and fluctuating oil prices. In the long term, the Bank is likely to consider future monetary tightening as the situation in Iran evolves and its economic repercussions unfold.
3 sourcesMay 3Low - Economy· World
U.S. GDP Grows 2.0 Percent Amid Iran War and Rising Oil Prices
The U.S. economy reported a 2.0 percent annualized growth rate for Q1 2026 despite the onset of the Iran war and surging oil prices. This growth is primarily driven by consumer spending and government expenditure, occurring as the conflict escalates and disrupts global oil supply. Long-term, sustained energy price shocks may challenge this economic resilience and lead to increased inflation and recession risks.
6 sourcesMay 3Low
- Economy· World
US inflation measure reaches highest level in nearly three years due to rising energy prices linked to Iran war
A key inflation gauge in the US surged to its highest level in almost three years, driven by soaring gas prices amid the ongoing Iran war. This inflation spike complicates the Federal Reserve's plans for interest rate cuts as it navigates the economic impact of higher energy costs. The situation suggests that the Federal Reserve may face ongoing challenges in implementing monetary policy adjustments in response to persistent inflationary pressures.
3 sourcesMay 3Low - Economy· World
Brent Crude Oil Price Exceeds $125 Amid U.S.-Iran War Escalation Fears
On April 30, 2026, Brent crude oil prices surged past $125 per barrel, reaching an intraday high of $126.41 due to escalating tensions in the U.S.-Iran conflict and stalled negotiations. This price spike was triggered by the ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz and U.S. blockades on Iranian ports, which have severely disrupted oil supply routes. The long-term implication is a potential increase in global oil prices and economic instability as nations grapple with inflation and recession risks stemming from these supply shocks.
7 sourcesMay 3Moderate
- Business· World
Trump Approves Bridger Pipeline Expansion to Transport Canadian Crude Oil
U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an order authorizing the Bridger Pipeline Expansion project aimed at transporting Canadian crude oil to Wyoming. This decision is driven by ongoing efforts to enhance U.S. energy independence amid discussions on energy policies and environmental concerns. The long-term implication may involve significant shifts in North American energy transport and regulatory landscapes as the project seeks further approvals.
4 sourcesMay 3Low
- Business· World
Trump Administration Proposes Federal Bailout for Spirit Airlines as Shutdown Looms
On May 1, 2026, President Donald Trump announced a 'final proposal' for a federal bailout to prevent Spirit Airlines from ceasing operations amid rising jet fuel prices. The immediate trigger for this intervention was the airline's financial distress following its second bankruptcy filing in 2025 and the ongoing Iran war, which has significantly increased fuel costs. The long-term implication is a potential increase in airfares on budget routes due to reduced competition, impacting consumers and the airline industry at large.
9 sourcesMay 3High
- Business· World
Berkshire Hathaway reports record cash reserves and strong earnings under new CEO Greg Abel
Berkshire Hathaway has announced record cash levels and significant operating earnings in the first quarter under CEO Greg Abel. This financial performance comes as Abel addresses shareholders for the first time since succeeding Warren Buffett, highlighting the company's robust financial position. The strong cash reserves may enable Berkshire Hathaway to pursue new investment strategies and opportunities moving forward.
6 sourcesMay 2High
- Business· World
Spirit Airlines Halts Operations Following Second Bankruptcy Amid Rising Fuel Costs
Spirit Airlines has ceased all operations as of May 2, 2026, due to its second bankruptcy filing within a year and severe liquidity issues. The immediate cause of this shutdown is attributed to skyrocketing jet fuel prices exacerbated by the ongoing war with Iran. In the long term, this closure is expected to lead to increased fares on vacated routes as competitors like Frontier Airlines absorb capacity and the airline industry faces further consolidation pressures.
18 sourcesMay 2Very High
- Business· World
Berkshire Hathaway reports record profits and cash reserves in Q1 2026
Berkshire Hathaway's first-quarter profit surged to $11.35 billion, more than doubling from the previous year. This significant financial performance is attributed to strong growth in its investments and business operations, coinciding with Greg Abel's first quarter as CEO. The company's robust cash reserves position it well for future investments and strategic growth opportunities.
4 sourcesMay 2Moderate - Economy· MENA
UAE officially exits OPEC prioritizing sovereign wealth over oil prices
The UAE has announced its departure from OPEC, emphasizing its $1.7 trillion sovereign wealth portfolio as a priority over oil price fluctuations. This decision comes as OPEC+ plans to increase oil output despite the UAE's absence, indicating a shift in the dynamics of oil production. The long-term implication may lead to increased volatility in global oil markets as stakeholders adapt to the UAE's new economic strategy.
6 sourcesMay 2Low
- Business· MENA
Start Smart Investment Forum 2026 connects over 100 startups with investors in Riyadh
The Start Smart Investment Forum 2026 successfully linked entrepreneurs with investors in Riyadh. This event is happening now as part of Saudi Arabia's strategic push to enhance its entrepreneurial ecosystem and promote deep technology sectors. The long-term implication is a potential increase in investment and innovation, significantly impacting the Kingdom's economic landscape.
3 sourcesMay 2Low
- Economy· MENA
Saudi Public Investment Fund unveils new strategy for 2026-2030 to bolster economic diversification
The Saudi Public Investment Fund has announced a new strategic plan for 2026-2030 aimed at enhancing its financial resilience and supporting the country's economic diversification. This initiative is triggered by the PIF's ambition to exceed 10 trillion riyals in assets by 2030, aligning with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goals. Long-term, this strategy is expected to significantly contribute to the growth of Saudi Arabia's non-oil economy and enhance its role as a global investor.
3 sourcesMay 2Low
- Business· UAE
UAE withdraws from OPEC impacting global oil dynamics
The United Arab Emirates has announced its withdrawal from OPEC, a significant shift in the oil production landscape. This decision is driven by the UAE's pursuit of greater energy independence and is seen as a move to stabilize fuel prices. In the long term, this could lead to increased competition in the energy market and influence oil production strategies among other nations.
3 sourcesMay 2Low
- Economy· MENA
Gulf Central Banks Maintain Interest Rates Following US Federal Reserve Decision
Gulf central banks, including those in the UAE, Bahrain, and Qatar, have decided to keep their interest rates unchanged in response to the US Federal Reserve's recent announcement. This coordinated approach reflects a strategy to ensure monetary stability amid global economic fluctuations. In the long term, Gulf banks are likely to continue monitoring US economic indicators to adjust their policies as necessary for regional stability and growth.
3 sourcesMay 2Low
- Business· UAE
UAE launches National Programme to Strengthen Supply Chain Resilience
The UAE has initiated a program to enhance the resilience of its supply chains. This initiative is a response to ongoing global supply chain challenges, aiming to secure essential supplies of food, medical, and industrial goods. The successful implementation of this program could significantly improve the UAE's supply chain stability, ensuring that essential goods remain accessible during global crises.
3 sourcesMay 2Low
- Business· UAE
DIFC reports 62% increase in new company registrations in Q1 2026
The Dubai International Financial Centre attracted 775 new companies in the first quarter of 2026, marking a 62% increase from the previous year. This surge is driven by growing international confidence in Dubai's economic environment and its strategic position as a leading financial hub. The long-term implication is that DIFC is likely to continue its expansion, solidifying its status as a preferred destination for global businesses.
4 sourcesMay 2Low
- Economy· World
Gas prices in Europe rise over 5% amid U.S. sanctions on Iran
Gas prices in the Netherlands and Britain surged by over 5% following reports of the U.S. extending its maritime blockade on Iranian ports. This increase is driven by rising concerns about potential disruptions to supply routes through the Strait of Hormuz. As geopolitical tensions escalate, energy markets in Europe are likely to remain volatile, impacting prices and supply stability in the long term.
3 sourcesMay 2Low
- Business· UAE
Dubai removes minimum property value requirement for investor visas
Dubai has announced the elimination of the minimum property value requirement for solo investor visas and updated residency rules for property investors. This policy shift is aimed at attracting more international buyers and stimulating demand in the real estate market at this critical moment. The long-term implication is a potential surge in property transactions and foreign investment, revitalizing Dubai's real estate sector and contributing to broader economic growth.
4 sourcesMay 2Moderate