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
412 stories- 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
- Culture· World
Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences updates Oscar eligibility rules to exclude AI actors and writers
The Academy has announced that only human actors and writers are eligible for Oscar nominations, marking a significant shift in its nearly 100-year history. This decision comes as part of a broader effort to emphasize human creativity in the face of advancing technology and to expand the International Film category to include award-winning global cinema. The long-term implication may lead to ongoing debates about the role of artificial intelligence in creative industries and its impact on future artistic recognition.
3 sourcesMay 4Low - Culture· World
Banksy unveils new statue in London addressing political themes
A new Banksy statue depicting a man blinded by a flag was installed in central London. This installation, which appeared unexpectedly, serves as a critique of political figures and their relationship with nationalism. The long-term implication may lead to increased scrutiny of political symbols in art and inspire similar installations by other artists.
4 sourcesMay 4Moderate - Culture· UAE
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum awards Erth Dubai Awards for cultural heritage preservation
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum awarded the Erth Dubai Awards to individuals and institutions for their contributions to cultural documentation. This recognition follows the initiative's receipt of over 25,000 submissions from the community, highlighting a strong engagement in preserving Dubai's heritage. The long-term implication is an ongoing commitment to cultural documentation, with plans to publish 100 books featuring stories from Dubai's residents, thereby enhancing the city's identity and history for future generations.
4 sourcesMay 3Low - Culture· UAE
UAE launches national register for modern architectural heritage
The UAE Ministry of Culture has announced the launch of a national register for modern architectural heritage. This initiative coincides with the first meeting of the National Identity Committee, reflecting the country's commitment to preserving its cultural identity at this pivotal moment. The long-term implication is that this register will enhance awareness and appreciation of modern architecture in the UAE, potentially leading to future collaborations with architects and historians.
3 sourcesMay 3Low
- Culture· World
Amazon explores reboot of 'The Apprentice' with Donald Trump Jr. as potential host
Amazon is considering a reboot of 'The Apprentice' featuring Donald Trump Jr. as the host. This speculation follows a muted endorsement from Donald Trump and is currently in preliminary discussion stages. If realized, the reboot could significantly impact the reality TV landscape and public perception of the Trump family.
3 sourcesMay 3Low - Culture· UAE
UAE Celebrates International Workers' Day with Theme of Unity
On May 1, 2026, the UAE will honor its workforce during International Workers' Day celebrations. This year's theme, 'One Family.. One Nation', emphasizes the critical role of workers in the nation's development at this time of heightened national focus on labor contributions. The long-term implication is expected to be a strengthened commitment to worker rights and welfare, fostering social cohesion and economic growth in the UAE.
3 sourcesMay 2Low
- Culture· UAE
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum awards Erth Dubai Awards for cultural documentation
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum awarded the Erth Dubai Awards to individuals and institutions for their contributions to cultural documentation. This recognition comes after the initiative received over 25,000 submissions from the community, highlighting a strong engagement in preserving Dubai's heritage. The long-term implication is the planned publication of 100 books featuring stories from Dubai residents, fostering a deeper connection to the city's cultural narrative.
4 sourcesMay 2Low
- Culture· UAE
UAE launches national register for modern architectural heritage
The UAE Ministry of Culture has announced the establishment of a national register aimed at safeguarding modern architectural heritage. This initiative coincides with the inaugural meeting of the National Identity Committee, emphasizing the country's commitment to cultural preservation. In the long term, this register is expected to enhance appreciation for the UAE's architectural achievements while balancing modernization with cultural identity.
3 sourcesMay 2Low - Culture· World
Spotify Launches Verified Badge to Differentiate Human Artists from AI Content
Spotify has introduced a Verified by Spotify badge to identify human artists, rolling out globally on April 30, 2026. This initiative is a response to the increasing prevalence of AI-generated music and fraudulent content on streaming platforms. The long-term implication is a potential shift in listener engagement towards verified human creators, enhancing their visibility and credibility in the industry.
10 sourcesMay 2High
- Culture· World
Netflix announces wide theatrical release for Greta Gerwig's Narnia adaptation
Netflix will release 'Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew' in theaters starting February 2, 2026. This decision is a response to industry pressure from theater owners and filmmakers for a more traditional Hollywood-style release. The move could signal a significant shift in Netflix's distribution strategy, potentially leading to more theatrical releases for its films in the future.
3 sourcesMay 2High
- Culture· World
Prince William and Kate Middleton celebrate 15th wedding anniversary with family photo
Prince William and Kate Middleton marked their 15th wedding anniversary by sharing a new family photo. This celebration comes as the couple continues to engage with the public, reflecting their commitment to family values. Their ongoing visibility suggests they will remain influential figures as their children grow and take on more public roles.
3 sourcesMay 2Low
- Culture· World
Ross Davidson sentenced to 14 years for multiple rapes and sexual assaults
Ross Davidson, the former singer of Spandau Ballet, has been sentenced to 14 years in prison after being convicted of multiple rapes and sexual assaults against six women. The sentencing follows two trials that revealed a pattern of sexual violence spanning from 2013 to 2019. This case highlights the ongoing issues of sexual violence in the entertainment industry and may lead to increased scrutiny of celebrity accountability.
3 sourcesMay 2Moderate
- Culture· World
International Jury of Venice Biennale Resigns Over Exclusion of Russia and Israel
On April 30, 2026, the entire five-member international jury of the 61st Venice Biennale resigned in Venice, Italy, due to disagreements over the exclusion of Russia and Israel from award consideration. This resignation follows the jury's announcement on April 23 that it would not consider works from countries whose leaders face ICC charges for crimes against humanity, reflecting heightened geopolitical tensions. The long-term implication may involve increased scrutiny of cultural events and their political influences, potentially reshaping participation norms in international art exhibitions.
8 sourcesMay 2Moderate
- Culture· World
Banksy unveils new sculpture in London critiquing political blindness
A new Banksy statue depicting a man obscured by a flag was unveiled in central London. This installation, which appeared overnight, is a timely commentary on political issues and has quickly garnered public attention. The growing interest in this artwork may signal a resurgence of public art interventions in urban spaces and provoke further dialogue about the role of art in political discourse.
5 sourcesMay 2High
- Culture· World
James Holder convicted of rape in Cheltenham
James Holder, co-founder of Superdry, has been found guilty of raping a woman after a night out in Cheltenham. The conviction follows a court ruling on May 1, 2026, stemming from an incident in May 2022 where Holder ignored the victim's pleas to stop. This case highlights ongoing societal issues regarding sexual violence and accountability, potentially prompting further discussions within the fashion industry and beyond.
4 sourcesMay 2High - Culture· World
Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Updates Oscar Eligibility Rules to Include International Features and AI Guidelines
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has revised its eligibility rules for the 99th Academy Awards, allowing top winners from six major film festivals to qualify directly for Best International Feature nominations. This change is driven by a desire to globalize the awards process and address concerns regarding AI's role in filmmaking, emphasizing the need for human authorship. In the long term, these updates may reshape the landscape of international cinema and influence how AI is integrated into creative processes.
9 sourcesMay 2High
- Culture· World
Taylor Swift's TAS Rights Management Files Trademark Applications to Protect Against AI Exploitation
On April 24, 2026, Taylor Swift's company TAS Rights Management filed three trademark applications with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for her voice clips and onstage image. This move is prompted by the rising threat of AI-generated deepfakes that exploit celebrity likenesses, highlighting gaps in existing copyright protections. The long-term implication is a potential shift in intellectual property law as more celebrities seek similar protections against digital impersonation and misuse.
7 sourcesMay 1Low
- Culture· UAE
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum awards Erth Dubai Awards for cultural heritage preservation
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum honored winners of the Erth Dubai Awards, recognizing significant contributions to the documentation of Dubai's cultural and social heritage. This initiative has gained momentum with over 25,000 community submissions, reflecting a strong commitment to preserving the city's identity. The long-term implication is the anticipated publication of 100 books featuring residents' stories, further enhancing Dubai's cultural narrative and community engagement.
5 sourcesApr 30Low