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 Arabia reports 2.8% GDP growth in Q1 2026 driven by non-oil sector
Saudi Arabia's economy achieved a 2.8% year-on-year growth in GDP during the first quarter of 2026, primarily fueled by the non-oil sector. This growth comes despite a 1.5% quarterly decline in real GDP, largely due to a significant contraction in oil activities. The ongoing expansion of the non-oil sector suggests a potential shift towards a more diversified economy, although reliance on oil remains a critical concern for future stability.
3 sourcesMay 2Low
- Business· UAE
UAE launches digital bank account service for tourists
The Central Bank of the UAE has introduced a new service allowing tourists to open digital bank accounts upon arrival. This initiative is part of the UAE's broader digital transformation efforts aimed at enhancing financial inclusion and promoting cashless transactions. In the long term, this move is expected to strengthen the UAE's position as a leading financial hub and improve the overall tourism experience.
3 sourcesMay 2Low
- Business· UAE
UAE launches AI-driven hiring initiative to enhance labor market productivity
The UAE has initiated a new AI-powered project aimed at improving labor market efficiency and attracting skilled professionals. This development is driven by the country's strategy to implement advanced AI models in government operations at this specific moment. Long-term, this initiative is expected to position the UAE as a competitive global destination for skilled labor and reshape workforce dynamics in the region.
3 sourcesMay 2Low
- Economy· MENA
GCC Trade Cooperation Committee Holds 70th Meeting to Enhance Regional Trade Relations
The 70th meeting of the GCC Trade Cooperation Committee was held to discuss trade agreements and commercial law implementation. This meeting was triggered by the need to address challenges in intra-regional trade and to promote economic integration among member states. The long-term implication is that the GCC will likely continue to strengthen its trade framework and expand international partnerships.
3 sourcesMay 2Low
- Business· UAE
Emirates SkyCargo Launches Weekly Freighter Service to Toronto
Emirates SkyCargo has initiated a new weekly freighter service to Toronto Pearson Airport, enhancing air cargo connectivity between Canada and the UAE. This move is driven by a 24% year-on-year increase in exports from Canada to the UAE, necessitating additional cargo capacity. The long-term implication is a strengthened economic relationship between the two countries, potentially leading to further expansions in air cargo services.
3 sourcesMay 2Low
- Economy· MENA
Saudi Export-Import Bank signs reinsurance agreement with U.S. counterpart
The Saudi Export-Import Bank has finalized a reinsurance agreement with the U.S. Export-Import Bank. This agreement is aimed at enhancing trade relations and supporting local businesses in Saudi Arabia to acquire U.S. capital goods. The long-term implication is a potential increase in bilateral trade and investment opportunities between the two nations.
3 sourcesMay 2Low
- Economy· World
Gold prices decline amid rising oil prices and inflation concerns
Gold prices are experiencing a decline due to rising oil prices and inflation fears. This shift is occurring as market participants react to the implications of increased oil costs on overall economic stability. In the long term, continued inflation concerns may lead to increased volatility in the gold market and influence investment strategies.
3 sourcesMay 2Low
- Economy· World
Oil prices surge amid stalled US-Iran negotiations and heightened tensions in the Strait of Hormuz
Oil prices have increased by over a dollar due to the deadlock in U.S.-Iran negotiations. The ongoing geopolitical tensions, particularly Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and U.S. Navy actions, are driving this situation. Long-term implications include continued volatility in oil prices and potential disruptions in global supply chains as negotiations remain unresolved.
3 sourcesMay 2Very High
- Economy· World
Gold prices decline as rising oil prices heighten inflation concerns
Gold prices have dropped to $4614.98 per ounce, reflecting a 2% weekly loss. This decline is triggered by escalating oil prices, which are intensifying inflation worries and leading to expectations of sustained high interest rates. In the long term, continued inflation concerns may further pressure gold prices, influencing investment strategies in the precious metals market.
3 sourcesMay 2Low
- Economy· UAE
Dubai Financial Market experiences surge in investor accounts and trading volume
In the first four months of 2026, the Dubai Financial Market added 32,170 new investor accounts and saw a trading surge of Dh61 billion. This growth is driven by an influx of foreign investors and the registration of 775 new firms in Dubai's finance hub. The long-term implication suggests that the DFM is positioned for continued growth, potentially enhancing its status as a leading financial center in the region.
3 sourcesMay 2Low
- Business· World
Uber expands app to include hotel bookings through Expedia partnership
Uber has added hotel booking capabilities to its app, marking its first venture into the travel sector. This initiative is part of Uber's strategy to evolve into a 'super app' that offers multiple services beyond ride-hailing. The long-term implication could see Uber reshaping the competitive landscape of both the ride-hailing and travel industries as it integrates more services to enhance user engagement.
4 sourcesMay 2Low
- Business· World
Founders Fund raises record $6 billion for late-stage investments
Founders Fund has closed a $6 billion growth fund, marking its largest fundraising effort to date. This significant capital influx is driven by strong investor confidence, particularly from limited partners including sovereign wealth funds. The fund positions Founders Fund to capitalize on growth opportunities in established companies, potentially influencing the technology and investment sectors.
3 sourcesMay 2Moderate
- Business· World
Roblox reports significant decline in daily active users and stock price following earnings miss
Roblox has reported a drop in daily active users to 132 million, leading to a significant decline in its stock price after missing earnings expectations. This decline is attributed to the implementation of new age-verification and child-safety features that have hindered user growth. In the long term, Roblox may need to balance safety measures with user engagement strategies to stabilize its performance and regain investor confidence.
3 sourcesMay 2High
- Economy· World
Czech National Bank considers Bitcoin for reserve strategy
The Czech National Bank is exploring a 1% allocation of Bitcoin in its reserves following tests indicating potential for enhanced returns. This consideration is prompted by early findings that suggest Bitcoin could improve portfolio efficiency without significantly increasing risk. The long-term implication may lead to a shift in how central banks in the EU approach cryptocurrency as a viable asset class.
3 sourcesMay 2Low
- Crypto· World
Sam Bankman-Fried's retrial request denied by federal judge
A federal judge has rejected Sam Bankman-Fried's request for a new trial following his fraud conviction. The denial was based on the absence of new evidence and criticism of Bankman-Fried's legal strategy as an attempt to manipulate public perception. This ruling suggests ongoing legal challenges for Bankman-Fried and may influence future regulatory responses in the cryptocurrency industry.
3 sourcesMay 2Low
- Crypto· World
Hong Kong regulators warn of counterfeit stablecoins linked to HSBC and Anchorpoint
Hong Kong's financial regulators have issued warnings about counterfeit stablecoins falsely claiming association with licensed issuers HSBC and Anchorpoint. This alert comes as the region prepares for the launch of its first regulated stablecoins, highlighting the risks posed by fraudulent tokens. The situation underscores the need for increased regulatory vigilance as the cryptocurrency market evolves in Hong Kong.
4 sourcesMay 2Low
- Crypto· World
Bitcoin price drops to $75,000 amid Federal Reserve interest rate decision
Bitcoin's price fell to approximately $75,000 after the Federal Reserve announced it would hold interest rates steady. This decision comes amidst ongoing concerns over inflation and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The long-term outlook suggests that Bitcoin's stability will depend heavily on future Fed monetary policy and developments in geopolitical dynamics.
5 sourcesMay 2Low
- Crypto· World
Canada proposes nationwide ban on cryptocurrency ATMs to combat fraud
Canada announced plans to ban cryptocurrency ATMs due to concerns over their role in fraud and money laundering. This regulatory action is triggered by rising reports of scams linked to these machines, prompting the government to enhance oversight in the crypto sector. The long-term implication may lead to a significant reshaping of cryptocurrency transactions and regulations in Canada, potentially influencing global trends in crypto governance.
5 sourcesMay 2Low
- Crypto· World
Senator Tillis Advances CLARITY Act to Regulate Cryptocurrencies and Stablecoins
U.S. Senator Thom Tillis is advocating for a Senate Banking markup of the long-stalled CLARITY Act, which aims to establish regulatory frameworks for cryptocurrencies and stablecoins. This push comes as ongoing negotiations over stablecoin yield regulations have delayed the bill's progress. If passed, the act could significantly reshape the regulatory landscape for cryptocurrencies in the U.S., fostering innovation and clearer guidelines for developers and issuers.
4 sourcesMay 2Moderate
- Crypto· World
Mezo launches Mezo Prime to enable yield generation for corporate bitcoin holdings
Mezo has introduced Mezo Prime, an institutional-grade product designed to help corporate treasuries earn yield on their bitcoin assets. This launch is driven by the significant amount of idle bitcoin currently held in custody, which presents a lucrative opportunity for yield generation. In the long term, this initiative could reshape how institutions manage their digital assets and increase participation in the cryptocurrency market.
3 sourcesMay 2Low