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
582 stories- Culture· World
Spotify Launches Verified Badge to Differentiate Human Artists from AI Content
Spotify has introduced a Verified by Spotify badge to identify human artists, rolling out globally on April 30, 2026. This initiative is a response to the increasing prevalence of AI-generated music and fraudulent content on streaming platforms. The long-term implication is a potential shift in listener engagement towards verified human creators, enhancing their visibility and credibility in the industry.
10 sourcesMay 2High
- Culture· World
Netflix announces wide theatrical release for Greta Gerwig's Narnia adaptation
Netflix will release 'Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew' in theaters starting February 2, 2026. This decision is a response to industry pressure from theater owners and filmmakers for a more traditional Hollywood-style release. The move could signal a significant shift in Netflix's distribution strategy, potentially leading to more theatrical releases for its films in the future.
3 sourcesMay 2High
- Culture· World
Prince William and Kate Middleton celebrate 15th wedding anniversary with family photo
Prince William and Kate Middleton marked their 15th wedding anniversary by sharing a new family photo. This celebration comes as the couple continues to engage with the public, reflecting their commitment to family values. Their ongoing visibility suggests they will remain influential figures as their children grow and take on more public roles.
3 sourcesMay 2Low
- Culture· World
Ross Davidson sentenced to 14 years for multiple rapes and sexual assaults
Ross Davidson, the former singer of Spandau Ballet, has been sentenced to 14 years in prison after being convicted of multiple rapes and sexual assaults against six women. The sentencing follows two trials that revealed a pattern of sexual violence spanning from 2013 to 2019. This case highlights the ongoing issues of sexual violence in the entertainment industry and may lead to increased scrutiny of celebrity accountability.
3 sourcesMay 2Moderate
- Culture· World
International Jury of Venice Biennale Resigns Over Exclusion of Russia and Israel
On April 30, 2026, the entire five-member international jury of the 61st Venice Biennale resigned in Venice, Italy, due to disagreements over the exclusion of Russia and Israel from award consideration. This resignation follows the jury's announcement on April 23 that it would not consider works from countries whose leaders face ICC charges for crimes against humanity, reflecting heightened geopolitical tensions. The long-term implication may involve increased scrutiny of cultural events and their political influences, potentially reshaping participation norms in international art exhibitions.
8 sourcesMay 2Moderate
- Culture· World
Banksy unveils new sculpture in London critiquing political blindness
A new Banksy statue depicting a man obscured by a flag was unveiled in central London. This installation, which appeared overnight, is a timely commentary on political issues and has quickly garnered public attention. The growing interest in this artwork may signal a resurgence of public art interventions in urban spaces and provoke further dialogue about the role of art in political discourse.
5 sourcesMay 2High
- Culture· World
James Holder convicted of rape in Cheltenham
James Holder, co-founder of Superdry, has been found guilty of raping a woman after a night out in Cheltenham. The conviction follows a court ruling on May 1, 2026, stemming from an incident in May 2022 where Holder ignored the victim's pleas to stop. This case highlights ongoing societal issues regarding sexual violence and accountability, potentially prompting further discussions within the fashion industry and beyond.
4 sourcesMay 2High
- Culture· World
Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Updates Oscar Eligibility Rules to Include International Features and AI Guidelines
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has revised its eligibility rules for the 99th Academy Awards, allowing top winners from six major film festivals to qualify directly for Best International Feature nominations. This change is driven by a desire to globalize the awards process and address concerns regarding AI's role in filmmaking, emphasizing the need for human authorship. In the long term, these updates may reshape the landscape of international cinema and influence how AI is integrated into creative processes.
9 sourcesMay 2High
- Culture· World
Taylor Swift's TAS Rights Management Files Trademark Applications to Protect Against AI Exploitation
On April 24, 2026, Taylor Swift's company TAS Rights Management filed three trademark applications with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for her voice clips and onstage image. This move is prompted by the rising threat of AI-generated deepfakes that exploit celebrity likenesses, highlighting gaps in existing copyright protections. The long-term implication is a potential shift in intellectual property law as more celebrities seek similar protections against digital impersonation and misuse.
7 sourcesMay 1Low
- Culture· UAE
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum awards Erth Dubai Awards for cultural heritage preservation
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum honored winners of the Erth Dubai Awards, recognizing significant contributions to the documentation of Dubai's cultural and social heritage. This initiative has gained momentum with over 25,000 community submissions, reflecting a strong commitment to preserving the city's identity. The long-term implication is the anticipated publication of 100 books featuring residents' stories, further enhancing Dubai's cultural narrative and community engagement.
5 sourcesApr 30Low
- Culture· World
Venice Biennale jury resigns over Russia's participation controversy
The entire international jury of the Venice Biennale has resigned amid a dispute over Russia's participation in the upcoming exhibition. This decision follows backlash from the Italian government and the European Commission, escalating tensions over the event's integrity. The resignation may lead to further controversies and challenges for the Venice Biennale as it approaches its opening date.
4 sourcesApr 30Moderate - Culture· World
Spotify launches artist verification badges to combat AI-generated content
Spotify has announced the rollout of artist verification badges to help distinguish genuine artists from AI-generated content. This initiative is being implemented now in response to the growing concerns over impersonation and the rise of artificial intelligence in music creation. The long-term implication is that this verification system may set a new standard for authenticity in the music industry, influencing how artists are perceived on streaming platforms.
5 sourcesApr 30Moderate
- Culture· UAE
UAE schools resume outdoor activities after seven-week suspension due to conflicts
Schools in the United Arab Emirates have announced the resumption of outdoor activities after a seven-week hiatus due to recent conflicts. This decision comes with specific safety protocols to ensure the well-being of students. The long-term implication is a gradual return to normalcy in the educational environment, with a focus on monitoring the effectiveness of these safety measures.
3 sourcesApr 30Low
- Culture· MENA
Saudi Minister of Tourism Inspects Pilgrim Accommodations Ahead of Hajj
Saudi Arabia's Minister of Tourism, Ahmed Al-Khateeb, inspected hospitality facilities in Makkah to ensure readiness for the upcoming Hajj season. This inspection is prompted by the addition of over 566,000 beds to the hospitality sector through a new licensing service aimed at improving service quality. The long-term implication is a more comfortable experience for millions of pilgrims, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030's goals for tourism enhancement.
3 sourcesApr 30Low
- Culture· World
AI Used to Digitally Reconstruct Face of Pompeii Eruption Victim
Archaeologists have successfully utilized artificial intelligence to create a digital reconstruction of a victim's face from the AD 79 eruption of Mount Vesuvius. This groundbreaking application of AI in archaeology is occurring now due to advancements in technology and support from the Italian Culture Ministry. The long-term implication is that this method may lead to further discoveries and enhanced understanding of historical events and victims of natural disasters.
4 sourcesApr 30Low
- Culture· World
Michael Jackson biopic sets box office record and boosts music streams
The Michael Jackson biopic has achieved a record-breaking global box office gross of $217 million during its opening weekend. This surge in box office success has coincided with a 95% increase in streams of Jackson's music, reflecting renewed interest in his catalog. The film's performance may lead to a wave of new biographical projects centered on iconic musicians, reshaping their legacies in popular culture.
4 sourcesApr 30High
- Culture· World
Taylor Swift's TAS Rights Management Files Trademark Applications to Protect Voice and Image from AI Misuse
On April 24, 2026, TAS Rights Management filed three trademark applications with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to protect specific soundbites of Taylor Swift's voice and an iconic image from her Eras Tour. This move is prompted by the increasing misuse of AI technology to create unauthorized deepfakes exploiting her likeness and voice. The long-term implication may lead to a new precedent in intellectual property law, enabling celebrities to assert federal claims against AI-generated infringements more effectively.
14 sourcesApr 30Moderate - Culture· UAE
UAE Enters Traditional Summer Season Kannat Al Thuraya
The UAE officially begins its summer season today with the onset of Kannat Al Thuraya. This seasonal marker, recognized by the Emirates Astronomy Society, signifies a transition to rising temperatures and drier conditions. As the summer progresses, residents should prepare for increasingly hot and dry weather, impacting daily life and outdoor activities.
3 sourcesApr 29Low
- Culture· MENA
Saudi Arabia awards contract for construction of Contemporary Art Museum in Diriyah
A contract for the construction of the Saudi Contemporary Art Museum has been awarded for 1.84 billion SAR. This initiative is part of Saudi Arabia's broader efforts to enhance its cultural landscape and promote cultural tourism at this specific moment. The museum is expected to attract both local and international visitors, significantly enriching the cultural scene in the region over the long term.
3 sourcesApr 29Low
- Culture· World
Renowned Indian photographer Raghu Rai passes away at 83
Raghu Rai, a celebrated Indian photographer and visual historian, died at the age of 83. His passing comes as the world reflects on his profound impact on visual storytelling and the documentation of India's history. The long-term implication of his legacy is expected to inspire future generations of photographers and elevate the discourse on the role of photography in social change.
3 sourcesApr 29Moderate