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
8425 stories- Economy· World
Oil prices exceed $100 per barrel amid Middle East tensions
Oil prices have surged above $100 per barrel following attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels on Saudi tankers in the Red Sea. The immediate trigger for this spike is the heightened geopolitical tensions and President Trump's consideration of a military response to Iran. Long-term implications suggest ongoing volatility in oil prices and energy security concerns as the situation develops.
6 sourcesJul 27
- Economy· World
Oil prices decline as U.S. and Iran pause military hostilities
Oil prices fell as the U.S. and Iran paused their attacks for the second consecutive day. This de-escalation follows a period of heightened conflict that had driven prices above $100 a barrel. The long-term implication is that the oil market will remain sensitive to any new developments in U.S.-Iran relations, which could either stabilize or destabilize prices in the coming weeks.
4 sourcesJul 27
- Economy· World
Oil prices reach highest levels in over six weeks amid Middle East tensions
Oil prices surged by more than 2% on July 23, 2026, with Brent crude nearing $96 per barrel. This increase is driven by escalating geopolitical risks in the Middle East, which are raising supply concerns among market participants. The long-term implication suggests that continued instability in the region may further influence oil prices and production strategies in the coming weeks.
4 sourcesJul 26
- Economy· World
Gold prices decline after reaching two-week high amid Middle East tensions
Gold prices have retreated from a two-week high, settling at $4,132.01 per ounce after peaking at $4,165.87. This decline is triggered by escalating tensions in the Middle East and rising oil prices, which are influencing market dynamics. The long-term implication suggests continued volatility in the gold market as geopolitical factors and commodity prices fluctuate.
3 sourcesJul 26
- Economy· UAE
UAE Launches National Programme to Modernize Statistics System
The UAE has launched a national programme to overhaul its statistics system. This initiative is triggered by the need to improve the accuracy and transparency of economic indicators in response to structural changes in the economy, particularly in non-oil sectors. Long-term, this modernization is expected to enhance economic decision-making and attract more investment, reinforcing the UAE's position as a leading global economy.
4 sourcesJul 26
- Economy· UAE
UAE launches National Readiness Programme to enhance youth employability
The Federal Youth Authority in the UAE has launched the 'National Readiness Programme - Ghatreef' aimed at bridging the gap between education and employment for recent high school graduates. This initiative is being implemented now to address the skills gap and enhance the employability of young Emiratis in a rapidly changing job market. The success of this program could lead to similar initiatives aimed at further supporting youth employment in the UAE, potentially influencing national education and training policies.
3 sourcesJul 26
- Economy· World
US dollar stabilizes near 40-year high against yen amid rising oil prices and US-Iran tensions
The US dollar has stabilized while the yen hovers near its lowest level in 40 years. This is happening due to rising US Treasury yields and escalating geopolitical tensions between Washington and Tehran, which have increased demand for the dollar as a safe-haven asset. Long-term implications suggest that as inflation concerns grow, the dollar may continue to strengthen while the yen remains under pressure unless significant economic changes occur.
3 sourcesJul 26
- Economy· World
Gold prices decline as Brent crude oil surpasses $100 amid interest rate hike concerns
Gold prices fell on July 24, 2026, driven by rising Brent crude oil prices exceeding $100 per barrel and expectations of interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve. The immediate trigger for this decline is the market's anticipation of a significant rate increase in September, with an 81% expectation among investors. In the long term, continued volatility in gold prices is likely as investors adjust their strategies based on oil price fluctuations and economic indicators leading up to the Federal Reserve's decisions.
3 sourcesJul 26
- Business· UAE
Etihad Rail accelerates opening of two key passenger stations in UAE
Etihad Rail has announced the expedited opening of the Madinat Zayed and Liwa passenger stations, now set to open on November 30, 2026. This decision is driven by a broader initiative to enhance rail connectivity and improve transportation infrastructure in the region. The long-term implication is expected to boost tourism and economic development in areas like Liwa Oasis, reflecting the UAE's commitment to infrastructure advancement.
3 sourcesJul 26
- Business· UAE
Abu Dhabi launches new bus routes to enhance Etihad Rail connectivity
Abu Dhabi has introduced two new direct bus routes to the Etihad Rail station. This initiative is part of a broader effort to improve public transport infrastructure in the UAE, responding to residents' needs for safer and faster travel options. The long-term implication is an expected increase in rail usage and further enhancements in public transport services across the region.
4 sourcesJul 26
- Economy· MENA
European Commission approves 1.5 billion euros in financial support for Egypt
The European Commission has disbursed 1.5 billion euros as part of a financial support package for Egypt. This funding is being provided to assist Egypt in stabilizing its economy amidst ongoing challenges and is part of a larger 5 billion euro initiative. The long-term implication is that this support will likely facilitate necessary economic reforms and enhance Egypt's resilience in the face of economic difficulties.
3 sourcesJul 26
- Economy· MENA
Middle Eastern banks report significant profit increases in Q2 2026
Several banks in the Middle East have reported substantial profit increases for the second quarter of 2026, with Saudi banks seeing a 12.5% rise in profits. This surge is attributed to a strengthening economy and increased lending activity across the region. The long-term implication suggests a positive outlook for the Middle Eastern banking sector, potentially leading to increased investment and lending opportunities.
4 sourcesJul 26
- Business· World
Peacock streaming service reports first quarterly profit of $189 million
Peacock has achieved its first-ever quarterly profit, reporting $189 million in earnings for Q2 2026. This milestone follows the addition of 2 million new subscribers, driven by successful content including major events like the World Cup. The profitability may influence Comcast's strategic decisions regarding the future of its NBCUniversal division in the competitive streaming landscape.
4 sourcesJul 26
- Business· World
EU Approves $55 Billion Acquisition of Electronic Arts by Saudi-Led Consortium
The European Commission has granted antitrust approval for a $55 billion acquisition of Electronic Arts by a consortium led by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund. This approval comes as part of a broader trend of sovereign wealth funds investing in the gaming industry, highlighting the growing interest in digital entertainment. The successful completion of this deal could significantly reshape the competitive landscape of the gaming market and EA's operational strategies.
3 sourcesJul 26
- Crypto· World
BancaStato launches cryptocurrency trading services in partnership with Sygnum
BancaStato has integrated cryptocurrency trading services into its banking platform, allowing clients to trade Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and Solana. This initiative is driven by the increasing trend of traditional banks in Switzerland adopting digital assets to meet evolving consumer demands. The long-term implication is a potential shift towards greater legitimacy and acceptance of cryptocurrencies within the mainstream financial ecosystem.
3 sourcesJul 26
- Crypto· World
Verus Ethereum Bridge suffers second exploit in two months draining $7.54 million
The Verus Ethereum Bridge was exploited for approximately $7.54 million on July 23, 2026, marking its second attack in 66 days. This latest incident follows a previous exploit in May 2026 and highlights ongoing vulnerabilities in cross-chain protocols. The cumulative losses from these attacks may prompt stronger security measures and regulatory scrutiny in the decentralized finance sector.
3 sourcesJul 26
- Crypto· World
AFX Trade suffers $24.15 million security breach due to compromised validator keys
AFX Trade experienced a significant security breach resulting in the loss of $24.15 million in USDC. The attack was triggered by compromised validator keys that allowed unauthorized withdrawals from the platform's bridge. This incident underscores the urgent need for enhanced security measures in cryptocurrency protocols to prevent future exploits.
5 sourcesJul 26
- Crypto· World
Kazakhstan enacts new regulations for cryptocurrency mining requiring contributions to national reserve
Kazakhstan has approved new regulations mandating cryptocurrency miners to contribute a portion of their mined assets to a national reserve. This move is driven by the government's aim to enhance regulation and ensure that the benefits of the growing crypto sector are shared with the public. In the long term, this initiative may influence other countries to adopt similar frameworks for managing cryptocurrency activities.
3 sourcesJul 26
- Crypto· World
Japan considers regulatory changes for first Bitcoin ETF by 2028
Japan is on track to potentially launch its first spot Bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF) by 2028 as regulatory reforms are being evaluated. This development is driven by significant market interest, with potential investment inflows estimated at up to ¥3 trillion. The approval of the ETF could enhance Japan's position in the global cryptocurrency market and influence regulatory approaches in other nations.
3 sourcesJul 26
- Crypto· World
Financial Consortium Invests $15 Million in Bitcoin Security Against Quantum Threats
A consortium of nine major financial and cryptocurrency firms has pledged $15 million to enhance Bitcoin's security against potential quantum computing threats. This initiative is driven by the urgent need to develop quantum-resistant technologies as advancements in quantum computing pose risks to cryptocurrency integrity. The long-term implication is that successful implementation of these technologies could secure Bitcoin's viability in the evolving digital economy.
6 sourcesJul 26