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
410 stories- Culture· World
Reality TV star Jake Hall found dead in Mallorca at 35
Jake Hall, a prominent reality TV star, was found dead in a villa in Mallorca, Spain, at the age of 35. His death, attributed to head wounds from glass, has shocked fans and family, prompting investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident. This tragic event raises broader concerns about mental health and safety within the entertainment industry as investigations continue.
3 sourcesMay 8Moderate
- Culture· MENA
Egypt mourns the death of iconic singer Hani Shakir
Hani Shakir, a celebrated figure in Arab music, passed away on Sunday in Paris after a prolonged illness. His funeral on Wednesday in 6th of October City drew numerous artists and public figures, highlighting his significant impact on the cultural landscape. The music community is expected to continue honoring his legacy, influencing future generations of artists in the Arab world.
3 sourcesMay 7Low
- Culture· World
Doris Fisher, co-founder of Gap, passes away at 94
Doris Fisher, a pivotal figure in American fashion and co-founder of the Gap, died on May 4, 2026, at the age of 94. Her passing comes at a time when the fashion industry is reflecting on her significant contributions to casual wear and philanthropy. The long-term implication is that her legacy may influence future trends and philanthropic efforts within the fashion sector.
3 sourcesMay 7Low
- Culture· World
Princess Eugenie announces pregnancy with third child
Princess Eugenie has revealed that she is expecting her third child, a significant development for the British royal family. The announcement comes at a time of heightened public interest in royal family milestones, confirmed by Buckingham Palace's statement of King Charles's delight. This news is likely to increase media attention and public engagement with the royal family's activities in the coming months.
3 sourcesMay 7Low
- Culture· World
Met Gala 2026 raises record $42 million amid protests against billionaire sponsorships
The 2026 Met Gala raised a record $42 million while featuring art-inspired fashion from numerous celebrities. Protests and calls for a boycott emerged due to the event's association with billionaire sponsors Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez Bezos. This scrutiny may lead to increased discussions about wealth influence in the arts and potential changes in sponsorship practices for cultural events.
3 sourcesMay 7High
- Culture· MENA
Iraqi pilgrims document their journey to Mecca starting at the Pilgrims City in Al-Jouf
Iraqi pilgrims are currently sharing their experiences as they travel to Mecca, beginning their journey at the newly established Pilgrims City in Al-Jouf. This initiative is driven by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, which is leveraging technology and comprehensive services to enhance the pilgrimage experience. In the long term, these advancements are expected to make future Hajj seasons more accessible and comfortable for pilgrims worldwide.
3 sourcesMay 6Low
- Culture· World
Renowned Egyptian singer Hani Shaker passes away at 74
Hani Shaker, a celebrated figure in Arabic music, died in a Paris hospital after a prolonged illness. His passing comes at a time when the music community is reflecting on his significant contributions over a career spanning more than fifty years. The long-term implication is a likely resurgence of interest in his work, with tributes and retrospectives honoring his legacy in the Arab music scene.
3 sourcesMay 6Low
- Culture· MENA
Prominent Egyptian Singer Hany Shaker Passes Away at 74
Hany Shaker, a significant figure in Arabic music, died at the age of 74 on May 3, 2026. His passing comes after a prolonged illness, marking a profound loss for fans and the music community. The long-term implication is a renewed focus on his legacy and influence on future generations of musicians in the Arab world.
3 sourcesMay 6Moderate
- Culture· MENA
Medina Welcomes First Pilgrims for Hajj Season from Mali
The city of Medina has begun receiving an influx of pilgrims for the Hajj season, marked by the arrival of the first flights from Mali. This surge is facilitated by increased flight operations at Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport, as authorities implement measures to ensure smooth processing for the guests. As the Hajj season progresses, the focus will remain on maintaining operational efficiency and the comfort of pilgrims during their spiritual journey.
3 sourcesMay 6Low
- Culture· MENA
Mecca enhances facilities ahead of Hajj season
The holy sites in Mecca are being developed with new facilities and services in preparation for the upcoming Hajj season. These enhancements, including mist fans and expanded sanitation facilities, are being implemented to ensure a comfortable experience for millions of pilgrims. The long-term implication is a commitment to improving pilgrimage infrastructure, potentially increasing attendance and setting a new standard for future Hajj seasons.
3 sourcesMay 6Low
- Culture· MENA
Death of Hani Shakir, Icon of Arabic Music, Sparks Calls for Public Funeral in Egypt
Hani Shakir, the renowned Egyptian singer, passed away after a health crisis in Paris. His death has led to widespread demands for a public funeral to honor his legacy. As the music community mourns, discussions about his influence on Arabic music and potential tributes are likely to intensify.
4 sourcesMay 6Moderate
- Culture· World
Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences bans AI actors and screenplays from Oscars
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has ruled that only human actors and human-written screenplays are eligible for Academy Awards. This decision is a direct response to the increasing use of AI in film and screenwriting, aiming to preserve the integrity of artistic expression. The long-term implication may set a precedent for how other creative industries navigate the integration of AI technologies in their processes.
3 sourcesMay 6Low
- Culture· World
SAG-AFTRA Reaches Tentative Agreement with Major Studios to Prevent Strike
SAG-AFTRA has announced a tentative four-year agreement with major studios, averting a potential strike. This development follows the resumption of negotiations last week after previous talks had stalled. The agreement is expected to foster stability in Hollywood's production environment and influence future labor relations in the entertainment industry.
4 sourcesMay 6Low
- Culture· World
Saudi Women Enhance Hajj Experience Through Makkah Route Initiative at Istanbul Airport
Saudi women are now playing a vital role in the 'Makkah Route' initiative at Istanbul Airport, providing essential services to Hajj pilgrims. This development is part of the Kingdom's ongoing efforts to streamline the pilgrimage process and improve the overall experience for millions. As the initiative evolves, it is expected to incorporate advanced technologies and expand its reach to other international airports, further enhancing the pilgrimage experience.
4 sourcesMay 5Low
- Culture· UAE
Sheikh Hamdan Launches Urban Greening Initiative in Dubai
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed has announced a campaign to plant flame trees across Dubai's streets and parks. This initiative is being implemented as the summer season begins, aligning with the city's sustainability goals. The long-term implication is an enhanced urban environment that may foster greater community engagement in environmental efforts.
4 sourcesMay 4Moderate
- Culture· UAE
Indian Expat Wins Dh25 Million in Abu Dhabi Lottery Draw
An Indian expatriate won Dh25 million in the Big Ticket draw held in Abu Dhabi. This significant win highlights the ongoing popularity of lottery draws in the UAE, attracting participants from various nationalities. As lottery events continue to engage a diverse community of expatriates, interest in such draws is likely to grow further in the region.
3 sourcesMay 4Low
- Culture· World
Netflix announces first wide theatrical release for Narnia film
Netflix has announced a full theatrical release for its upcoming film 'Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew'. This decision marks a significant shift in Netflix's distribution strategy, responding to industry demands for theatrical options. The move could influence other streaming platforms to explore similar avenues, potentially revitalizing traditional cinema experiences.
3 sourcesMay 4Low
- Culture· World
Venice Biennale jury resigns over Russia and Israel participation
The international jury of the Venice Biennale has resigned in protest against the participation of Russia and Israel in the event. This decision comes amid ongoing geopolitical tensions and a controversial ban on awards for countries accused of crimes against humanity. The fallout from this resignation may lead to increased scrutiny of international art events and their political implications.
3 sourcesMay 4Low - Culture· World
Oscar statuette of Pavel Talankin recovered after TSA incident at JFK airport
Pavel Talankin's Oscar statuette went missing after TSA agents at JFK airport prohibited him from carrying it on a flight to Germany. The statuette was located by Lufthansa, allowing Talankin to reclaim his prestigious award. This incident may prompt a reevaluation of TSA policies regarding the transport of valuable items for artists and filmmakers.
3 sourcesMay 4Low
- Culture· World
James Holder convicted of rape in high-profile case
James Holder, co-founder of Superdry, has been found guilty of raping a woman after a night out in Cheltenham. The conviction comes as a significant moment in the ongoing discourse around consent and accountability in sexual violence cases. This case may encourage more victims to come forward and push for societal changes regarding attitudes towards sexual violence and consent.
4 sourcesMay 4Low