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
Deezer Reports 44% of New Music Uploads as AI-Generated with Majority of Streams Fraudulent
On April 20, 2026, Deezer announced that 44% of new music uploads to its platform are AI-generated. This surge is attributed to the rapid proliferation of generative AI audio models, leading to nearly 75,000 AI tracks uploaded daily. The long-term implication is a significant shift in the music streaming industry towards enhanced detection and mitigation strategies to combat royalty fraud and protect artists' earnings.
6 sourcesApr 22Moderate
- Culture· World
The Strokes Protest U.S. Foreign Intervention at Coachella
The Strokes used their Coachella performance to protest U.S. foreign intervention, showcasing a video montage that highlighted destruction in Gaza and Iran. This political statement was triggered by ongoing discussions about U.S. foreign policy and its consequences in these regions. The long-term implication may inspire more artists to leverage their platforms for political advocacy and influence public discourse on global issues.
3 sourcesApr 22High
- Culture· World
X Factor singer charged with attempted murder after car incident in London
Gabrielle Carrington has been charged with attempted murder following a car incident that left two pedestrians seriously injured in Soho, London. The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, prompting immediate legal action against Carrington. As the case unfolds, it is likely to spark discussions about road safety and the responsibilities of public figures.
3 sourcesApr 22Moderate
- Culture· World
King Charles III honors Queen Elizabeth II on her 100th birthday
On April 21, 2026, King Charles III delivered a heartfelt tribute to his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, marking what would have been her 100th birthday. This tribute comes as the royal family continues to reflect on her significant cultural and social influence following her passing in September 2022. The ongoing public interest in her legacy is likely to shape future royal engagements and commemorations.
3 sourcesApr 22High
- Culture· MENA
Kuwaiti Actress Hayat Al-Fahad Passes Away at 78
Iconic Kuwaiti actress Hayat Al-Fahad died on April 21, 2026, after a prolonged illness. Her deteriorating health in recent weeks prompted her admission to intensive care, culminating in her death. This loss marks a significant moment in Gulf cultural history, as Al-Fahad's legacy has profoundly influenced the region's arts and entertainment landscape over the past six decades.
6 sourcesApr 22Moderate
- Culture· World
The Strokes Protest U.S. Foreign Policy During Coachella Performance
The Strokes used their Coachella performance to condemn U.S. foreign intervention, specifically highlighting the destruction in Gaza and Iran. This political statement was triggered by ongoing conflicts and the band's desire to raise awareness about the consequences of U.S. actions in these regions. The long-term implication may be a shift in how artists engage with political issues, potentially inspiring more musicians to use their platforms for activism.
3 sourcesApr 22High
- Culture· World
X Factor singer charged with attempted murder after car incident in London
Gabrielle Carrington has been charged with attempted murder following an incident in Soho, London, where she allegedly hit pedestrians with her car. The incident, which occurred early Sunday morning, has resulted in serious injuries to two individuals, prompting immediate legal action. As the case progresses, it is likely to spark discussions about road safety and the responsibilities of drivers in public spaces.
3 sourcesApr 22High
- Culture· MENA
Kuwaiti actress Hayat Al-Fahad passes away at 78
Hayat Al-Fahad, a significant figure in Gulf television, died on April 21, 2026, after a prolonged illness. Her passing is attributed to her long-term health struggles, marking the end of an era in Arab drama. The Gulf entertainment industry is likely to reflect on her legacy, inspiring future narratives and artistic expressions in the region.
3 sourcesApr 22Moderate - Culture· MENA
Kuwaiti actress Hayat Al-Fahad passes away at 78
Hayat Al-Fahad, a prominent figure in Gulf and Arab television, passed away on April 21, 2026. Her death is prompting an outpouring of tributes from the artistic community, reflecting on her influential career spanning over five decades. This loss is likely to renew interest in her work and the genres she helped shape, ensuring her legacy endures in the cultural landscape.
3 sourcesApr 22High
- Culture· World
Deezer Reports 44% of New Daily Music Uploads Are AI-Generated with High Fraud Rates
On April 20, 2026, Deezer announced that 44% of new music uploaded daily to its platform is fully AI-generated, amounting to nearly 75,000 tracks. This surge is attributed to the proliferation of accessible AI music generation tools, leading to a significant rise in fraudulent streams, which constitute 85% of AI-generated content. The long-term implication is a call for industry-wide action to address revenue protection for artists as the music landscape adapts to AI technologies.
6 sourcesApr 22High - Culture· World
The Strokes Condemn U.S. Foreign Intervention During Coachella Performance
The Strokes used their Coachella performance to protest against U.S. foreign intervention, specifically highlighting the destruction in Gaza and Iran. This political statement was triggered by the ongoing humanitarian crises and military actions in these regions, which have garnered significant global attention. The long-term implication is that such performances may inspire more artists to engage in political activism, potentially influencing public discourse on international relations and humanitarian issues.
3 sourcesApr 22High
- Culture· World
HiPP baby food recalled in Austria due to rat poison contamination
A jar of HiPP baby food in Austria tested positive for rat poison, leading to a recall affecting over 1,000 supermarkets. The recall was triggered by a customer report and confirmed by police, raising serious safety concerns for consumers. This incident highlights the need for stricter food safety measures and increased vigilance among consumers regarding product recalls.
5 sourcesApr 22Moderate
- Culture· World
Rebel Wilson Faces Defamation Trial Initiated by Charlotte MacInnes
Rebel Wilson has begun a defamation trial against actress Charlotte MacInnes over social media posts related to a sexual harassment complaint. The trial is occurring now due to allegations that Wilson hired a PR team to undermine MacInnes, raising serious accusations of malicious behavior. The outcome of this trial could significantly impact Wilson's career and the broader entertainment industry's approach to accountability and public statements.
3 sourcesApr 22Moderate
- Culture· MENA
Kuwaiti Actress Hayat Al-Fahad Passes Away at 78 Ending a Pioneering Career
Kuwaiti actress Hayat Al-Fahad died on April 21, 2026, after a prolonged illness, marking the end of her influential five-decade career in Gulf drama. Her death follows a significant decline in health, including a stroke and intensive care treatment, which garnered widespread mourning across the Arab artistic community. The long-term implication of her passing is likely to spark discussions on the legacy of Gulf television and the representation of women in the arts.
2 sourcesApr 21High - Culture· MENA
International Pilgrims Begin Arriving for Hajj 2026 in Saudi Arabia
The first batches of international pilgrims for Hajj 2026 arrived in Madinah and Jeddah on April 18, 2026. This influx is facilitated by the Makkah Route Initiative, which streamlines the travel process for pilgrims from several countries ahead of the main rituals scheduled for late May. The anticipated economic benefits from the influx of pilgrims are expected to bolster local economies and tourism in the region.
3 sourcesApr 21Low
- Culture· UAE
Dubai's Global Village Reopens After 51-Day Closure Due to Regional Tensions
Dubai's Global Village reopened to the public on April 20, 2026, after a 51-day temporary closure caused by heightened regional tensions during the US-Israel-Iran war. The reopening follows a ceasefire announcement, allowing the multicultural entertainment destination to resume operations and welcome visitors. This event signifies a return to normalcy for Dubai's family-oriented entertainment sector, potentially boosting tourism and local economy as the season progresses.
4 sourcesApr 21Low
- Culture· UAE
Emirati Boy Drowns While Rescuing Family Members at Ras Al Khaimah Beach
On April 14, 2026, a 13-year-old boy drowned at Flamingo Beach in Ras Al Khaimah while attempting to save his sister and two cousins from strong currents. The incident occurred during a family outing when sudden waves pulled the children into deeper water, prompting the boy to act heroically despite the risks. This tragedy has sparked community calls for improved beach safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
3 sourcesApr 21Low
- Culture· MENA
Completion of Kaaba Maintenance Project Enhances Pilgrim Experience Ahead of Hajj 2026
The General Authority for the Care of the Grand Mosque announced the completion of the comprehensive periodic maintenance project for the Kaaba on April 18, 2026. This initiative was executed to ensure the structural integrity and aesthetic condition of the Kaaba ahead of the upcoming Hajj season, utilizing advanced technologies and national expertise. Long-term, this project aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, aiming to enhance the pilgrimage experience as global pilgrim numbers continue to rise.
3 sourcesApr 21Low
- Culture· UAE
Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Offers Condolences for Prominent Emirati Figure
On April 19, 2026, Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum extended official condolences for the passing of Hussein Masoud Hadi Al-Ahbabi at a mourning majlis in Dubai. This event is occurring now as a reflection of the cultural practices surrounding mourning in Emirati society, with multiple high-ranking officials participating in the condolences. The long-term implication is a reinforcement of the social fabric and respect for prominent figures within the UAE, highlighting the importance of cultural traditions in leadership roles.
7 sourcesApr 21Low
- Culture· World
Nadia Farès, Moroccan-French Actress, Dies at 57 from Cardiac Arrest
Nadia Farès, a prominent Moroccan-French actress known for her role in 'The Crimson Rivers', passed away on April 17, 2026, after suffering cardiac arrest following a swimming pool incident. The immediate cause of her death was linked to an unconscious episode while swimming, which led to her being placed in an induced coma. This tragic event highlights the fragility of health and may impact the cultural landscape, particularly within the Moroccan expatriate community in France and beyond.
3 sourcesApr 21Moderate