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· Americas
ABC Cancels Taylor Frankie Paul's Bachelorette Season Following Domestic Violence Video Release
ABC and Disney have canceled Taylor Frankie Paul's season of The Bachelorette just days before its scheduled premiere due to a recently released video showing Paul assaulting her ex-partner Dakota Mortensen. The immediate trigger for this decision was the public release of the video by TMZ, which prompted Mortensen to file a protective order and seek custody of their child. This incident is likely to have long-term implications for reality television production standards and the scrutiny of participants' personal conduct in the industry.
8 sourcesMar 23Low
- Culture· Americas
Joseph Duggar Waives Extradition Hearing for Child Molestation Charge in Florida
Joseph Duggar has waived his extradition hearing, allowing his transfer from Arkansas to Florida to face charges of lewd and lascivious behavior against a child. This decision follows allegations made by a 14-year-old girl regarding incidents that occurred when she was 9 during a family vacation. The long-term implications may involve increased scrutiny of the Duggar family's public image and potential legal repercussions for Duggar and his associates.
5 sourcesMar 23Moderate
- Culture· Americas
Nicholas Brendon, Actor from Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Passes Away at 54
Nicholas Brendon, best known for his role as Xander Harris in 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer,' died on March 20, 2026, at the age of 54 from natural causes. His death comes amid a wave of tributes from co-stars and fans, reflecting on his contributions to television and his recent artistic pursuits. The long-term implication may involve renewed discussions on mental health and substance abuse within the entertainment industry, given Brendon's past struggles and the impact of his legacy.
13 sourcesMar 23High
- Culture· Americas
Justin Timberlake's Bodycam Footage from DWI Arrest Released Publicly
Police bodycam footage of Justin Timberlake's June 2024 arrest for driving while impaired was released on March 20, 2026, following Freedom of Information Law requests. The release comes after Timberlake's plea deal in September 2024, where he was charged with a lesser offense of driving while ability impaired. This incident has sparked discussions on celebrity accountability and public safety, likely influencing future media coverage of similar cases involving public figures.
4 sourcesMar 23High
- 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