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
4326 stories- Economy· MENA
Saudi Real Estate Refinance Company secures 3 billion Riyal mortgage portfolio from Al Rajhi Bank
The Saudi Real Estate Refinance Company has signed a 3 billion Riyal agreement with Al Rajhi Bank to acquire a residential mortgage portfolio. This transaction is aimed at enhancing liquidity in the housing finance market and providing flexible financing solutions for Saudi families. The long-term implication is a potential increase in home ownership rates and a more robust housing finance environment in Saudi Arabia.
3 sourcesApr 30Low
- Business· UAE
DEWA Sets World Record for Lowest Electricity Customer Minutes Lost
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority has achieved a record low of 0.82 minutes of annual power disruption. This milestone is attributed to DEWA's significant investments in smart grid technologies totaling AED 7 billion, enhancing service reliability. The long-term implication is that this advancement positions Dubai as a leader in energy efficiency, supporting its urban and economic development goals.
3 sourcesApr 30Low
- Economy· UAE
Dubai Islamic Bank and Aldar Properties Report Strong Q1 2026 Financial Results
Dubai Islamic Bank and Aldar Properties announced significant profit increases for the first quarter of 2026, with DIB reporting a pre-tax profit of Dh2.1 billion and Aldar achieving a net profit of Dh2.3 billion. This positive financial performance is attributed to robust growth in the UAE's financial sector amidst a competitive market. The results indicate a continued upward trajectory for the UAE's economy, suggesting potential for further investment opportunities in the region.
3 sourcesApr 30Low
- Business· MENA
STC Group reports 12% net profit increase in Q1 2026 driven by revenue growth and infrastructure investments
STC Group announced a 12% increase in net profit for Q1 2026, reflecting strong operational performance with revenues rising to nearly $5.3 billion. This growth is attributed to the company's strategic initiatives, particularly the Silklink project aimed at enhancing digital infrastructure in Syria. Long-term, STC's investments position it to capitalize on growth opportunities in the telecommunications sector, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030.
4 sourcesApr 30Low
- Economy· World
Gold prices decline to three-week low amid rising oil prices and inflation concerns
Gold prices have fallen to $4,614.71 per ounce, marking a significant drop linked to rising oil prices and inflation fears. This decline is triggered by stalled U.S.–Iran negotiations and expectations of tighter monetary policy from central banks. In the long term, ongoing geopolitical tensions and economic indicators are likely to keep gold prices volatile as market participants react to central bank decisions and oil market dynamics.
5 sourcesApr 30Low
- Business· MENA
Saudi Arabia to Host 24th ERRA Conference in 2027
Saudi Arabia has been selected to host the 24th annual conference of the Energy Regulators Regional Association in Riyadh from February 1 to 3, 2027. This decision was announced during the 23rd ERRA conference in Slovakia and aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goals to enhance its global conference hosting capabilities. The event is expected to strengthen Saudi Arabia's leadership in the global electricity sector and promote innovative regulatory practices.
3 sourcesApr 30Low
- Economy· MENA
Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 Enters Final Phase Focused on Economic Diversification
Saudi Arabia has officially launched the third phase of its Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to accelerate the implementation of national programs and enhance economic growth. This shift is driven by the Kingdom's commitment to increasing private sector participation and diversifying its economy beyond oil dependency. The long-term implication is a strengthened economic foundation that could lead to sustained growth and improved quality of life for citizens beyond 2030.
3 sourcesApr 30Low
- Economy· MENA
Saudi stock market index rises to 11,238 points amid positive investor sentiment
The Saudi stock market index increased by 58.12 points to reach 11,238.07 points. This surge is driven by robust trading activity, with a trading volume of approximately 5.8 billion Riyals and positive performance from key companies. The long-term implication suggests that investor confidence may continue to strengthen, prompting further market engagement and monitoring of upcoming economic indicators.
3 sourcesApr 30Low
- Business· MENA
Start Smart Investment Forum 2026 in Riyadh connects over 100 startups with investors
The Start Smart Investment Forum 2026 was held in Riyadh, successfully linking 107 startups with more than 100 investors to promote deep-tech innovation. This event was triggered by Saudi Arabia's ongoing efforts to enhance its innovation ecosystem and align with its vision for a knowledge-based economy. The long-term implication is a potential boost in investment and economic growth through increased collaboration in the startup sector.
3 sourcesApr 30Low
- Economy· MENA
Brent Crude Oil Futures Surpass 120 USD per Barrel Amid Middle East Tensions
Brent crude oil futures exceeded 120 USD per barrel on April 29, 2026, marking the highest price since June 2022. This surge is driven by escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, including the U.S. rejection of an Iranian proposal regarding the Strait of Hormuz and the UAE's impending exit from OPEC. The long-term implication suggests potential further price increases and market volatility if supply disruptions continue in the region.
8 sourcesApr 30High
- Business· UAE
UAE Withdraws from OPEC with Support from Trump
The UAE has announced its withdrawal from OPEC, a significant shift in its energy policy. This decision has been endorsed by President Trump, who believes it will help stabilize energy prices and potentially lower fuel costs. The long-term implication may lead to increased competition in the energy sector and influence future oil pricing strategies globally.
3 sourcesApr 30Very High
- Economy· MENA
Gulf Central Banks Maintain Interest Rates Following US Federal Reserve Decision
Gulf central banks, including those in Bahrain, the UAE, and Qatar, have decided to keep their interest rates unchanged in response to the US Federal Reserve's recent decision. This coordinated action aims to ensure financial stability amid ongoing global market developments. In the long term, Gulf central banks are likely to continue aligning their monetary policies with the US to balance economic growth and stability.
4 sourcesApr 30Low
- Economy· World
Gold investment declines amid Iran conflict and U.S. negotiations
Gold investment has significantly decreased in the first quarter of the year due to the ongoing conflict in Iran. Investors are liquidating their gold holdings as they react to geopolitical instability and await developments in U.S.-Iran negotiations. This trend is likely to continue, with the gold market remaining sensitive to future geopolitical developments and potential price volatility.
3 sourcesApr 30Low
- Economy· UAE
Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia launches over 2 billion Riyals in development projects
The Eastern Province has inaugurated several municipal and housing projects valued at over 2 billion Riyals. This significant investment is part of ongoing efforts to enhance urban development and infrastructure in the region. The initiative is expected to improve living conditions and stimulate economic growth in the Eastern Province over the long term.
4 sourcesApr 30Low
- Business· UAE
UAE launches National Programme to enhance supply chain resilience
The UAE has introduced a new program to strengthen supply chain resilience. This initiative is a response to ongoing global supply chain challenges, aiming to diversify import sources and support local manufacturing. The long-term implication is an increased self-sufficiency in critical goods for the UAE, bolstering its ability to manage future disruptions.
4 sourcesApr 30Low
- Business· World
Uber expands app to include hotel bookings through Expedia partnership
Uber has added hotel booking capabilities to its app, marking its first entry into the travel sector. This strategic move is part of Uber's broader goal to evolve into a 'super app' offering multiple services, enhancing user convenience. The long-term implication could lead to increased competition in the travel industry as other tech companies may pursue similar integrations and partnerships.
4 sourcesApr 30Moderate
- Crypto· MENA
K Bank and Ripple Launch Blockchain Remittance Partnership in South Korea
K Bank has announced a strategic partnership with Ripple to test blockchain technology for overseas remittances. This collaboration is triggered by South Korea's regulatory advancements in digital assets and aims to enhance the efficiency of cross-border transactions. The long-term implication is the potential establishment of faster and lower-cost remittance corridors between South Korea and the UAE, benefiting the Korean expatriate community and businesses in Dubai.
6 sourcesApr 30Low
- Crypto· World
Bitcoin volatility spikes amid US-Iran deal discussions
Bitcoin reached a 12-week high of $79,488 before a sharp decline due to market volatility linked to ongoing US-Iran negotiations. The immediate trigger for this fluctuation was investor reactions to the potential geopolitical deal, resulting in approximately $275 million in liquidations. Long-term, the evolving geopolitical landscape may continue to significantly impact Bitcoin's price stability and investor confidence in the cryptocurrency market.
3 sourcesApr 30Low
- Crypto· World
SEC Chair Paul Atkins Announces Regulatory Reset for U.S. Cryptocurrency at Bitcoin 2026 Conference
SEC Chair Paul Atkins delivered a historic address at the Bitcoin 2026 Conference, outlining a new regulatory framework for cryptocurrency in the U.S. This shift is driven by the need for clearer regulations and support for onshore development in the crypto sector. The long-term implication is a potential increase in investment and innovation within the U.S. cryptocurrency market as regulatory clarity improves.
3 sourcesApr 30High
- Crypto· World
Solana Validators Implement Falcon Post-Quantum Signatures to Enhance Network Security
On April 27, 2026, Solana validator clients Anza and Firedancer announced the deployment of the Falcon post-quantum digital signature scheme to bolster the network against quantum computing threats. This initiative is driven by the urgent need to address vulnerabilities in existing cryptographic methods as quantum technology advances. The long-term implication is a strategic shift in blockchain security protocols, positioning Solana as a leader in post-quantum readiness within the crypto industry.
6 sourcesApr 30Moderate