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
735 stories- Culture· MENA
Fire breaks out in Umayyad Mosque in Damascus due to electrical malfunction
A fire occurred in the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus due to an electrical malfunction from an old gas heating device. The fire was quickly controlled, allowing for prayers to resume shortly thereafter. This incident highlights the ongoing need for improved safety measures and maintenance protocols for historical sites in Syria.
3 sourcesAug 4
- Culture· UAE
Perseid meteor shower to peak in UAE on August 12-13, 2026
The Perseid meteor shower is set to peak in the UAE on the night of August 12-13, 2026. This event is occurring now due to optimal viewing conditions created by moonless skies. As interest in stargazing grows, this meteor shower may lead to increased public engagement in future astronomical events.
4 sourcesAug 4
- Culture· World
Vincent Pastore, iconic actor from The Sopranos, has died at 80
Vincent Pastore, known for his role as Salvatore 'Big Pussy' Bonpensiero in The Sopranos, has passed away at the age of 80. His death comes as tributes from fans and co-stars begin to emerge, highlighting his significant impact on the entertainment industry. The long-term implication of his passing will likely be a renewed appreciation for his contributions to television and film, influencing future generations of actors.
3 sourcesAug 4
- Culture· UAE
Dubai launches first all-electric community bus network in Jumeirah Lake Towers
Dubai has introduced its first all-electric community bus network in the Jumeirah Lake Towers area to enhance public transport and promote sustainability. This initiative is part of Dubai's broader environmental efforts to reduce reliance on personal vehicles and encourage public transport usage. The long-term implication is the potential expansion of this electric bus network to other areas, furthering the city's commitment to sustainable urban mobility.
4 sourcesAug 3
- Culture· World
Jerry Falade's debut novel deal collapses over AI authenticity concerns
The publishing deal for Jerry Falade's debut novel 'Call Me, I’ll Hide the Body' has collapsed amid doubts regarding the authenticity of the manuscript due to potential AI involvement. The author's agent withdrew support following a competitive auction that had previously garnered offers exceeding $2 million. This incident highlights the increasing scrutiny of AI's role in creative writing and may lead to stricter publishing standards regarding authorship verification in the future.
3 sourcesAug 3
- Culture· World
Sam Fender and Olivia Dean's 'Rein Me In' sets record for longest-running UK No 1 single
Sam Fender and Olivia Dean's duet 'Rein Me In' has broken the record for the most weeks at No 1 in the UK singles chart, achieving 19 weeks. This milestone was reached due to the evolving dynamics of music consumption and the popularity of the artists involved. The long-term implication is that this achievement may inspire future artists to pursue longevity in the charts and innovate in their music.
3 sourcesAug 3
- Culture· World
Singapore bans Massive Attack from performing after Palestinian flag display
Massive Attack has been barred from performing in Singapore following the display of a Palestinian flag during a concert. This action was triggered by Singapore's strict laws against displaying foreign emblems without a permit, reflecting the government's stance on political expressions. The long-term implication may lead international artists to reconsider performances in countries with similar regulations on political symbols.
5 sourcesAug 3
- Culture· World
Spider-Man: Brand New Day achieves record-breaking box office opening
'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' has grossed an estimated $355 million in its domestic debut, marking it as the second-largest opening in box office history. This surge in box office performance is driven by a strong audience engagement with blockbuster films, particularly in the superhero genre. The long-term implication suggests a potential shift in industry standards, paving the way for more high-budget productions and superhero films in the future.
6 sourcesAug 3
- Culture· UAE
Dubai's Animal Welfare Shelter Sees High Adoption Rates for Stray Cats
The newly opened Animal Welfare Shelter in Dubai has reported one cat adoption every hour since its launch. This surge in interest is driven by the community's growing commitment to responsible pet ownership and animal welfare. The shelter's success may inspire similar initiatives across the region to tackle stray animal populations.
3 sourcesAug 2
- Culture· UAE
Dubai International Holy Quran Award sees record participation from 120 countries
The Dubai International Holy Quran Award has received over 12,000 entries from 120 countries for its 29th edition, marking a significant increase in participation. This surge follows the introduction of a new developmental vision aimed at enhancing the award's appeal and accessibility. The award's enhancements and increased prize values are likely to further elevate its global profile and participation in the long term.
3 sourcesAug 2
- Culture· UAE
UAE Launches Year of Award to Recognize Community Contributions
The UAE has officially launched the Year of Award, a national initiative aimed at honoring individuals and organizations for their significant community contributions. This initiative is driven by President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and aims to foster a culture of impact, sustainability, and inspiration at this moment. In the long term, the Year of Award is expected to enhance community engagement and align individual efforts with national priorities.
3 sourcesAug 2
- Culture· World
Boy George withdraws from Jesus Christ Superstar amid backlash over pro-Israel song
Boy George has withdrawn from the London production of 'Jesus Christ Superstar' following backlash over his pro-Israel song 'We Will Dance Again'. The immediate causality for this decision stems from the significant criticism the song has received due to its support for Israel's military actions against Palestine. This incident highlights the increasing scrutiny artists face regarding their political expressions, which may impact their future projects and public perception in a politically charged environment.
4 sourcesAug 2
- Culture· World
Discovery of ghost lineage reveals complexity in human ancestry
Scientists have identified a previously unknown lineage of human ancestors that contributed DNA to modern humans. This discovery is made possible through advanced DNA analysis techniques, highlighting a significant moment in the study of human evolution. The long-term implication is a potential reshaping of our understanding of human ancestry and genetic diversity, opening new avenues for research in this field.
3 sourcesAug 2
- Culture· World
BTS Boycotts Grammy Awards Over New Asian Pop Category
BTS has announced their decision to boycott the upcoming Grammy Awards in protest of the newly introduced Best Asian Pop Music Performance category. This action comes as the group expresses dissatisfaction with being categorized by region or language, prompting a defense from the Grammys' CEO regarding the category's intent to celebrate Asian artistry. The long-term implication may lead to a reevaluation of award categories and how artists are recognized based on artistic merit rather than geographic labels.
4 sourcesAug 2
- Culture· World
Gunther von Hagens, pioneer of plastination and Body Worlds exhibitions, has died at 81
Gunther von Hagens passed away from a cerebral hemorrhage, concluding a notable chapter in the field of anatomical science. His death comes after a long battle with Parkinson's disease, highlighting the fragility of life against the backdrop of his provocative work. The legacy of his exhibitions will likely continue to spark ethical debates regarding body preservation and public display in the future.
3 sourcesAug 2
- Culture· UAE
Dubai awards record number of hotels with Sustainable Tourism Stamp
Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism has awarded 237 hotels the Sustainable Tourism Stamp, marking a significant increase in sustainability recognition. This surge is driven by the UAE's commitment to enhancing environmental, social, and governance practices in the hospitality sector. The long-term implication is a strengthened competitive edge for Dubai's tourism industry as it aligns with the UAE's Net Zero 2050 targets.
3 sourcesAug 1
- Culture· UAE
Abu Dhabi reports record tourism numbers and advances major cultural projects
Abu Dhabi has welcomed 26.6 million visitors in 2025, marking a significant milestone in its tourism recovery. This surge is driven by the emirate's strategic investments in major cultural projects like the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and a Disney resort. Long-term, these developments are expected to solidify Abu Dhabi's position as a global cultural and tourism hub, attracting even more international visitors in the future.
3 sourcesAug 1
- Culture· World
Major Record Labels Propose Guidelines to Ban AI-Generated Songs from Charts
Major record labels have proposed new guidelines to restrict AI-generated songs from being eligible for music charts. This initiative is driven by the rapid increase in AI-generated tracks being uploaded to streaming platforms, raising concerns about the integrity of music charts. The long-term implication may lead to stricter regulations on AI's role in the music industry and influence future creative practices.
3 sourcesAug 1
- Culture· World
Jared Leto faces multiple allegations of sexual misconduct revealed in BBC documentary
Jared Leto is facing serious allegations of criminal sexual conduct from multiple women, with claims dating back to when they were teenagers. The immediate trigger for the renewed scrutiny is a BBC documentary titled 'Jared Leto: Hollywood’s Dark Secret' that investigates these claims. The long-term implication may lead to further investigations into Leto's conduct and significant impacts on his career and public perception.
5 sourcesAug 1
- Culture· World
Mitch Winehouse ordered to pay £950,000 to Amy Winehouse's friends over auction dispute
A court has mandated Mitch Winehouse to pay £950,000 to two of his late daughter's friends following a failed lawsuit regarding the auctioning of Amy Winehouse's belongings. This ruling comes after the court found that Mitch Winehouse's allegations against Naomi Parry and Catriona Gourlay were unfounded. The long-term implication of this case highlights the ongoing complexities and disputes surrounding the management of celebrity estates and personal items after death.
3 sourcesAug 1