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
735 stories- Culture· World
Directors Guild of America Reaches Tentative Four-Year Agreement with Major Studios
The Directors Guild of America has reached a tentative four-year agreement with major studios and streaming services. This development follows extensive labor negotiations in the entertainment industry aimed at addressing evolving production challenges. The agreement may set a precedent for future labor relations and negotiations within the sector.
3 sourcesJun 13Moderate
- Culture· World
BBC cancels Doctor Who Christmas special and announces showrunner departure
The BBC has canceled the planned Doctor Who Christmas special and Russell T Davies is leaving the series. This decision follows a period of declining viewership and uncertainty regarding the show's direction. The future of Doctor Who remains uncertain as it seeks new leadership and direction, potentially leading to a significant overhaul of the franchise.
3 sourcesJun 13Low
- Culture· World
Donald Trump faces backlash over use of Japanese anime characters in social media posts
Donald Trump is under fire for incorporating Japanese manga and anime characters in his social media, leading to a petition with 20,000 signatures demanding he stop. This controversy has arisen due to concerns over cultural appropriation and the unauthorized use of beloved characters like Naruto and Pikachu. The situation may prompt a response from Trump or his administration, influencing how public figures engage with cultural content in the future.
3 sourcesJun 13Moderate
- Culture· World
Pope Leo XIV blesses final tower of Sagrada Família in Barcelona
Pope Leo XIV blessed the newly completed central tower of the Sagrada Família in Barcelona. This event marks a significant milestone in the basilica's 144-year construction, coinciding with the centenary of Antoni Gaudí's death. The completion is expected to enhance the basilica's status as a cultural and religious landmark, potentially increasing its appeal to visitors and pilgrims alike.
4 sourcesJun 13Low
- Culture· World
Martin Scorsese faces backlash from Art Directors Union over AI endorsement
Martin Scorsese's recent endorsement of a generative AI company has provoked significant criticism from the Art Directors Union. This backlash is occurring now due to Scorsese's historical stance on preserving human artistry in filmmaking, which many view as compromised by his support for AI technology. The long-term implication may lead to intensified discussions on the ethical integration of AI in the creative industries and potential shifts in industry standards.
3 sourcesJun 13Moderate
- Culture· UAE
Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi Launches Dh8 Million Heritage Project in Khorfakkan
Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi has ordered a Dh8 million heritage market and restoration project in Khorfakkan. This initiative is being undertaken now to enhance cultural tourism and preserve the region's historical identity. The long-term implication is the establishment of Khorfakkan as a vibrant cultural and tourism destination, potentially stimulating further heritage projects in Sharjah.
4 sourcesJun 12Low
- Culture· MENA
Saudi Heritage Commission documents 1774 archaeological discoveries in Medina region
The Saudi Heritage Commission has announced the documentation of 1,774 archaeological discoveries in the Medina region. This initiative is part of ongoing efforts to preserve and promote Saudi Arabia's rich cultural heritage, particularly emphasizing its Islamic history. The long-term implication is expected to be an increase in tourism and interest in the historical narratives of Saudi Arabia, potentially leading to further archaeological research and exhibitions in the region.
3 sourcesJun 12Low
- Culture· MENA
Egyptian actor Abdel Aziz Makhyoun passes away at 80
Veteran Egyptian actor Abdel Aziz Makhyoun has died following a health crisis. His passing comes as the artistic community reflects on his extensive contributions to theater, cinema, and television over a career spanning more than fifty years. This loss marks a significant moment in Egyptian culture, likely prompting tributes and retrospectives to honor his legacy.
3 sourcesJun 12Low
- Culture· UAE
Dubai Government Declares Public Holiday for Islamic New Year 1448 AH
The Dubai Government has officially announced June 15, 2026, as a public holiday to celebrate the Islamic New Year 1448 AH. This decision reflects the UAE's commitment to honoring Islamic traditions and cultural observances at this time. In the long term, this holiday may enhance community engagement and public spirit during significant religious events in the region.
3 sourcesJun 11Low
- Culture· UAE
Abu Dhabi Closes 69 Food Establishments for Safety Violations
The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority has closed 69 food outlets due to serious safety violations. This enforcement action follows a significant number of consumer complaints highlighting ongoing food safety concerns. Long-term, this initiative is expected to enhance compliance and public trust in food establishments across Abu Dhabi.
3 sourcesJun 11Low
- Culture· World
Nadav Lapid Withdraws from Marseille Film Festival Amid Cultural Boycott
Israeli director Nadav Lapid has withdrawn from the Marseille Film Festival following threats of a boycott from pro-Palestinian filmmakers. This boycott is a reaction to Lapid's Israeli nationality and his criticism of the Israeli government, highlighting ongoing tensions in the film industry. The incident may lead to increased scrutiny of cultural boycotts and their implications for artists in future film festivals.
3 sourcesJun 11Low
- Culture· UAE
Sharjah Police Recover Resident's Life Savings Left in Taxi
Sharjah Police successfully recovered a bag containing a resident's life savings after it was mistakenly left in a taxi. This incident highlights the efficiency of local law enforcement and the trust in public services at this moment. The recovery may lead to increased community engagement with police and heightened awareness about securing personal belongings among residents.
3 sourcesJun 10Low
- Culture· UAE
UAE launches textile recycling initiative to enhance waste management
The UAE has initiated a textile recycling drive to enhance waste management and community engagement. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to achieve an 80% waste diversion from landfills by 2031, which is expected to provide economic benefits as well. As the UAE implements its textile recycling initiative, it is likely to inspire similar efforts in other regions, potentially leading to a broader shift towards sustainable practices in waste management.
3 sourcesJun 10Low
- Culture· MENA
King Salman International Prize for Higher Studies awarded to enhance Arabian history research
The King Salman International Prize for Higher Studies in the History of the Arabian Peninsula was awarded, marking its third edition. This year's ceremony saw submissions from 18 universities across 8 countries, reflecting a growing international interest in Arabian studies. The award aims to foster academic excellence and aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goals for educational advancement.
5 sourcesJun 10Low
- Culture· World
Tribeca Film Festival faces backlash over offensive joke about Palestinians
Elon Gold made a controversial joke about Palestinians during the Tribeca Film Festival, sparking widespread outrage. The incident has drawn attention to the sensitivity surrounding discussions of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the responsibilities of public figures. This may lead to increased scrutiny of humor in entertainment and calls for more responsible discourse on sensitive topics.
3 sourcesJun 10Moderate
- Culture· World
Pope Leo's First Papal Visit to Spain in 15 Years Draws 1.2 Million Attendees
Pope Leo's visit to Spain has attracted massive crowds, with a public mass in Madrid attended by approximately 1.2 million people. This significant turnout is driven by the Pope's messages of inclusion and faith, resonating particularly with the youth. The long-term implication may be a renewed interest in the Catholic Church and its outreach efforts in Spain and beyond.
4 sourcesJun 10Moderate
- Culture· World
SAG-AFTRA members ratify new contract addressing AI and pension plans
SAG-AFTRA members have ratified a new four-year contract with major studios, achieving a 91.42% approval rate. This significant support comes in response to growing concerns over artificial intelligence's impact on the industry and the need for better labor protections. The contract's provisions are likely to influence future negotiations regarding AI and labor rights in the entertainment sector.
3 sourcesJun 8Low
- Culture· World
Kanya King, founder of the MOBO Awards, passes away at 57
Kanya King, a pivotal figure in the music industry and founder of the MOBO Awards, has died from colon cancer at the age of 57. Her passing has sparked an outpouring of tributes from artists who recognize her as a champion of Black British music and culture. The music industry is expected to honor her legacy through future initiatives and the continued evolution of the MOBO Awards.
3 sourcesJun 8Moderate
- Culture· World
Jon Snow reveals Alzheimer's diagnosis in upcoming documentary
Jon Snow has publicly announced his diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, which will be featured in a documentary set to air on June 20, 2023. This revelation comes as part of his effort to raise awareness about the condition and its effects on individuals and families. The long-term implication may lead to increased public discourse on dementia and inspire others to seek support and understanding.
3 sourcesJun 8Low
- Culture· World
British actor Anthony Head passes away at 72 due to pneumonia complications
British actor Anthony Head has died at the age of 72 from complications related to pneumonia. His passing comes as tributes flood in from fans and colleagues, highlighting his significant impact on television and film. The long-term implication of his death will likely be a renewed appreciation for his contributions to iconic series like 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' and 'Ted Lasso'.
4 sourcesJun 8Moderate