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· Asia
BTS Holds First Full-Group Concert in Nearly Four Years at Gwanghwamun Square
BTS performed together for the first time since October 2022 during a historic concert on March 21, 2026, at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul. This event followed the completion of their mandatory military service and coincided with the release of their new album 'Arirang'. The concert is expected to significantly boost the global K-pop industry as the group embarks on an extensive world tour.
6 sourcesMar 23Very High
- Culture· Americas
Project Hail Mary Achieves Record $80.5 Million Domestic Opening for Amazon MGM Studios
Project Hail Mary grossed $80.5 million in North America during its opening weekend, marking the highest debut for Amazon MGM Studios. The film's strong performance is attributed to its star power, competitive release strategy, and positive audience reception amid a challenging theatrical landscape. This success is likely to bolster Amazon MGM's ambitions in theatrical releases and influence future film adaptations of popular novels.
7 sourcesMar 23Very High
- Culture· Europe
Accidental drowning confirmed in death of University of Alabama student in Barcelona
James 'Jimmy' Gracey, a 20-year-old University of Alabama student, was ruled to have drowned accidentally in Barcelona after being reported missing following a night out. The immediate cause of this determination stems from surveillance footage and preliminary autopsy results indicating no foul play, with toxicology results pending. This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding student safety during international travel and may prompt universities to reassess their support systems for students abroad.
4 sourcesMar 23Low
- Culture· Americas
Chappell Roan Addresses Jorginho's Allegations of Security Guard Misconduct in Brazil
Chappell Roan publicly responded to accusations from footballer Jorginho regarding a security guard's alleged mistreatment of his stepdaughter at a São Paulo hotel. The incident, which occurred just before Roan's performance at Lollapalooza Brazil, has sparked controversy and divided opinions on social media. This situation may lead to increased scrutiny of celebrity security protocols and the treatment of fans, particularly minors, in public settings.
8 sourcesMar 23Very High
- Culture· UAE
Eid al-Fitr 2026 Celebrations in UAE Highlight National Unity Amid Regional Tensions
Eid al-Fitr celebrations on March 20, 2026, in the UAE showcased national unity and messages of reassurance from leadership during a time of heightened regional geopolitical tensions. The immediate trigger for this emphasis on solidarity was the conclusion of Ramadan and the sighting of the Shawwal crescent moon, which prompted public festivities and presidential communications. Long-term, this event underscores the UAE's commitment to internal stability and community cohesion amidst external uncertainties.
3 sourcesMar 22Low
- Culture· Europe
Gerd Faltings Receives 2026 Abel Prize for Contributions to Arithmetic Geometry
Gerd Faltings was awarded the 2026 Abel Prize for his groundbreaking work in arithmetic geometry, particularly for resolving the Mordell and Lang conjectures. This recognition comes as a culmination of decades of mathematical advancements, particularly following his proof of the Mordell conjecture in 1983. The long-term implication is a renewed focus on the importance of pure mathematics and its foundational role in modern number theory and related fields.
3 sourcesMar 22Low
- Culture· Europe
Kevin Spacey settles three civil sexual assault claims in London High Court
Kevin Spacey reached confidential settlements on March 13, 2026, with three men alleging sexual assaults between 2000 and 2013. The settlements were approved by a High Court judge, halting all proceedings ahead of scheduled civil trials later this year. This development may signal a potential shift in Spacey's career trajectory as he seeks to recover from the fallout of past allegations despite previous acquittals.
4 sourcesMar 22Low
- Culture· Asia
BTS Returns with 'Arirang' Album After Military Hiatus
BTS has released their comeback album 'Arirang' on March 20, 2026, marking the end of a four-year hiatus due to military service obligations. This release is prompted by the completion of military enlistments for all members and a revitalization of the K-Pop industry following a sales resurgence in 2025. The long-term implication is a potential shift in the global music landscape as BTS aims to reclaim their prominence amidst emerging competition in K-Pop.
3 sourcesMar 22Very High
- Culture· Europe
World Happiness Report 2026 Links Social Media Use to Declining Adolescent Wellbeing in Western Nations
The World Happiness Report 2026 reveals a significant decline in life satisfaction among adolescents in North America and Western Europe, particularly among heavy social media users. This shift is attributed to the increasing prevalence of social media since the 2010s, with evidence showing that excessive use correlates with heightened depression risks. In the long term, this may prompt regulatory actions and societal shifts towards limiting social media exposure for youth to mitigate mental health issues.
3 sourcesMar 22Low
- Culture· Americas
Generative AI Revives Val Kilmer's Role in Upcoming Film 'As Deep as the Grave'
Filmmakers have announced the completion of Val Kilmer's posthumous performance using generative AI for the film 'As Deep as the Grave'. This development follows the approval from Kilmer's estate and adherence to SAG-AFTRA guidelines, coinciding with the film's distribution readiness. The long-term implication suggests a potential shift in the film industry towards the ethical use of AI in recreating performances of deceased actors, sparking ongoing debates about the boundaries of technology in storytelling.
4 sourcesMar 22Low
- Culture· Americas
Afroman Wins Defamation Lawsuit Against Adams County Sheriff's Deputies
On March 18, 2026, rapper Afroman was found not liable in a defamation lawsuit filed by seven Adams County Sheriff's deputies over parody videos of a 2022 home raid. The lawsuit was triggered by the deputies' claims of emotional harm after Afroman used footage from the raid in his music videos, which gained significant public attention. This verdict reinforces First Amendment protections for artistic expression and may influence future legal cases involving parody and public officials.
7 sourcesMar 22Moderate
- Culture· Asia
British Reality TV Star Jordan Wright Found Dead in Phuket Canal
Jordan Wright, a 33-year-old British reality television personality, was discovered deceased in a drainage canal in Phuket, Thailand, on March 14, 2026. The immediate cause of his death is under investigation, with local authorities suspecting an accidental fall following erratic behavior captured on CCTV shortly before his disappearance. This incident raises concerns about the safety and well-being of expatriates and tourists in Thailand, potentially prompting increased scrutiny of local safety measures and mental health support services for foreign nationals.
4 sourcesMar 22Low
- Culture· Americas
Taylor Frankie Paul charged with domestic assault following violent altercation with ex-boyfriend
Taylor Frankie Paul was involved in a domestic assault incident where she assaulted her ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen with barstools in their Utah home. The incident, which occurred in the presence of her young daughter, has led to ongoing police investigations and a protective order filed by Mortensen. This event raises concerns about the impact of social media fame on personal behavior and the potential consequences for influencers in similar situations.
5 sourcesMar 22High
- Culture· MENA
Eid al-Fitr Celebrated Globally Amid Middle East Conflicts
On March 20, 2026, Muslims around the world celebrated Eid al-Fitr with communal prayers and festivities despite ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Iran. The immediate trigger for these celebrations was the conclusion of Ramadan, a month of fasting and reflection, which culminated in this significant religious holiday. Long-term implications include potential economic boosts for local markets in Muslim-majority countries, even as geopolitical tensions continue to cast a shadow over the region.
3 sourcesMar 22High
- Culture· Americas
ABC Cancels Bachelorette Season Amid Domestic Violence Controversy
ABC has canceled the premiere of The Bachelorette Season 22 featuring Taylor Frankie Paul just days before its scheduled debut due to resurfaced footage of a domestic violence incident. The immediate trigger for this decision was the release of a 2023 assault video by TMZ, which prompted significant backlash and scrutiny of the franchise. This unprecedented cancellation raises questions about the future of the Bachelor franchise and its ability to recover from reputational damage caused by ongoing scandals.
11 sourcesMar 22Very High
- Culture· Americas
Chuck Norris, iconic martial artist and actor, passes away at 86
Chuck Norris died on March 19, 2026, at the age of 86 in Hawaii. His sudden passing follows a recent celebration of his 86th birthday, where he emphasized vitality on social media. The long-term implication is a renewed focus on his legacy in film and martial arts, as tributes pour in from fans and public figures alike.
14 sourcesMar 22Very High
- Culture· Americas
Hachette Book Group Cancels Publication of Horror Novel 'Shy Girl' Over AI Concerns
On March 19, 2026, Hachette Book Group announced the cancellation of the U.S. publication and discontinuation of the U.K. edition of the horror novel 'Shy Girl' due to allegations of AI-generated content. This decision was triggered by a New York Times inquiry and online reader suspicions that led to an internal review, revealing that 78% of the text was flagged as AI-generated. The long-term implication may involve stricter submission policies in the publishing industry as concerns over undisclosed AI assistance grow.
6 sourcesMar 22High
- Culture· Americas
Sexual abuse allegations against César Chávez prompt reevaluation of his legacy
On March 18, 2026, a New York Times investigation revealed multiple allegations of sexual abuse against labor leader César Chávez, leading to significant public backlash and the cancellation of commemorative events. The immediate trigger for this reevaluation stems from the resurfacing of these claims amid ongoing cultural reckonings regarding historical figures' misconduct. This development suggests a long-term shift in how society honors historical icons, potentially leading to broader discussions on accountability and legacy in the labor movement.
4 sourcesMar 22Moderate
- Culture· Americas
Nationwide Movement to Disavow César Chávez Following Sexual Abuse Allegations
On March 18, 2026, an investigation revealed sexual abuse allegations against César Chávez, prompting a reevaluation of his legacy across the United States. The immediate trigger for this movement is the detailed accounts of abuse, including assaults on minors and Dolores Huerta, which have led to the removal of public honors associated with Chávez. In the long term, this could reshape the narrative of the Chicano civil rights movement, emphasizing collective history over individual heroism.
3 sourcesMar 22Moderate
- Culture· Americas
ABC Cancels The Bachelorette Season Amid Domestic Violence Allegations Against Taylor Frankie Paul
ABC has canceled Taylor Frankie Paul's season of The Bachelorette just days before its premiere due to the release of a video showing her physical altercation with ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen. The immediate trigger for this decision was the public outcry following the video's release by TMZ, which coincided with ongoing domestic assault investigations. This cancellation could lead to significant financial losses for ABC and may prompt a reevaluation of how reality television handles personal controversies involving cast members.
13 sourcesMar 22Moderate