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· World
Oldest Dog Genomes Confirm Pre-Neolithic Domestication by Hunter-Gatherers
Recent paleogenomic studies have identified the oldest sequenced dog genomes, including a 15,800-year-old specimen from Turkey, indicating that dogs were domesticated by Ice Age hunter-gatherers much earlier than previously believed. This shift is triggered by advancements in ancient DNA analysis techniques that allow for clearer differentiation between wolves and dogs. The long-term implication suggests a reevaluation of the timeline of human-animal relationships and may lead to increased funding in archaeogenetics research.
3 sourcesMar 26Moderate
- Culture· World
Skeletal remains potentially belonging to d'Artagnan discovered in Maastricht church
Workers renovating St. Peter and Paul Church in Maastricht uncovered a skeleton, musket bullet fragment, and a 1660 French coin, potentially linked to Charles de Batz de Castelmore d'Artagnan. This discovery coincides with ongoing historical research and DNA analysis aimed at confirming the identity of the remains. If verified, this find could reshape historical narratives surrounding d'Artagnan and his role in the Franco-Dutch War, attracting significant interest from historians and cultural authorities.
5 sourcesMar 26Moderate
- Culture· World
Saudi Arabia Achieves 22nd Place in World Happiness Report 2026
Saudi Arabia has been ranked 22nd out of 147 countries in the World Happiness Report 2026, reflecting a significant improvement in national life satisfaction. This ranking is attributed to the ongoing success of Vision 2030 reforms, which have enhanced quality of life through various social and infrastructure initiatives. The long-term implication suggests that this progress may bolster investor confidence and further drive social reforms in the Kingdom.
4 sourcesMar 25Low
- Culture· World
Mel Schilling, Relationship Expert from Married at First Sight, Passes Away at 54
Mel Schilling, a prominent relationship expert known for her role on Married at First Sight, died on March 24, 2026, after a battle with metastatic colon cancer. Her death comes shortly after she publicly announced her terminal prognosis, following a misdiagnosis and subsequent treatment failures that began in late 2023. The long-term implication of her passing may lead to increased awareness and discussions surrounding cancer diagnosis and treatment in the entertainment industry.
4 sourcesMar 25High
- Culture· World
Project Hail Mary Sets Record $80.5 Million Opening for Amazon MGM Studios
Project Hail Mary grossed $80.5 million in its North American opening weekend, marking the highest debut for Amazon MGM Studios. This success is attributed to strong audience reception and demand for original sci-fi narratives in a recovering box office environment. The film's performance signals a potential resurgence for Amazon MGM in the competitive film industry ahead of upcoming releases.
7 sourcesMar 25Low
- Culture· World
Chappell Roan Denies Security Guard Incident Involving Jorginho's Family
On March 21, 2026, pop singer Chappell Roan denied allegations of sending a security guard to confront the family of soccer player Jorginho at a hotel in São Paulo. The incident was triggered by accusations that Jorginho's 11-year-old stepdaughter harassed Roan, which led to public backlash and social media discussions. This event highlights ongoing tensions between celebrity culture and public interactions, potentially influencing how artists manage their security and public relations in the future.
9 sourcesMar 25Very High
- Culture· World
Canadian Actress Carrie Anne Fleming Dies at 51 from Breast Cancer Complications
Carrie Anne Fleming, known for her roles in Supernatural and iZombie, passed away on February 26, 2026, in Sidney, British Columbia, due to complications from breast cancer. Her death was confirmed by her representative and co-star Jim Beaver, highlighting the impact of her battle with the disease at this moment. The long-term implication may include increased awareness and discussions surrounding breast cancer and its effects on the entertainment industry and fans alike.
3 sourcesMar 25Low
- Culture· UAE
Mel Schilling, Relationship Expert from Married at First Sight, Dies at 54
Mel Schilling passed away on March 24, 2026, at the age of 54 due to metastatic colon cancer. Her death follows a two-year battle with the disease, which had spread despite previous treatment efforts. This loss is likely to amplify public health discussions around cancer awareness and early screening, particularly among expatriates in the UAE.
4 sourcesMar 25High - Culture· World
Project Hail Mary Sets Box Office Record for Amazon MGM Studios with $80.5 Million Opening Weekend
Project Hail Mary has achieved a record-breaking $80.5 million domestic box office gross during its opening weekend. This surge in ticket sales is attributed to strong critical and audience reception, alongside a recovering theatrical market. The film's success is likely to encourage further investment in original non-franchise films by major studios.
7 sourcesMar 25Low - Culture· World
Chappell Roan Responds to Security Incident Involving Jorginho's Family at Lollapalooza Brazil 2026
During Lollapalooza Brazil, pop singer Chappell Roan faced accusations from soccer player Jorginho regarding a security guard's confrontation with his family at a hotel. The incident was triggered by a misunderstanding during breakfast, leading to public outcry and conflicting accounts about the guard's affiliation. This controversy highlights ongoing debates about celebrity security protocols and fan interactions in the entertainment industry.
9 sourcesMar 25Moderate - Culture· World
Carrie Anne Fleming, Actress from Supernatural, Passes Away at 51
Carrie Anne Fleming, known for her role as Karen Singer in the series Supernatural, died on February 26, 2026, from complications related to breast cancer. The announcement of her death comes after a private health struggle, with tributes pouring in from co-stars and fans alike. This loss highlights the impact of cancer on public figures and may prompt discussions about health awareness in the entertainment industry.
3 sourcesMar 25Low
- Culture· MENA
Iranian Kurds Celebrate Nowruz Amid Ongoing US-Israel-Iran Conflict
Iranian Kurds celebrated Nowruz in Iraqi Kurdistan despite the ongoing war initiated by the US and Israel against Iran. The festivities were triggered by the desire to preserve cultural identity and express hope for regime change following the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. This event highlights the resilience of the Kurdish community and may lead to increased calls for international support and intervention in their struggle against Iranian oppression.
3 sourcesMar 24Low
- Culture· UAE
Eid al-Fitr 2026 Celebrations in UAE Emphasize Unity Amid Regional Tensions
Eid al-Fitr celebrations on March 20, 2026, in the UAE featured indoor prayers and national solidarity displays due to heightened regional tensions. The festivities were triggered by the official moon sighting announcement on March 18, leading to security measures and messages of reassurance from leaders. Long-term, these events may reinforce national unity and resilience in the face of ongoing geopolitical challenges.
3 sourcesMar 23Low
- Culture· Europe
Paapa Essiedu Receives Death Threats Following Casting as Severus Snape in HBO Series
Paapa Essiedu disclosed receiving racially motivated death threats on March 22, 2026, following his casting as Severus Snape in HBO's Harry Potter series. The threats have intensified since the casting announcement in April 2025, reflecting ongoing backlash against race-swapped characters in popular media. This incident highlights the persistent issue of online harassment and may influence future casting decisions in the entertainment industry.
4 sourcesMar 23High
- Culture· MENA
Iranian Kurdish Exiles Celebrate Nowruz Amid Ongoing US-Israel War with Iran
Iranian Kurds celebrated Nowruz on March 21, 2026, in Iraq's Kurdistan region despite the ongoing war. This cultural observance follows the assassination of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei by US-Israeli strikes on February 28, which has intensified regional tensions. The long-term implication may be a strengthened resolve among Kurdish exiles to preserve their cultural identity and potentially return to Iran as the regime appears weakened.
3 sourcesMar 23Low
- Culture· MENA
Global Eid al-Fitr Celebrations Documented Amid Ongoing Conflicts
On March 20, 2026, Muslims worldwide celebrated Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan with communal prayers and festivities despite ongoing regional conflicts. The immediate trigger for these celebrations was the lunar calendar's confirmation of Eid, allowing for a global observance that included significant gatherings in conflict-affected areas. Long-term, this resilience in celebration amidst adversity may foster a renewed focus on peace and humanitarian efforts in the region.
3 sourcesMar 23Moderate
- Culture· Americas
Chuck Norris Dies at 86 in Hawaii
Chuck Norris passed away on March 19, 2026, at the age of 86 in Kauaʻi, Hawaii, following a medical emergency during a family vacation. The sudden nature of his death has prompted widespread tributes from fans and celebrities alike, highlighting his legacy in martial arts and entertainment. This event underscores the cultural impact of Norris's career and may lead to renewed interest in his work and the genres he influenced.
15 sourcesMar 23Low
- Culture· Americas
Bachelor Franchise Faces Crisis as ABC Cancels Bachelorette Season Amid Domestic Violence Controversy
ABC has canceled the upcoming season of The Bachelorette featuring Taylor Frankie Paul just days before its premiere due to resurfaced domestic violence footage. The immediate trigger for this decision was the public release of a 2023 incident involving Paul and her ex-boyfriend, prompting Rachel Lindsay to declare the franchise irreparably damaged. This cancellation could lead to significant financial losses for ABC and a reevaluation of casting practices within reality television.
5 sourcesMar 23Moderate
- Culture· Americas
Hachette Book Group Cancels Publication of 'Shy Girl' Over AI Generation Concerns
Hachette Book Group has withdrawn the UK edition and canceled the US publication of the horror novel 'Shy Girl' due to suspicions that artificial intelligence was used to generate significant portions of the text. This decision was triggered by a New York Times inquiry and months of online speculation regarding the book's writing style, which led to an internal review confirming AI involvement. The long-term implication is a heightened scrutiny of AI-generated content in publishing, potentially reshaping industry standards and practices around authorship and originality.
6 sourcesMar 23Low
- Culture· Americas
Hulu's The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives Faces Production Suspension Amid Domestic Violence Allegations
Castmates of Hulu's reality series The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives have publicly condemned domestic violence following the release of a video showing Taylor Frankie Paul assaulting her ex-boyfriend. This incident has led to the suspension of season 5 production and the cancellation of Paul's upcoming Bachelorette season due to ongoing domestic assault investigations. The long-term implications may include a reevaluation of reality TV production standards and increased scrutiny on cast behavior in similar shows.
3 sourcesMar 23High