Bio
Maisa is CMO at A47 Media, leading the strategic marketing and growth function alongside business development. She shares opinion pieces on the GCC marketing community.
Editorial Responsibility
Responsible for how A47 shows up in the world, including the brand presence, building equity and community.
Previous experience · 16+ years
- · Former Head of Influencers at More
- · Ex Head of Strategy and Business Development at Empact Middle East
Education
BA Spanish & Literature, University of Jordan
Areas of expertise
Categories overseen
Stories from Maisa Aloul’s desk
816 stories- Culture· UAE
Sheikh Mohammed Pays Tribute to Late Father on 36th Death Anniversary
On October 6, 2026, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum published a personal letter commemorating his late father, Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, on the 36th anniversary of his death. This tribute reflects Sheikh Mohammed's ongoing commitment to uphold his father's legacy of governance and public service during a time of reflection on Dubai's development. The long-term implication is a reinforcement of the values that continue to guide Dubai's growth and governance principles, emphasizing the importance of leadership rooted in humility and service to the people.
5 sources1h agoLow
- Culture· UAE
Louvre Abu Dhabi Unveils Shortlist for Art Here 2026 Exhibition and Richard Mille Art Prize
On 7 October 2026, Louvre Abu Dhabi announced the shortlist of six artists and the jury for the Art Here 2026 contemporary art exhibition. This initiative is triggered by a competitive selection process that received over 300 proposals, reflecting a growing emphasis on cross-cultural dialogue and artistic collaboration. The long-term implication is the strengthening of UAE-India cultural ties and the positioning of Abu Dhabi as a key player in the global contemporary art scene.
3 sources1h agoLow
- Culture· World
Amazon Prime Video Acquires Exclusive Global Streaming Rights to Emmy Awards
Amazon Prime Video has secured exclusive global streaming rights to the Emmy Awards in a six-year deal announced on October 6, 2026. This agreement, which ends the traditional rotation among U.S. broadcast networks, is driven by the industry's shift towards digital platforms for major live events. The long-term implication is a significant transformation in how prestigious awards shows are distributed, potentially increasing global viewership and advertising opportunities for streaming services.
3 sources1h agoModerate
- Culture· World
Queen Camilla Honors Jeffrey Archer with Tribute Following His Death
On 6 October 2026, Queen Camilla issued a public tribute to Jeffrey Archer, acknowledging his literary contributions and support for her charity following his death on 5 October. This tribute comes in the wake of Archer's passing at age 86, which has prompted reflections on his complex legacy in literature and politics. The long-term implication may involve renewed discussions on the impact of controversial figures in public life and their contributions to culture and society.
7 sources1h agoModerate
- Culture· UAE
UAE Celebrates World Teachers' Day Honoring Nearly 184,000 Educators
On October 5, 2026, the UAE commemorated World Teachers' Day by honoring 183,859 educators as vital contributors to national development. This celebration is driven by the UAE's ongoing commitment to education as a cornerstone of its transformation into a knowledge-based economy, particularly in the context of integrating artificial intelligence. The long-term implication is a strengthened educational framework that aligns with labor market needs and fosters continuous professional development for educators.
3 sources2d agoLow
- Culture· World
Pope Leo XIV Denounces AI-Generated Art as Lacking Human Essence
On October 2, 2026, Pope Leo XIV publicly condemned AI-generated art, asserting that algorithms cannot replicate the spark of human creativity. This statement comes in response to rapid advancements in generative AI and ongoing discussions about its ethical implications within the Catholic Church. The long-term implication may involve a renewed alliance between the Church and the arts community to preserve human dignity and creativity against technological encroachment.
3 sources2d agoHigh
- Culture· World
Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma Becomes Tooro Kingdom Monarch Amid Succession Dispute
Edward Rukidi Kijanangoma was crowned the 13th monarch of the Tooro Kingdom in Uganda following a clan-mediated succession process. This event was triggered by the death of the previous king, Oyo Nyimba, which led to contested claims of succession from family members. The long-term implication is the potential for ongoing disputes within the royal family and the symbolic role of traditional kingdoms in Uganda's cultural landscape.
4 sources5d agoModerate
- Culture· UAE
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Inspires Future Generations with Visionary Message
On October 1, 2026, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum published a message aimed at inspiring the youth of the UAE to build upon past achievements while embracing modern tools and ethical values. This initiative is part of his ongoing commitment to guide future generations amid rapid technological and societal changes. The long-term implication is a potential renaissance driven by the aspirations of the youth, reinforcing the importance of innovation alongside cultural identity.
3 sources6d agoLow
- Culture· World
Lisa Becomes First Asian Solo Artist to Win Best Pop at 2026 MTV VMAs
Lisa of Blackpink achieved a historic milestone by winning the Best Pop award at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards. This victory is attributed to her growing popularity and the increasing global recognition of K-pop, particularly among diverse audiences. The long-term implication is a potential shift in the music industry towards greater representation and diversity in award categories and mainstream recognition of Asian artists.
3 sourcesSep 30High
- Culture· World
Controversy Erupts Over AI Authorship Claims in French Literary Scene
A controversy has emerged in the French literary world regarding allegations that Thelyson Orelien's debut novel was AI-generated, as flagged by the Pangram detector. This incident is triggered by conflicting results from various AI text detection tools and a viral social media post questioning the authenticity of the work. The long-term implication may lead to increased scrutiny and potential regulatory changes regarding the use of AI in writing and publishing practices globally.
3 sourcesSep 28High
- Culture· World
Macklemore Launches Free Palestine Tour After Ed Sheeran Tour Exclusion
On September 24, 2026, US rapper Macklemore announced the Free Palestine Tour following his removal from Ed Sheeran's US stadium tour. This decision was triggered by backlash against Macklemore's pro-Palestine remarks during a performance, which led to venue owners barring him from future shows. The long-term implication is a potential shift in how artists engage with political issues, reflecting a growing public demand for advocacy in the context of the Israel-Gaza conflict.
3 sourcesSep 27Moderate
- Culture· UAE
Crown Prince of Dubai Honors Late Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum with Instagram Tribute
On September 25, 2026, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum shared a prayer on Instagram for his late brother, Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who passed away on September 21, 2026. This public tribute follows a declared 10-day mourning period in Dubai, which includes official funeral prayers and condolences from UAE leadership. The long-term implication is a reinforcement of the royal family's public image and unity during times of mourning, potentially influencing future public engagements and sentiments in the UAE.
4 sourcesSep 26Low
- Culture· World
Tim Westwood Faces Two Additional Sexual Offence Charges Bringing Total to 17
On September 22, 2026, Tim Westwood was charged with two additional sexual offences, increasing the total number of charges against him to 17 involving nine women. The charges stem from a Metropolitan Police investigation and were authorized by the Crown Prosecution Service following new reports from two women. This escalation in legal proceedings highlights ongoing societal scrutiny regarding sexual misconduct and may influence public discourse on accountability in the entertainment industry.
3 sourcesSep 25Low
- Culture· World
Piers Morgan Demands Withdrawal of Earl Spencer's Diana Memoir Over Factual Error
On 22 September 2026, Piers Morgan called for the withdrawal of Earl Spencer's memoir due to a factual inaccuracy regarding his role in a 1993 incident involving Princess Diana. The demand follows Spencer's apology for misidentifying Morgan as the editor of the Daily Mirror at the time of the incident, prompting Morgan to seek legal action for damages and removal of the pages. This dispute highlights ongoing tensions surrounding media portrayals of the royal family and may lead to increased scrutiny of memoirs related to public figures.
4 sourcesSep 25Moderate
- Culture· World
Ed Sheeran Addresses Gaza Crisis and Tour Controversy at Philadelphia Concert
On September 19, 2026, Ed Sheeran publicly condemned the humanitarian situation in Gaza and apologized for the removal of Macklemore from his tour. This statement follows backlash over Macklemore's pro-Palestinian remarks, which led to objections from venues and promoters. The long-term implication may involve increased scrutiny on artists' political expressions and the potential for further withdrawals from public performances in solidarity with controversial issues.
3 sourcesSep 23Moderate
- Culture· World
Charlotte Church Accuses Ed Sheeran of Capitalism Over Ethical Action in Macklemore Tour Dispute
Charlotte Church publicly accused Ed Sheeran of prioritizing capitalism over ethical responsibility during a concert in Cardiff. This accusation follows Sheeran's decision to remove Macklemore from his tour after the rapper's pro-Palestine statements, which faced backlash from venue owners. The incident highlights the ongoing tension between commercial interests and political engagement in the music industry amid the Israel-Gaza conflict.
3 sourcesSep 23Moderate
- Culture· World
Converse Withdraws Controversial Sneaker Advertisement Amid Racial Imagery Backlash
Converse has removed a sneaker advertisement after social media backlash accused it of evoking Ku Klux Klan imagery. The immediate trigger for this action was the public outcry following the ad's release, which coincided with heightened sensitivities around racial representations in marketing. This incident may lead to increased scrutiny of advertising practices and a push for greater accountability within the fashion industry.
4 sourcesSep 22Moderate
- Culture· World
Ed Sheeran Faces Viral Misinformation Amid Macklemore Tour Controversy
Ed Sheeran has been the subject of viral false claims regarding the removal of his music from Spotify and his solo performances following Macklemore's dismissal from the US Loop Tour. This misinformation was triggered by backlash against Macklemore's pro-Palestinian statements during his performances, leading to his removal and the withdrawal of support acts. The long-term implication suggests a heightened scrutiny of artists' political statements and the potential for similar controversies affecting their careers and public perception.
3 sourcesSep 22Moderate
- Culture· UAE
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Reflects on Dubai's Historical Hardships to Inspire Resilience
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum published a message detailing Dubai's past economic hardships during the 'Years of the Card' to inspire the youth. This communication comes as part of ongoing efforts to instill a sense of historical awareness and resilience among residents amid rapid urban development. The long-term implication is a reinforced cultural narrative that emphasizes the importance of remembering past struggles to maintain current prosperity and prevent complacency.
3 sourcesSep 21Low
- Culture· World
Sway Dasafo, influential British-Ghanaian rapper, passes away at 44
Sway Dasafo, the pioneering British-Ghanaian rapper, died at his home in Ghana on September 17, 2026. His death has prompted tributes from the music industry, highlighting his significant contributions to UK hip-hop as the first unsigned artist to win a MOBO Award. The long-term implication of his passing may lead to increased recognition and support for emerging UK hip-hop artists who follow in his footsteps.
3 sourcesSep 21Low