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
736 stories- Culture· UAE
Dubai's Global Village to Reopen on April 20, 2026 After US-Iran Conflict Closure
Dubai's Global Village has announced its reopening on April 20, 2026, following a temporary closure due to the US-Iran war that began on February 28, 2026. The immediate trigger for this reopening is a ceasefire agreement reached around April 7-8, 2026, which has allowed for a reassessment of safety and operations. Long-term, this reopening is expected to restore access to affordable family entertainment and support local employment in the retail and hospitality sectors, aiding economic recovery in the region.
3 sourcesApr 20Low
- Culture· MENA
Completion of Maintenance for the Kaaba al-Musharrafa Ahead of Hajj Season
The General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques has completed a comprehensive maintenance project for the Kaaba al-Musharrafa and the Station of Ismail. This initiative was triggered by the upcoming Hajj season, ensuring that the site is ready for millions of pilgrims while adhering to international standards. Long-term, this maintenance effort aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, enhancing the infrastructure of holy sites to support increased pilgrimage activities sustainably.
4 sourcesApr 20Low
- Culture· MENA
Spanish Archaeological Mission Discovers Roman-Era Tomb in Egypt
On April 18, 2026, a Spanish archaeological mission from the University of Barcelona uncovered a Roman-era tomb in Al-Bahnasa, Egypt, containing multiple mummies and significant artifacts. This discovery is prompted by ongoing excavations aimed at exploring ancient funerary practices in the culturally rich site of Oxyrhynchus. The long-term implication is an increased focus on international collaborations for heritage preservation and tourism in Egypt, enhancing its archaeological significance.
3 sourcesApr 20Low
- Culture· World
Wolf Neukgu Recaptured After Nine-Day Escape from South Korean Zoo
Neukgu, a two-year-old wolf, was recaptured on April 17, 2026, after escaping from O-World Zoo in Daejeon, South Korea, on April 8, 2026. The escape triggered a massive search operation involving over 300 personnel and led to public anxiety, including school closures. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about animal captivity and zoo security, potentially influencing future regulations in wildlife management.
4 sourcesApr 20High
- Culture· UAE
UAE Anticipates Crescent Moon Sighting to Determine Eid Al Adha Dates
The UAE is preparing for the sighting of the crescent moon on May 17, 2026, which will mark the beginning of Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH. This event is occurring now as astronomical predictions indicate favorable visibility conditions, aligning with the UAE's coordination with Saudi Arabia for unified observance dates. The long-term implication includes a potential extended public holiday for residents, impacting local markets and community activities during the Hajj pilgrimage and Eid celebrations.
2 sourcesApr 19Low
- Culture· UAE
Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Offers Condolences for Prominent Emirati Figure
Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum visited a condolence majlis in Dubai to express his sympathies following the death of Hussein Masoud Hadi Al-Ahbabi. This event reflects the UAE leadership's commitment to cultural traditions and community solidarity during times of mourning. The ongoing engagement of high-ranking officials in such ceremonies underscores the importance of familial and social bonds in Emirati society.
2 sourcesApr 19Low
- Culture· UAE
UAE Flag-Raising Ceremony at BAPS Hindu Mandir Promotes Interfaith Unity Amid Regional Tensions
On April 19, 2026, a flag-raising ceremony at the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi brought together over 1,000 attendees from various faiths. This event was triggered by the recent reopening of the temple following a temporary closure due to heightened regional tensions from the US-Israel-Iran war. The long-term implication is a reinforced commitment to cultural cohesion and community safety in the UAE, positioning it as a stable haven amid ongoing geopolitical conflicts.
2 sourcesApr 19Low
- Culture· UAE
Dubai Global Village to Reopen on April 20, 2026, After Closure Due to US-Iran War
Dubai's Global Village will reopen on April 20, 2026, after a month-long closure due to heightened tensions from the US-Iran war. The reopening follows a ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran, allowing for the resumption of operations at the multicultural festival. This move is expected to restore vital recreational options and support local tourism and employment as the region recovers from conflict-related disruptions.
2 sourcesApr 19Low - Culture· UAE
Sharjah Science Museum Launches Year-Long Program for 30th Anniversary
The Sharjah Science Museum has commenced a year-long program celebrating its 30th anniversary, featuring workshops and activities aimed at promoting science education. This initiative is triggered by the museum's milestone anniversary on April 17, 2026, and reflects ongoing governmental support for educational initiatives in the UAE. Long-term, this program is expected to enhance the museum's role as a key interactive science center, attracting visitors and fostering scientific curiosity across the region.
3 sourcesApr 19Low
- Culture· UAE
Sheikh Zayed Book Award Announces 20th Edition Winners Recognizing Global Arab Cultural Contributions
The Sheikh Zayed Book Award announced its 20th edition winners on April 17, 2026, honoring eight laureates from various countries for their contributions to literature, translation, and publishing. This announcement comes after a rigorous selection process involving over 4,000 nominations from 74 countries, reflecting the award's commitment to promoting Arabic creativity on a global scale. The long-term implication is the anticipated elevation of Arabic literature and culture, particularly with the upcoming ceremony at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair in September 2026, which is expected to attract significant regional attention.
4 sourcesApr 19Low
- 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 temporary closure due to security concerns from the US-Iran war. The reopening is triggered by a recent ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran, allowing for the resumption of operations. This development signals a potential return to normalcy for tourism and leisure activities in Dubai, contributing to economic recovery in the region.
3 sourcesApr 19Low - Culture· MENA
International Pilgrims Begin Arriving for Hajj 2026 in Saudi Arabia
The first batches of international Hajj pilgrims arrived in Madinah and Jeddah on April 18, 2026, marking the start of the annual pilgrimage season. This influx is facilitated by the Makkah Route initiative, which streamlines entry procedures and health verifications for pilgrims from multiple countries. The successful processing of arrivals indicates Saudi Arabia's readiness to host a large number of pilgrims, reinforcing its commitment to enhancing the Hajj experience amid ongoing health protocols.
3 sourcesApr 19Low
- Culture· MENA
DNA test disconfirms Libyan family connection for kidnapped Egyptian man
On April 18, 2026, a DNA test revealed no biological relation between 'Islam al-Da'i', a man kidnapped as a newborn in early 1980s Alexandria, Egypt, and a Libyan family he had recently claimed as his own. This revelation follows a live TikTok announcement by Islam, who misinterpreted the DNA results due to language barriers, prompting a public apology and renewed media interest. The long-term implication is a reset in his search for biological parents, potentially impacting public perceptions of child abduction cases in the region.
3 sourcesApr 19Low
- Culture· UAE
Emirati Boy Drowns While Rescuing Sister from Sea Currents in Ras Al Khaimah
On April 17, 2026, a 13-year-old Emirati boy drowned at Flamingo Beach in Ras Al Khaimah while rescuing his younger sister from strong sea currents. The incident occurred amidst ongoing safety concerns regarding unguarded beaches in the UAE, prompting community mourning and calls for increased awareness. Long-term, this tragedy may lead to renewed safety campaigns and potential policy changes regarding beach supervision and child safety measures in the region.
3 sourcesApr 19Low
- Culture· MENA
Spanish-Egyptian Mission Uncovers Roman-Era Tomb in Minya with Golden Tongues and Homeric Papyrus
A Spanish archaeological mission discovered a Roman-era tomb in Al-Bahnasa, Egypt, revealing multiple mummies, golden tongues, and a papyrus fragment from Homer's Iliad. This discovery is part of ongoing excavations aimed at documenting Egypt's rich archaeological heritage, coinciding with heightened interest in Greco-Roman history. The find is expected to enhance cultural tourism and scholarly research into ancient burial practices in the region.
3 sourcesApr 19Low
- Culture· MENA
Completion of Maintenance Project for the Kaaba and Maqam Ibrahim
The comprehensive periodic maintenance project for the Kaaba and Maqam Ibrahim was completed on April 19, 2026. This initiative was executed by the General Authority for the Care of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque to ensure the structural integrity of Islam's holiest site ahead of the upcoming Hajj season. The successful completion of this project is likely to enhance the experience of millions of pilgrims, reinforcing Saudi Arabia's commitment to maintaining its religious heritage.
4 sourcesApr 19Low
- Culture· UAE
Faya Palaeolandscape in Sharjah Recognized on International Day of Monuments and Sites
On April 18, 2026, the Faya Palaeolandscape archaeological site in Sharjah was highlighted as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcasing 210,000 years of human occupation. This recognition coincides with the evaluation phase of the AED 2 million Faya Research Grant program aimed at supporting ongoing research and excavations. The long-term implication is an enhanced global profile for UAE's heritage science and increased academic collaboration in prehistoric studies.
3 sourcesApr 19Low
- Culture· UAE
Sheikh Mansour bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Offers Condolences for Prominent Dubai Resident
Sheikh Mansour bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum visited a condolence council in Dubai on April 19, 2026, to express his sympathies following the death of Hussein Masoud Hadi Al-Ahbabi. This event is occurring now as part of the UAE's cultural norm of high-level participation in public mourning for respected figures. The long-term implication is a reinforcement of community solidarity and the importance of familial bonds within UAE society.
3 sourcesApr 19Low
- Culture· World
Wolf Neukgu Recaptured After Nine-Day Escape from Daejeon Zoo
Neukgu, a two-year-old male wolf, was recaptured on April 17, 2026, after escaping from the O-World zoo in Daejeon, South Korea, on April 8. The escape prompted a massive search operation involving over 300 personnel and garnered significant public attention, leading to school closures and viral social media engagement. The incident has resulted in the zoo's indefinite closure for security reviews and raised concerns about animal welfare and enclosure safety.
5 sourcesApr 19High
- Culture· World
Titanic survivor's life jacket sells for £670,000 at auction
A life jacket worn by Titanic survivor Laura Mabel Francatelli sold for £670,000 at auction in Devizes, England. The auction coincided with the 114th anniversary of the Titanic disaster, reflecting ongoing public interest in Titanic memorabilia. This sale indicates a robust market for historical artifacts, potentially leading to increased auction activity for similar items in the future.
3 sourcesApr 19Moderate