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
824 stories- 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
- Culture· Americas
Hachette Book Group Cancels Publication of Horror Novel 'Shy Girl' Over AI Concerns
On March 19, 2026, Hachette Book Group announced the cancellation of the U.S. publication and discontinuation of the U.K. edition of the horror novel 'Shy Girl' due to allegations of AI-generated content. This decision was triggered by a New York Times inquiry and online reader suspicions that led to an internal review, revealing that 78% of the text was flagged as AI-generated. The long-term implication may involve stricter submission policies in the publishing industry as concerns over undisclosed AI assistance grow.
6 sourcesMar 22High
- Culture· Americas
Sexual abuse allegations against César Chávez prompt reevaluation of his legacy
On March 18, 2026, a New York Times investigation revealed multiple allegations of sexual abuse against labor leader César Chávez, leading to significant public backlash and the cancellation of commemorative events. The immediate trigger for this reevaluation stems from the resurfacing of these claims amid ongoing cultural reckonings regarding historical figures' misconduct. This development suggests a long-term shift in how society honors historical icons, potentially leading to broader discussions on accountability and legacy in the labor movement.
4 sourcesMar 22Moderate
- Culture· Americas
Nationwide Movement to Disavow César Chávez Following Sexual Abuse Allegations
On March 18, 2026, an investigation revealed sexual abuse allegations against César Chávez, prompting a reevaluation of his legacy across the United States. The immediate trigger for this movement is the detailed accounts of abuse, including assaults on minors and Dolores Huerta, which have led to the removal of public honors associated with Chávez. In the long term, this could reshape the narrative of the Chicano civil rights movement, emphasizing collective history over individual heroism.
3 sourcesMar 22Moderate
- Culture· Americas
ABC Cancels The Bachelorette Season Amid Domestic Violence Allegations Against Taylor Frankie Paul
ABC has canceled Taylor Frankie Paul's season of The Bachelorette just days before its premiere due to the release of a video showing her physical altercation with ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen. The immediate trigger for this decision was the public outcry following the video's release by TMZ, which coincided with ongoing domestic assault investigations. This cancellation could lead to significant financial losses for ABC and may prompt a reevaluation of how reality television handles personal controversies involving cast members.
13 sourcesMar 22Moderate
- Culture· Americas
Joseph Duggar Waives Extradition Hearing to Face Child Molestation Charges in Florida
Joseph Duggar waived his extradition hearing on March 20, 2026, allowing his transfer from Arkansas to Florida to face charges of child molestation. This decision follows his arrest on March 19, 2026, based on allegations that he molested a 9-year-old girl during a family vacation five years ago. The case is likely to reignite public scrutiny of the Duggar family and could lead to further legal actions against Duggar and his wife.
11 sourcesMar 22Low
- 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 in his sleep from natural causes on March 20, 2026. The announcement was made by his family via social media, prompting an outpouring of tributes from fans and co-stars alike. This event highlights the lasting impact of the series on pop culture and may lead to renewed interest in Brendon's work and legacy.
13 sourcesMar 22High
- Culture· Europe
Accidental drowning of University of Alabama student James Gracey in Barcelona
James Gracey, a 20-year-old University of Alabama student, drowned after falling into the Mediterranean Sea near a Barcelona nightclub on March 17, 2026. The incident occurred during a spring break trip, with surveillance footage confirming it was an accidental fall, and authorities have ruled out foul play. The long-term implication may involve increased scrutiny of safety measures at popular tourist locations to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
7 sourcesMar 22Low
- Culture· Americas
Justin Timberlake's Bodycam Footage from DWI Arrest Released by Sag Harbor Police
On March 20, 2026, the Sag Harbor Police Department released redacted bodycam footage of Justin Timberlake's June 2024 arrest for driving while impaired. The release follows Timberlake's previous attempts to block the footage due to privacy concerns after he pleaded guilty to a lesser charge in September 2024. This incident underscores ongoing discussions around celebrity accountability and public access to legal records in the U.S.
4 sourcesMar 22High
- Culture· Asia
BTS Holds First Group Concert in Four Years at Gwanghwamun Square After Military Service
BTS performed their first collective concert in nearly four years at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul on March 21, 2026, following the completion of their mandatory military service. This historic event was triggered by the release of their new album 'Arirang' and the members' return to group activities, generating significant global anticipation. The concert marks the beginning of an extensive world tour, signaling BTS's renewed dominance in the music industry and the potential for increased cultural influence worldwide.
5 sourcesMar 22Very High
- Culture· MENA
GCC Nations Announce March 20, 2026, as Eid al-Fitr Celebration Day
The Gulf Cooperation Council countries have declared Friday, March 20, 2026, as the first day of Eid al-Fitr following the non-sighting of the Shawwal crescent. This decision was made after local moon-sighting committees failed to observe the crescent on March 18, leading to a unified celebration across the region. The coordinated observance reflects ongoing geopolitical stability and may enhance regional solidarity during future religious events.
4 sourcesMar 21Low
- Culture· Americas
Nicholas Brendon, Buffy the Vampire Slayer Actor, Dies at 54 from Natural Causes
On March 20, 2026, Nicholas Brendon passed away in his sleep from natural causes while managing chronic health issues. His death follows a history of health struggles, including a heart attack and spinal surgeries, which had been publicly shared by Brendon. The long-term implication is a renewed focus on mental health and wellness in the entertainment industry, as tributes pour in from fans and co-stars alike.
4 sourcesMar 21Very High
- Culture· Europe
Neanderthals Used Birch Tar as Antiseptic for Wound Treatment
A peer-reviewed study has confirmed that Neanderthals utilized birch tar with antibacterial properties for wound treatment. This research, published in PLOS ONE, was triggered by the need to understand ancient medicinal practices and their implications for modern antimicrobial strategies. The findings suggest a reevaluation of Neanderthal capabilities and may influence contemporary approaches to antibiotic resistance and natural remedies.
3 sourcesMar 21Low