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
816 stories- Culture· UAE
UAE Families Utilize Prophet Muhammad Birthday Holiday for Back-to-School Preparations
From August 28 to 30, 2026, UAE families engaged in local outings and gatherings to prepare children for the upcoming school year. This public holiday, coinciding with the end of summer break, prompted parents to create positive memories while easing their children into new routines. The long-term implication includes a focus on mental readiness and operational adjustments in schools as they implement new guidelines for the academic year starting August 31.
14 sourcesSep 4Low
- Culture· World
Saudi Arabia Establishes Cultural Center in Paris During Crown Prince's Visit
On August 26, 2026, the Saudi Ministry of Culture announced the establishment of a Saudi Cultural Center in Paris. This initiative coincides with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's visit to France, aiming to enhance cultural diplomacy and bilateral relations. The long-term implication is a strengthened cultural partnership between Saudi Arabia and France, potentially increasing Saudi Arabia's global cultural influence.
3 sourcesSep 4Low
- Culture· UAE
Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Highlights Emirati Women's Contributions at ADNOC Event
On 28 August 2026, Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak delivered a keynote address at an ADNOC event in Abu Dhabi, emphasizing the vital role of Emirati women in national development. This event coincides with Emirati Women's Day and reflects the UAE's ongoing commitment to gender balance and women's empowerment in various sectors. The long-term implication includes ADNOC's initiative to enhance female representation in technical roles, aiming for 25% by 2030 through new training programs.
3 sourcesSep 4Low
- Culture· UAE
UAE Leaders Celebrate Mawlid Al-Nabawi with Messages of Peace and Compassion
UAE leaders commemorated Mawlid Al-Nabawi on August 25, 2026, with public messages emphasizing mercy, compassion, and unity. This observance coincides with the government's declaration of a public holiday on August 28, 2026, allowing citizens to reflect and celebrate. The long-term implication is a reinforcement of national values of tolerance and interfaith harmony within the UAE society.
10 sourcesSep 4Low
- Culture· UAE
UAE Launches Month-Long Celebrations for Emirati Women’s Day 2026
Emirati Women’s Day 2026 was inaugurated on August 28 with a new month-long program celebrating women's contributions to society. This expansion follows a July announcement by Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, coinciding with the Year of the Family to emphasize the importance of women's roles in family and national development. The initiative is expected to further enhance women's empowerment and recognition across various sectors in the UAE.
6 sourcesSep 4Low
- Culture· World
Yayoi Kusama, Influential Japanese Artist, Passes Away at 97
Yayoi Kusama, the renowned Japanese avant-garde artist known for her polka-dot motifs and infinity rooms, died on August 14, 2026, in Tokyo. Her death comes after a lifetime of artistic contributions that gained her global recognition, particularly in her later years. The art world is likely to see a surge in interest and value for her works, as tributes pour in and her legacy continues to inspire future generations of artists.
9 sourcesSep 4Low
- Culture· World
Australia Bans Wholly AI-Generated Tracks from Music Charts
On August 25, 2026, the Australian Recording Industry Association announced a ban on wholly AI-generated tracks from its official music charts and awards. This decision was triggered by concerns over the impact of generative AI on artists' livelihoods, particularly following the success of an AI-assisted cover of Madonna's song. The long-term implication is a potential shift in the music industry towards prioritizing human creativity and artistry in an increasingly automated landscape.
6 sourcesAug 28Moderate
- Culture· World
Dolly Parton Dies at 80 After Brief Cancer Battle in Nashville
Dolly Parton, the legendary country music icon, passed away on August 25, 2026, at the age of 80 after a brief battle with cancer. Her death comes shortly after a series of health challenges and the loss of her husband, prompting an outpouring of tributes from political leaders and celebrities alike. This event marks a significant cultural moment, highlighting her enduring legacy and the impact of her philanthropic efforts on communities worldwide.
3 sourcesAug 28Very High
- Culture· MENA
Funeral of Palestinian Artist Sliman Mansour Held in Birzeit Amid National Mourning
The funeral of renowned Palestinian artist Sliman Mansour occurred on August 26, 2026, in Birzeit following his death on August 24. This event is marked by widespread public mourning and recognition of Mansour's significant contributions to Palestinian art and culture. The long-term implication is a potential resurgence in cultural discourse surrounding Palestinian identity and heritage in the wake of his passing.
6 sourcesAug 28Low
- Culture· UAE
Obaid Humaid Al Mazrouei, UAE Media Pioneer, Passes Away at 91
Obaid Humaid Al Mazrouei, the founder and editor-in-chief of Al Fajr newspaper, died on August 24, 2026, marking a significant loss for the UAE media landscape. His death comes after a long career dedicated to documenting the UAE's development and supporting cultural initiatives, reflecting the end of an era in Emirati journalism. The long-term implication is a potential shift in the media landscape as the UAE seeks to honor his legacy while fostering new voices in journalism and culture.
3 sourcesAug 27Low
- Culture· UAE
Zayed National Museum to Host Cultural Programme for Emirati Women's Day 2026
On 26 August 2026, Zayed National Museum announced a three-day cultural programme from 28 to 30 August to celebrate Emirati Women's Day. This initiative is triggered by the annual observance established in 2015 to honor the contributions of Emirati women, coinciding with the museum's thematic focus on women's history. The long-term implication is a strengthened cultural identity and increased public engagement with Emirati heritage and women's roles in national development.
3 sourcesAug 27Low
- Culture· World
AVROTROS Withdraws from 2027 Eurovision Song Contest Over Neutrality Concerns
On August 24, 2026, Dutch public broadcaster AVROTROS announced its decision to boycott the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest due to perceived loss of neutrality regarding Israel's participation amid the Gaza conflict. This decision follows ongoing international tensions and dissatisfaction with recent rule changes by the European Broadcasting Union aimed at restoring the contest's independent character. The long-term implication may involve a shift in how countries engage with the contest, potentially leading to further boycotts or changes in representation at future events.
3 sourcesAug 27Low
- Culture· MENA
Palestinian Artist Sliman Mansour Passes Away at 79
On August 24, 2026, Sliman Mansour, a prominent Palestinian visual artist, died in Jerusalem after a prolonged illness. His passing has prompted widespread tributes from Palestinian institutions and the international art community, highlighting his significant contributions to documenting Palestinian identity and resistance. The long-term implication of his death may lead to a renewed focus on the role of art in cultural preservation and political expression within the Palestinian narrative.
3 sourcesAug 27Moderate
- Culture· MENA
Lebanese TikTok Influencer Georges Dib Arrested for Drug Trafficking
Lebanese authorities arrested TikTok food influencer Georges Dib on August 23, 2026, following a life sentence issued in absentia for drug trafficking. The arrest was triggered by a month-long surveillance operation after previous judicial warrants dating back to 2024. This incident may lead to increased scrutiny of Lebanese food products in Gulf markets, particularly in the UAE, affecting consumer trust and regulatory practices.
3 sourcesAug 26Low
- Culture· UAE
Dubai Municipality Unveils New 102-Metre Bridge at Mushrif National Park
Dubai Municipality has opened a 102-metre bridge at Mushrif National Park, enhancing connectivity for mountain bikers and hikers. This initiative responds to the growing demand for outdoor recreational activities among residents and visitors. The long-term implication is the continued expansion of outdoor infrastructure in Dubai, promoting active lifestyles and increasing park accessibility.
5 sourcesAug 26Low
- Culture· UAE
UAE Unveils Major Archaeological Discoveries Documenting 60,000 Years of Human Occupation
Recent archaeological findings in the UAE reveal evidence of human occupation dating back 60,000 years at Jebel Al Buhais and a Bronze Age collective tomb in Al Ain. These discoveries are the result of systematic excavations and scientific analyses conducted throughout 2026, coinciding with increased funding and international collaboration in heritage research. The long-term implication is a strengthened cultural identity for the UAE and enhanced global recognition of its historical significance.
3 sourcesAug 26Low
- Culture· UAE
Al-Futtaim Toyota to Preserve Iconic Sign Amid Nasser Rashid Lootah Building Demolition
Al-Futtaim Toyota has announced plans to maintain the iconic sign atop Dubai's Nasser Rashid Lootah Building despite its scheduled demolition in 2027. This decision comes as tenants are vacating the building in phases, reflecting Dubai's ongoing urban transformation and the cultural significance of the sign. The long-term implication is a potential shift in how heritage elements are integrated into modern developments in Dubai's skyline.
3 sourcesAug 26Low
- Culture· World
Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine Advocate for AI in Music Creation
Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine publicly endorsed artificial intelligence as a valuable tool for music production during a recent interview. This endorsement comes as they emphasize the need for innovation in music creation, countering resistance from those hesitant to embrace new technologies. The long-term implication suggests a shift in the music industry towards greater integration of AI, potentially enhancing creativity and output among artists.
3 sourcesAug 26Low
- Culture· UAE
Dubai Mallathon Second Edition Achieves 220 Million Steps with 100,000 Participants
The Dubai Mallathon's second edition has recorded over 220 million steps from more than 100,000 participants since its launch on June 15, 2026. This surge in participation is driven by the initiative's promotion of physical activity in air-conditioned malls during the extreme summer heat, aligning with the UAE's Year of the Family 2026. Long-term, this event is likely to enhance community engagement and support public health initiatives across diverse demographics in the UAE.
4 sourcesAug 25Low
- Culture· MENA
Saudi Arabia Reports 15.23 Million Umrah Participants in Q1 2026
Saudi Arabia recorded 15,233,767 Umrah performers in the first quarter of 2026, as reported by the General Authority for Statistics. This surge is attributed to the ongoing implementation of Vision 2030, which aims to enhance religious tourism and improve services for pilgrims. The long-term implication is a projected increase in annual Umrah participants to 30 million by 2030, reflecting the country's commitment to expanding its tourism sector.
3 sourcesAug 25Low