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
412 stories- Culture· UAE
Over 25,000 Participants Join 'Your Nation Is Fortified' Race in Abu Dhabi
Over 25,000 individuals participated in the 'Your Nation Is Fortified' race in Abu Dhabi, emphasizing national cohesion and healthy lifestyles. The event was organized by the Zayed Charity Run Committee and Abu Dhabi Sports Council, coinciding with UAE's ongoing efforts to promote fitness and community welfare. This large turnout reflects a growing commitment to national unity and could lead to increased support for similar initiatives in the future.
2 sourcesApr 18Low
- Culture· UAE
Dubai's Global Village to Reopen on April 20, 2026 After US-Iran War Closure
Dubai's Global Village has announced its reopening on April 20, 2026, following a month-long suspension due to regional unrest from the US-Iran war. The immediate cause for the reopening is the establishment of a ceasefire, allowing for the resumption of tourism and cultural activities. Long-term, this move signals a potential recovery for the hospitality sector in Dubai as regional tensions de-escalate and public safety measures are reassured.
3 sourcesApr 18Moderate
- Culture· UAE
Sheikh Hamdan and Sheikh Ahmed Offer Condolences for Hussein Masoud Hadi Al-Ahbabi
On April 18, 2026, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed and Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed visited the condolence council in Dubai to express their sympathies for the death of Hussein Masoud Hadi Al-Ahbabi. This visit reflects the deceased's prominence in the Dubai community, prompting official condolences from the royal family. The ongoing mourning proceedings highlight the cultural significance of such royal gestures in the UAE.
2 sourcesApr 18Low
- Culture· UAE
UAE Astronomers Capture Daytime Image of Dhul Qadah Crescent Moon
UAE astronomers at Al Khatm Astronomical Observatory successfully captured a rare daytime image of the Dhul Qadah crescent moon, confirming the start of the Islamic month on April 18, 2026. This achievement was made possible due to clear atmospheric conditions and specialized telescopes, allowing for precise lunar observations. The long-term implication includes enhanced accuracy in Islamic calendrical practices and potential impacts on the timing of upcoming religious events like Hajj and Eid Al Adha.
2 sourcesApr 18Low
- Culture· UAE
Sharjah Science Museum Launches Year-Long Celebration for 30th Anniversary
The Sharjah Science Museum has initiated a year-long program to celebrate its 30th anniversary, starting April 17, 2026. This celebration is triggered by the museum's historical significance in promoting interactive science education in the UAE since its establishment in 1996. The long-term implication is expected to enhance tourism and educational engagement in Sharjah, attracting families and visitors from across the region.
3 sourcesApr 18Low
- Culture· UAE
Sharjah EPAA Honors UAE Schools for Environmental Sustainability Initiatives
The Sharjah Environment and Protected Areas Authority recognized top-performing UAE schools at the closing ceremony of the 'My Green Environment is My Future' initiative. This recognition comes as part of a broader effort to enhance environmental education and awareness among students, aligning with the UAE's sustainability goals. The initiative sets a precedent for future educational programs aimed at fostering environmental responsibility in the region.
19 sourcesApr 18Low
- Culture· MENA
Saudi Arabia Welcomes First Hajj Pilgrims for 1447 AH Season
On 18 April 2026, Saudi Arabia commenced the reception of the first vanguard of Hajj pilgrims, marking the start of the 1447 AH Hajj season. This initiative is driven by the Kingdom's preparations and integrated protocols to ensure a smooth and safe pilgrimage experience amid ongoing regional tensions. The long-term implication includes a potential boost in tourism and economic activity in Mecca and Medina as the pilgrimage continues until 18 May 2026.
3 sourcesApr 18Low
- Culture· UAE
Dubai Police Launches 'Proud of UAE' Campaign in Residential Areas to Promote National Unity
Dubai Police has extended its 'Proud of UAE' campaign to residential neighborhoods, distributing national flags and creating festive atmospheres. This initiative follows a directive from Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum aimed at fostering national pride and unity amid regional challenges. The long-term implication is a strengthened sense of community and national identity among residents, enhancing police-community relations.
3 sourcesApr 18Low
- Culture· UAE
Sheikh Zayed Book Award Celebrates 20 Years of Arabic Literary Excellence with New Winners
The Sheikh Zayed Book Award announced its winners for the 20th edition on April 18, 2026, recognizing achievements in eight categories from over 4,000 nominations. This announcement is driven by the award's ongoing commitment to promote Arabic literature and cultural diplomacy under the patronage of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The long-term implication is an expected increase in visibility for Arabic literary works and a strengthened cultural presence for the UAE on the global stage.
4 sourcesApr 18Low
- Culture· World
Ari Hodara Wins €1 Million Picasso Painting in Charity Raffle Amid Initial Scam Concerns
Ari Hodara won a Pablo Picasso painting valued at over €1 million in a charity raffle held in Paris. The raffle, which raised approximately €11 million for Alzheimer's research, faced initial skepticism regarding its legitimacy, prompting verification from Christie's auction house. This event highlights the potential for art raffles to democratize access to high-value artworks while supporting philanthropic causes.
4 sourcesApr 18Low
- Culture· World
Madonna Announces New Album 'Confessions on a Dance Floor: Part II' Set for July 2026 Release
On April 15, 2026, Madonna announced the upcoming release of her new studio album 'Confessions on a Dance Floor: Part II', a sequel to her 2005 hit. This announcement follows a resurgence in electronic music and comes after her recovery from a life-threatening infection, signaling a return to her dance roots. The long-term implication for the music industry may include a renewed interest in dance-pop and potential chart success reminiscent of her earlier work.
3 sourcesApr 18High
- Culture· World
Amazon MGM Executives Announce Patience on James Bond Casting at CinemaCon 2026
On April 16, 2026, Amazon MGM Studios executives urged patience over the casting announcement for the next James Bond film during CinemaCon in Las Vegas. This statement comes as fans eagerly await news following Daniel Craig's departure, with the studio emphasizing a careful selection process involving key creative figures. The long-term implication is a potential shift in audience expectations and franchise direction as production is slated for late 2026 and release in 2028.
3 sourcesApr 18Moderate
- Culture· World
Wolf Neukgu Escapes and is Recaptured at O-World Zoo in South Korea
Neukgu, a two-year-old male wolf, escaped from O-World Zoo in Daejeon, South Korea, on April 8, 2026, prompting a nationwide search that lasted nine days. The immediate cause of the escape was inadequate enclosure reinforcement, allowing the wolf to burrow out, which raised public safety concerns. In the long term, the incident has led to the zoo's indefinite closure for security reviews and increased scrutiny on animal enclosure standards in South Korea.
6 sourcesApr 18Very High
- Culture· World
Ye Concert Cancelled in Poland Amid Antisemitism Controversy
The Ye concert scheduled for 19 June 2026 in Chorzów, Poland, was cancelled on 17 April 2026 due to the artist's history of antisemitic remarks. The cancellation was triggered by condemnation from Polish Culture Minister Marta Cienkowska, who deemed the concert unacceptable given Poland's historical context with the Holocaust. This incident may lead to increased scrutiny and potential cancellations of other events featuring controversial figures in Europe.
3 sourcesApr 18High
- Culture· World
AI-Generated Likeness of Val Kilmer Featured in Film Trailer at CinemaCon 2026
The trailer for the independent film 'As Deep as the Grave' premiered at CinemaCon 2026, showcasing an AI-generated likeness of the late actor Val Kilmer. This development follows the filmmakers' adherence to SAG-AFTRA guidelines for using Kilmer's archival footage after his death in April 2025. The long-term implications include ongoing debates about the ethical use of AI in film and potential shifts in industry standards regarding digital recreations of deceased actors.
8 sourcesApr 18Low
- Culture· World
Singer D4vd Arrested on Suspicion of Murdering 14-Year-Old Celeste Rivas Hernandez
On April 16, 2026, singer D4vd was arrested by the LAPD on suspicion of murdering 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose remains were found in a vehicle registered to him. This arrest follows a lengthy investigation that began after the victim was reported missing in April 2024, with evidence linking Burke to the crime emerging from grand jury proceedings. The case is expected to draw significant media attention and could impact Burke's career and public perception in the long term.
2 sourcesApr 17Very High
- Culture· UAE
Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan Approves 40 Winners of Khalifa Educational Award
On April 15, 2026, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan approved the names of 40 winners in the 19th cycle of the Khalifa Educational Award. This recognition is part of the UAE's ongoing commitment to educational excellence and innovation, coinciding with the Year of the Family 2026. The long-term implication is the reinforcement of the UAE's strategic vision for sustainable development through enhanced educational standards and practices.
3 sourcesApr 17Low
- Culture· World
Saudi Arabia Achieves Success at 2026 European Girls' Mathematical Olympiad
The Saudi Arabian team secured two bronze medals and one honorable mention at the 2026 European Girls' Mathematical Olympiad held in Bordeaux, France. This achievement is a result of the country's ongoing commitment to enhancing female participation in STEM fields through initiatives like the Mawhiba Foundation's giftedness program. In the long term, this success may inspire further investment in educational programs aimed at empowering young women in mathematics and science across the region.
3 sourcesApr 17Low
- Culture· MENA
King Faisal Prize 2026 Ceremony Recognizes Global Laureates in Multiple Fields
The King Faisal Prize held its 48th annual ceremony on April 15, 2026, honoring eight laureates from five countries for their significant contributions to Islam, science, medicine, and Arabic literature. This event is part of Saudi Arabia's ongoing commitment to promote knowledge-based development and cultural leadership. The recognition of these laureates is likely to enhance Saudi Arabia's influence in global academic and cultural discourse.
7 sourcesApr 17Low
- Culture· UAE
Sharjah Science Museum Celebrates 30th Anniversary with Year-Long Educational Initiatives
The Sharjah Science Museum marked its 30th anniversary on April 17, 2026, launching a year-long program of interactive scientific events. This celebration is driven by the museum's commitment to fostering scientific curiosity and education among families and students in the UAE. The long-term implication is the strengthening of Sharjah's position as a cultural and educational hub in the region, promoting knowledge-based development and innovation.
3 sourcesApr 17Low