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
8405 stories- Economy· MENA
Foreign ownership in Saudi stock market rises by 2.74 billion dollars in one week
Foreign ownership in the Saudi stock market increased by 2.74 billion dollars during the week ending August 6, 2026. This surge is driven by a notable rise in institutional investments, reflecting growing investor confidence in the market. The long-term implication suggests that the Saudi stock market is poised for continued growth, attracting further foreign capital in the future.
3 sourcesAug 13
- Economy· MENA
Saudi Arabia's Industrial Production Index declines 16.3% year-on-year in June 2026
Saudi Arabia's Industrial Production Index (IPI) fell by 16.3% in June 2026 compared to the same month in the previous year. This decline is primarily attributed to significant drops in mining and manufacturing activities. The month-on-month increase of 4.3% suggests a potential recovery in the industrial sector, contingent on addressing the underlying challenges.
3 sourcesAug 13
- Economy· MENA
Saudi Arabia's HRDF Expands Health Sector Certifications to 417
The Human Resources Development Fund in Saudi Arabia has announced the addition of 12 new professional health certificates, bringing the total to 417. This initiative is a response to the evolving demands of the labor market in the health sector. The long-term implication is expected to enhance job opportunities and competitiveness for Saudi health professionals, ultimately improving healthcare quality in the country.
3 sourcesAug 13
- Business· UAE
Emirates NBD partners with Dubai Future District Fund to boost FinTech and AI innovation
Emirates NBD and the Dubai Future District Fund have announced a strategic partnership aimed at accelerating the development of FinTech and AI solutions in banking. This collaboration is driven by Dubai's ambition to enhance its status as a global hub for digital finance and improve customer experiences in the banking sector. In the long term, this initiative is expected to foster growth opportunities for startups and set a precedent for future collaborations between traditional banks and technology innovators.
3 sourcesAug 13
- Business· UAE
Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange attracts 30,000 new investors in H1 2026
The Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange has attracted 30,000 new investors and reached a market capitalization of AED 2.8 trillion in the first half of 2026. This surge is primarily driven by international investors, who accounted for nearly half of the trading value. The continued influx of investors suggests a robust outlook for the Abu Dhabi financial markets, enhancing its position in the global financial landscape.
3 sourcesAug 13
- Business· UAE
Dubai RTA completes Sheikh Zayed Road widening project to enhance traffic flow
The Roads and Transport Authority in Dubai has finalized a 2-kilometre widening of Sheikh Zayed Road, increasing traffic capacity by 17% and reducing peak journey times by up to 10%. This project is part of ongoing efforts to improve road infrastructure in response to rising traffic volumes in the emirate. Long-term, these enhancements are expected to significantly improve connectivity and support economic development in Dubai.
3 sourcesAug 13
- Economy· UAE
Gold prices in Dubai reach two-month high amid seasonal demand
Gold prices in Dubai have surged to a two-month high, with 24K gold increasing significantly over the past week. This spike is driven by the upcoming wedding season and festivals, which are expected to boost consumer purchases of gold jewelry. As demand rises, the gold market in the UAE may see further price stabilization or increases in the near future.
4 sourcesAug 13
- Economy· World
Brent crude oil prices exceed $90 per barrel amid U.S.-Iran tensions
Brent crude oil prices have risen above $90 per barrel, marking a significant increase in the last 48 hours. This surge is driven by diminishing hopes for a diplomatic agreement between the U.S. and Iran, which has heightened market volatility. As geopolitical tensions persist, oil prices are likely to remain unstable, potentially leading to further increases if negotiations do not progress.
5 sourcesAug 13
- Economy· World
Oil prices surge amid uncertainty over Strait of Hormuz reopening
Oil prices have risen sharply due to ongoing uncertainty regarding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. This situation has been triggered by Iran's recent agreement with Oman to establish new maritime routes, raising concerns about maritime security. Long-term implications may include continued volatility in global oil prices and potential shifts in shipping routes affecting international trade.
3 sourcesAug 13
- Economy· MENA
Oil prices rise amid Middle East supply concerns and geopolitical tensions
Oil prices have increased due to ongoing supply disruptions in the Middle East, with Brent crude reaching $90.01 per barrel and West Texas Intermediate at $83.91. This surge is triggered by geopolitical tensions and uncertainty surrounding Iran's conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, despite a significant rise in U.S. crude inventories. Long-term, continued volatility in oil prices is expected as traders monitor developments in the region and U.S. inventory reports closely.
3 sourcesAug 13
- Economy· UAE
Riyadh Launches Second Edition of Real Estate Balance Program to Address Housing Shortages
Riyadh has opened applications for the second year of the Real Estate Balance Program, which aims to provide up to 40,000 residential plots annually. This initiative is triggered by ongoing housing market challenges and is part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's broader strategy to enhance homeownership among citizens. Long-term, the program is expected to stabilize the housing market and improve access to affordable housing in Riyadh.
4 sourcesAug 13
- Business· World
YouTube announces stricter monetization requirements for creators starting in 2027
YouTube has revealed new monetization criteria that will require creators to achieve either 8,000 watch hours or 20 million Shorts views by February 1, 2027. This change is driven by the platform's goal to enhance content quality and ensure that only highly engaged creators can earn ad revenue. In the long term, this may lead to a more competitive environment on YouTube, reshaping content strategies among creators and impacting the overall ecosystem.
5 sourcesAug 13
- Business· World
OpenAI completes $7 billion stock buyback ahead of potential IPO
OpenAI has executed a $7 billion stock buyback, enabling current and former employees to liquidate their shares. This strategic move is designed to provide liquidity for employees in anticipation of a possible IPO. The successful buyback is likely to enhance employee satisfaction and attract further investment as the company approaches public offering.
4 sourcesAug 13
- Crypto· UAE
Bybit sues North Korea over $1.5 billion cryptocurrency theft
Bybit has filed a civil lawsuit against North Korea and the Lazarus Group in a US federal court following a $1.5 billion hack that occurred in February 2025. The lawsuit is triggered by the unprecedented scale of the theft and aims to recover stolen assets, with a US court already freezing some of these assets. This case could set a significant legal precedent for how international cryptocurrency theft cases are handled in the future.
3 sourcesAug 13
- Crypto· World
MARA Holdings liquidates 23,093 Bitcoin for $1.6 billion in strategic shift
MARA Holdings has sold 23,093 Bitcoin for approximately $1.6 billion, marking a significant change from its previous strategy of accumulating Bitcoin. This decision is driven by the company's need to generate cash for operations and investments amid a 23% revenue decline. The long-term implication may lead to a shift in treasury management strategies among cryptocurrency miners as they respond to MARA's actions.
3 sourcesAug 13
- Crypto· World
Coinsbuy offers $100,000 reward following $7.9 million security breach
Coinsbuy has reported a significant security breach resulting in unauthorized withdrawals exceeding $7.9 million from its wallets. The breach was triggered by a coordinated attack across Ethereum and TRON blockchains, with investigations ongoing to identify the perpetrators. This incident highlights the vulnerabilities in cryptocurrency exchanges and may lead to increased regulatory scrutiny and enhanced security measures in the industry.
3 sourcesAug 13
- Business· World
Lambda Inc. secures $917 million leveraged loan from Nvidia for GPU acquisition
Lambda Inc. is selling a $917 million leveraged loan to finance the purchase of GPUs as part of a contract with Nvidia. This move is driven by the ongoing AI boom, which is increasing corporate debt financing in the tech sector. The long-term implication may involve heightened scrutiny from investors and regulators regarding the sustainability of such financial practices in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.
3 sourcesAug 13
- Crypto· World
Harry Yeh's death raises concerns over Fantom ecosystem stability
Harry Yeh, a key figure in the cryptocurrency sector, died after falling from the 30th floor of a building in Paraguay. His death is currently under investigation, with police looking into the circumstances surrounding the fall, including potential foul play. The incident is likely to impact investor confidence and the future of projects associated with Yeh, particularly within the Fantom ecosystem.
3 sourcesAug 13
- Economy· World
UK FCA Develops Regulatory Framework for Tokenized Gold to Strengthen Bullion Market Position
The UK's Financial Conduct Authority is advancing regulations for tokenized gold to enhance the efficiency of the bullion market. This initiative is prompted by increasing competition from China, necessitating a proactive regulatory approach. The long-term implication is a potential reshaping of global bullion trading dynamics and London's sustained dominance in the sector.
6 sourcesAug 13
- Crypto· World
BTCPay Server offers 10% recovery bounty for stolen Bitcoin following wallet exploit
BTCPay Server has announced a recovery bounty of 10% for any funds retrieved from a recent exploit of its Lightning wallet. This initiative is a direct response to the security breach, emphasizing the project's commitment to enhancing security measures. In the long term, this move may set a precedent for improved security protocols across decentralized finance platforms.
3 sourcesAug 13