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
Dubai RTA Completes Major Upgrade of Al Marabea’ Street to Enhance Traffic Flow
Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority has completed significant upgrades to a 1.1-kilometre stretch of Al Marabea’ Street, increasing road capacity by 30 percent and reducing peak-hour travel times by the same margin. This project is a response to the growing vehicular demand due to Dubai's rapid urban expansion and aims to alleviate congestion on a key arterial route. Long-term, these enhancements are expected to improve overall traffic efficiency and support ongoing urban development in the emirate.
3 sourcesAug 19Low
- Business· MENA
Saudi Arabia mandates airlines to verify passenger travel documents before boarding
Saudi Arabia's General Authority of Civil Aviation has issued a directive requiring all airlines operating at its airports to verify passengers' travel documents. This measure is being implemented to ensure compliance with evolving international travel requirements and to prevent travel disruptions. Long-term, this could lead to stricter travel regulations and enhanced security protocols in the region's aviation sector.
3 sourcesAug 19Low
- Economy· World
Oil Prices Rise Amid Stalled US-Iran Ceasefire Negotiations and Strait of Hormuz Threats
On August 18, 2026, global oil prices increased over 1% as the prospects for a US-Iran ceasefire diminished, raising concerns about the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. This surge is driven by stalled negotiations and Iranian demands for US compliance, coupled with President Trump's confirmation of the blockade's continuation. If these supply disruptions persist, analysts predict sustained price support for oil through late 2026 and into 2027.
3 sourcesAug 19Moderate
- Business· World
Amazon Reinstates Binding Arbitration and Class-Action Waiver for U.S. Customers
Amazon has updated its Conditions of Use to mandate binding arbitration and prohibit class-action lawsuits for U.S. customers, effective August 14, 2026. This policy change follows a $2.5 billion settlement in a class-action case and aims to streamline dispute resolution while limiting collective litigation exposure. The long-term implication may lead to a decrease in collective claims against Amazon, although it does not exempt the company from regulatory scrutiny.
3 sourcesAug 19Moderate
- Business· World
Alphabet Launches First Australian Dollar Bond Sale to Fund AI Investments
On August 17, 2026, Alphabet Inc. mandated investment banks for its inaugural Australian dollar bond offering, aiming to raise A$5 billion. This strategic move is driven by strong investor demand for tech sector debt and Alphabet's need to finance its expansive AI infrastructure projects. The long-term implication is a potential increase in tech sector entries into the Australian dollar bond market as companies seek to diversify funding sources amid robust global demand for corporate bonds.
3 sourcesAug 19Low
- Crypto· World
SafePal Reports Data Breach Affecting Nearly 40000 Customers Due to Third-Party Plug-in Vulnerability
SafePal disclosed a data breach on August 16, 2026, revealing that personal and order information of approximately 39,798 customers was exposed. The breach was triggered by an authorization flaw in a third-party order-tracking plug-in used by the crypto hardware wallet provider. This incident highlights ongoing vulnerabilities in third-party systems within the cryptocurrency sector, prompting increased scrutiny and potential regulatory responses in the future.
5 sourcesAug 19Low
- Crypto· World
Ethereum Developers Evaluate 66 Proposals for Hegotá Upgrade Focused on Privacy Enhancements
Ethereum core developers have initiated the scoping process for the Hegotá upgrade, assessing 66 Ethereum Improvement Proposals aimed at enhancing privacy features within the protocol. This move is driven by increasing demands for on-chain privacy and censorship resistance, particularly following regulatory scrutiny and the recent Glamsterdam upgrade. The long-term implication is a potential shift in Ethereum's architecture towards more robust privacy solutions, which could redefine user interactions and compliance within the blockchain ecosystem.
4 sourcesAug 19Moderate
- Crypto· MENA
Bits of Gold Data Breach Affects 200,000 Israeli Customers Through Third-Party Provider
Bits of Gold, Israel's largest regulated cryptocurrency broker, reported a data breach that compromised the personal information of approximately 200,000 customers. The breach was triggered by unauthorized access to a third-party data analytics provider used for customer data processing. This incident raises concerns about third-party vendor risks in the cryptocurrency sector and may lead to increased regulatory scrutiny and enhanced security measures across the industry.
4 sourcesAug 19Low
- Crypto· World
XRP Ledger Sees 280% Increase in Whale Transactions Over $1 Million
On August 18, 2026, the XRP Ledger recorded a 280% surge in transactions exceeding $1 million, with over 38 such transfers in a single day. This spike in whale activity follows a prior accumulation of over 380 million XRP by large holders earlier in August, indicating increased engagement among major stakeholders. The long-term implications suggest potential shifts in market dynamics as the intent behind these transactions remains unclear, possibly affecting future trading strategies and regulatory scrutiny.
3 sourcesAug 19Moderate
- Crypto· World
MoonPay Partners with Cash App for Direct Cryptocurrency Purchases in the US
MoonPay has integrated Cash App Pay as a payment method for cryptocurrency purchases, allowing eligible US customers to fund crypto acquisitions directly from their Cash App balances. This partnership is driven by the need to streamline fiat-to-crypto access for millions of users already utilizing Cash App, enhancing customer choice beyond Bitcoin. The long-term implication is MoonPay's continued expansion into institutional services and the potential for increased adoption of cryptocurrencies among mainstream users in the US market.
3 sourcesAug 19Moderate
- Crypto· World
Bitcoin Surges to $65,000 Triggering $56 Million in Short Liquidations
Bitcoin briefly reached $65,000 on August 18, 2026, amid a short squeeze that liquidated $56 million in bearish positions. This surge was driven by leveraged trading dynamics and increased conviction buying at lower price levels, occurring against a backdrop of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The long-term implication may involve increased volatility in cryptocurrency markets as traders adjust to shifting market sentiments and external pressures.
3 sourcesAug 19Moderate
- Business· World
India Increases LPG Production in Response to Strait of Hormuz Disruptions
On August 13, 2026, the Indian government directed refineries to maximize domestic liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) output due to ongoing conflicts affecting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. This directive comes as India seeks to enhance energy security amid rising tensions and disruptions in its primary supply route for LPG imports. The long-term implication is a strategic shift towards increased domestic production and diversification of supply sources to mitigate future risks.
3 sourcesAug 19Low
- Business· World
Nvidia Cuts OpenAI Data Center Financing Guarantee to $105 Billion
Nvidia has reduced its financing guarantee for OpenAI's data center project in Pike County, Ohio, from $250 billion to $105 billion. This significant cut comes amid growing investor concerns about the sustainability of AI infrastructure spending and potential circular financing models. The long-term implication may involve a reevaluation of capital expenditures in the AI sector and a shift in funding strategies for large-scale projects.
3 sourcesAug 19Moderate
- Business· World
OpenAI Reports Disappointing Q2 2026 Financial Results Amidst Rising Competition
OpenAI Group PBC has reported an 18% increase in revenue to $6.7 billion for Q2 2026, but its operating losses have widened to $12.3 billion, trailing behind competitor Anthropic PBC. This financial disclosure comes as OpenAI faces challenges such as stalled growth in ChatGPT, executive turnover, and high infrastructure costs, all of which are exacerbated by intensified competition in the AI sector. The long-term implication suggests that OpenAI's upcoming IPO may be jeopardized unless it can significantly improve its revenue scaling and profitability metrics.
4 sourcesAug 19Moderate
- Economy· MENA
Oil Prices Increase Amid Tensions Over Strait of Hormuz Access
Oil prices rose on August 19, 2026, as conflicting claims emerged regarding the status of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil transit route. The immediate trigger for this price movement was U.S. President Donald Trump's assertion that the strait remained open, countered by Iranian officials claiming it was closed following a ceasefire expiration. Long-term implications may include sustained volatility in oil markets and potential shifts in global supply chains as alternative export routes are explored amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
3 sourcesAug 19Moderate
- Business· World
Jamie Dimon Warns UK Chancellor Against Bank Tax Increases
Jamie Dimon, CEO of JPMorgan Chase, issued a warning to UK Chancellor John Healey regarding potential increases in bank taxes that could lead to capital flight and job losses in London's financial sector. This warning comes as the new government of Prime Minister Andy Burnham faces fiscal pressures ahead of the October budget. The long-term implication may include a reconsideration of tax policies that could impact London's status as a global financial hub and JPMorgan's investment plans in the UK.
5 sourcesAug 19Low
- Economy· World
Oil Prices Exceed $91 per Barrel Amid Trump's Doubts on Iran Ceasefire Deal
On August 17, 2026, Brent crude oil prices surged past $91 per barrel following President Donald Trump's skepticism about a new ceasefire agreement with Iran. This market reaction was triggered by Trump's remarks from the Oval Office, which raised concerns about Iran's commitment to the terms he proposed. The long-term implication is likely continued volatility in oil prices and heightened geopolitical tensions in the Persian Gulf region as the ceasefire remains uncertain.
10 sourcesAug 19Moderate
- Economy· UAE
UAE Expands Global Trade Network with 38 Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements
The UAE has reached 38 Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements to boost its global trade network. This expansion is driven by the UAE's strategic initiative to diversify its trade partnerships and enhance non-oil exports. The long-term implication is a strengthened position for the UAE as a global trade hub, increasing its economic resilience and competitiveness in various sectors.
3 sourcesAug 18
- Business· UAE
Dubai airports enhance operations for holiday travel surge
Dubai airports are implementing significant operational enhancements to prepare for an influx of holiday travelers. This initiative is triggered by the anticipated increase in passenger volume following the summer season, prompting the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs to streamline travel procedures. Long-term, these improvements aim to reinforce Dubai's reputation as a leading global travel hub, ensuring a seamless experience for visitors.
3 sourcesAug 18
- Business· World
SpaceX acquires AI coding startup Cursor for $60 billion
SpaceX has completed its acquisition of Cursor, an AI coding startup, valued at $60 billion. This strategic move is aimed at enhancing SpaceX's capabilities in AI tools for software development. The long-term implication is that this acquisition may lead to innovative advancements in AI-driven software solutions within the aerospace industry.
3 sourcesAug 18