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· MENA
King Abdulaziz International Quran Competition opens with new female category
The final qualifying rounds of the King Abdulaziz International Competition for the Memorization, Recitation, and Interpretation of the Quran have officially commenced in Mecca. This year's event features 334 participants from 133 countries and introduces a female category for the first time, reflecting a significant shift towards inclusivity. The competition aims to enhance global engagement with Quranic education and inspire youth participation in religious studies long-term.
3 sourcesAug 10
- Culture· World
William Orbit, influential music producer, passes away at 69
William Orbit has died at the age of 69, marking a significant loss for the music industry. His passing comes as tributes from various artists highlight his profound impact on pop music, particularly through his work on Madonna's 'Ray of Light'. The long-term implication is that his innovative production style will continue to inspire future generations of artists and producers.
5 sourcesAug 10
- Culture· UAE
UAE Celebrates 60th Anniversary of Sheikh Zayed's Accession as Ruler of Abu Dhabi
The UAE has commemorated the 60th anniversary of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan's accession as Ruler of Abu Dhabi. This celebration is occurring now as a tribute to Sheikh Zayed's lasting legacy and profound impact on the nation. The event reinforces the UAE's commitment to honoring his contributions and inspires future initiatives aimed at fostering unity and progress in the region.
4 sourcesAug 9
- Culture· MENA
Mexican TikToker César Gastélum murdered during livestreaming incident
César Gastélum, a 24-year-old TikToker, was shot dead while livestreaming outside a fast-food restaurant in Mexico. This tragic event is part of a disturbing trend of violence against influencers, raising concerns about the influence of organized crime on social media personalities. The ongoing violence may lead to increased calls for protective measures and regulations for content creators in the digital space.
3 sourcesAug 9
- Culture· World
Amanda Knox's comedy show at Edinburgh Fringe faces backlash from victim's family
The Edinburgh Fringe festival is embroiled in controversy over Amanda Knox's comedy show, which has been criticized for trivializing violence against women. The immediate backlash follows public condemnation from Meredith Kercher's family and a petition with over 9,000 signatures calling for the show's cancellation. This incident raises broader questions about the limits of free speech in comedy and may influence future performances at the festival.
5 sourcesAug 9
- Culture· UAE
Dubai launches $21.8 million Dubai Creek Lights project to enhance waterfront area
Dubai has initiated the Dubai Creek Lights project, a significant investment aimed at enhancing the historic waterfront area. The project is triggered by Dubai's goal to transform the Creek into a world-class nighttime destination, featuring 5,000 lighting units along an 8km stretch. Long-term, this initiative is expected to boost tourism and local engagement, significantly enhancing the cultural and aesthetic value of the area.
3 sourcesAug 8
- Culture· UAE
Dubai Municipality Launches AED80 Million Dubai Creek Lights Project
The Dubai Creek Lights project has officially begun, with an investment of AED80 million. This initiative is being implemented under the directives of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed to enhance the cultural and aesthetic appeal of Dubai Creek. Long-term, the project is expected to boost tourism and economic growth by transforming the area into a vibrant nighttime destination.
3 sourcesAug 8
- Culture· MENA
King Abdulaziz International Qur'an Competition opens with record participation
The 46th session of the King Abdulaziz International Competition for Memorizing, Reciting, and Interpreting the Holy Qur'an commenced in Makkah with a record 334 contestants from 133 countries. This unprecedented participation is driven by Saudi Arabia's commitment to promoting Qur'anic education and inclusivity, including separate competitions for female participants. The long-term implication is a strengthened global engagement with Qur'anic teachings and an enhanced role for Saudi Arabia in religious education.
3 sourcesAug 8
- Culture· UAE
Dubai Mallathon Launches at Dubai International Airport to Promote Fitness
The Dubai Mallathon was held for the first time at Dubai International Airport, integrating fitness into the travel experience. This initiative, launched by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, aims to encourage healthier lifestyles among travelers and airport staff. The success of this event could lead to similar fitness initiatives at airports globally, transforming travel environments into venues for health and wellness activities.
3 sourcesAug 8
- Culture· World
French livestreamers sentenced for abusive behavior linked to man's death
Two French livestreamers have been sentenced to suspended prison terms for their abusive actions during live broadcasts that preceded a man's death. This ruling comes amid increasing scrutiny of the responsibilities of content creators and the ethical implications of online streaming. The case may prompt stricter regulations and ethical standards for digital influencers in the future.
3 sourcesAug 8
- Culture· World
Perez Hilton hospitalized after alarming TikTok livestream incident
Perez Hilton has been hospitalized following a disturbing TikTok livestream where he appeared to self-harm. The incident prompted immediate police intervention and raised significant concern among viewers, leading to discussions about social media content moderation. As Hilton recovers, there may be increased scrutiny on TikTok's policies regarding live content monitoring and mental health support for users.
3 sourcesAug 8
- Culture· UAE
Dr. Valerie Hillings appointed as first director of Guggenheim Abu Dhabi
Dr. Valerie Hillings has been named the inaugural director of the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. This appointment reflects the UAE's strategic investment in enhancing its cultural landscape at this pivotal moment. With Hillings' leadership, the museum is expected to play a significant role in fostering cultural exchange and innovation in the region.
3 sourcesAug 7
- Culture· UAE
UAE Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka Receives Gold Award for Design Excellence
The UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met with the Expo 2025 Osaka Pavilion team, recognizing their contributions to the nation's global representation. This recognition comes as the pavilion, themed 'Earth to Ether', showcases the UAE's cultural heritage and future aspirations. The long-term implication is that the UAE aims to solidify its status as a global hub for innovation and creativity through such cultural exhibitions.
3 sourcesAug 7
- Culture· MENA
Spider-Man: Brand New Day crosses $1 billion in global box office within six days
'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' has crossed $1 billion in global box office revenue within six days of its release. The film's rapid success is attributed to its record-breaking opening weekend in the Middle East, generating $18.4 million, with the UAE contributing $7.4 million. This milestone indicates a strong demand for superhero films, likely influencing future productions and marketing strategies in the genre.
3 sourcesAug 7 - Culture· MENA
Dr. Mohammed Alwan appointed President of Riyadh University of the Arts
Dr. Mohammed Alwan has been appointed as the President of Riyadh University of the Arts. This strategic appointment by the Saudi Culture Minister is aimed at enhancing the university's academic offerings and partnerships in alignment with Vision 2030. The establishment of the university is expected to significantly contribute to the development of the arts and creative sectors in Saudi Arabia.
3 sourcesAug 6
- Culture· MENA
Saudi Heritage Authority announces discovery of 103 archaeological sites and registration of 1,173 new sites
The Saudi Heritage Authority has revealed the discovery of 103 archaeological sites in the Alia Najd region and registered 1,173 new sites in the national heritage register. This announcement comes as part of ongoing efforts to enhance the protection and promotion of Saudi Arabia's cultural heritage. The long-term implication is expected to be an increase in cultural tourism and international interest in Saudi Arabia's historical significance.
4 sourcesAug 6
- Culture· World
Massive Attack Detained in Singapore for Displaying Palestinian Flag at Concert
British band Massive Attack was detained by Singapore police after displaying a Palestinian flag during their concert. The incident occurred due to Singapore's ban on displaying foreign flags, prompting authorities to question the band members and search their hotel rooms. This event raises concerns about the limits of political expression in entertainment and may influence future performances by artists in politically sensitive regions.
6 sourcesAug 6
- Culture· World
Rod Liddle, influential British journalist, passes away at 66
Rod Liddle died in hospital in Middlesbrough on August 3, 2026. His passing comes as the journalism community reflects on his controversial yet impactful career, marked by sharp commentary and debate. This event is likely to spark discussions about the future of provocative journalism in the UK.
3 sourcesAug 6
- Culture· World
Ariana Grande announces step back from public visibility after world tour
Ariana Grande has decided to take a break from public visibility following the conclusion of her world tour next month. This decision is prompted by ongoing public scrutiny regarding her appearance, which she has indicated was a well-considered choice rather than impulsive. The long-term implication may involve a shift in her career focus towards personal well-being and potential new projects away from the spotlight.
3 sourcesAug 6
- Culture· MENA
Mexican influencer César Gastélum shot dead during live stream in Sinaloa
César Gastélum, a popular TikTok influencer, was shot dead while livestreaming outside a fast-food restaurant in Culiacán, Sinaloa. The incident is a stark reminder of the escalating violence linked to cartel activity in the region. This tragic event raises urgent questions about the safety of public figures and the broader implications for social media engagement in Mexico.
4 sourcesAug 6