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
The Strokes Condemn U.S. Foreign Intervention During Coachella Performance
The Strokes used their Coachella performance to protest against U.S. foreign intervention, specifically highlighting the destruction in Gaza and Iran. This political statement was triggered by the ongoing humanitarian crises and military actions in these regions, which have garnered significant global attention. The long-term implication is that such performances may inspire more artists to engage in political activism, potentially influencing public discourse on international relations and humanitarian issues.
3 sourcesApr 22High
- Culture· World
HiPP baby food recalled in Austria due to rat poison contamination
A jar of HiPP baby food in Austria tested positive for rat poison, leading to a recall affecting over 1,000 supermarkets. The recall was triggered by a customer report and confirmed by police, raising serious safety concerns for consumers. This incident highlights the need for stricter food safety measures and increased vigilance among consumers regarding product recalls.
5 sourcesApr 22Moderate
- Culture· World
Rebel Wilson Faces Defamation Trial Initiated by Charlotte MacInnes
Rebel Wilson has begun a defamation trial against actress Charlotte MacInnes over social media posts related to a sexual harassment complaint. The trial is occurring now due to allegations that Wilson hired a PR team to undermine MacInnes, raising serious accusations of malicious behavior. The outcome of this trial could significantly impact Wilson's career and the broader entertainment industry's approach to accountability and public statements.
3 sourcesApr 22Moderate
- Culture· MENA
Kuwaiti Actress Hayat Al-Fahad Passes Away at 78 Ending a Pioneering Career
Kuwaiti actress Hayat Al-Fahad died on April 21, 2026, after a prolonged illness, marking the end of her influential five-decade career in Gulf drama. Her death follows a significant decline in health, including a stroke and intensive care treatment, which garnered widespread mourning across the Arab artistic community. The long-term implication of her passing is likely to spark discussions on the legacy of Gulf television and the representation of women in the arts.
2 sourcesApr 21High
- Culture· MENA
International Pilgrims Begin Arriving for Hajj 2026 in Saudi Arabia
The first batches of international pilgrims for Hajj 2026 arrived in Madinah and Jeddah on April 18, 2026. This influx is facilitated by the Makkah Route Initiative, which streamlines the travel process for pilgrims from several countries ahead of the main rituals scheduled for late May. The anticipated economic benefits from the influx of pilgrims are expected to bolster local economies and tourism in the region.
3 sourcesApr 21Low
- Culture· UAE
Dubai's Global Village Reopens After 51-Day Closure Due to Regional Tensions
Dubai's Global Village reopened to the public on April 20, 2026, after a 51-day temporary closure caused by heightened regional tensions during the US-Israel-Iran war. The reopening follows a ceasefire announcement, allowing the multicultural entertainment destination to resume operations and welcome visitors. This event signifies a return to normalcy for Dubai's family-oriented entertainment sector, potentially boosting tourism and local economy as the season progresses.
4 sourcesApr 21Low
- Culture· UAE
Emirati Boy Drowns While Rescuing Family Members at Ras Al Khaimah Beach
On April 14, 2026, a 13-year-old boy drowned at Flamingo Beach in Ras Al Khaimah while attempting to save his sister and two cousins from strong currents. The incident occurred during a family outing when sudden waves pulled the children into deeper water, prompting the boy to act heroically despite the risks. This tragedy has sparked community calls for improved beach safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
3 sourcesApr 21Low
- Culture· MENA
Completion of Kaaba Maintenance Project Enhances Pilgrim Experience Ahead of Hajj 2026
The General Authority for the Care of the Grand Mosque announced the completion of the comprehensive periodic maintenance project for the Kaaba on April 18, 2026. This initiative was executed to ensure the structural integrity and aesthetic condition of the Kaaba ahead of the upcoming Hajj season, utilizing advanced technologies and national expertise. Long-term, this project aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, aiming to enhance the pilgrimage experience as global pilgrim numbers continue to rise.
3 sourcesApr 21Low
- Culture· UAE
Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Offers Condolences for Prominent Emirati Figure
On April 19, 2026, Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum extended official condolences for the passing of Hussein Masoud Hadi Al-Ahbabi at a mourning majlis in Dubai. This event is occurring now as a reflection of the cultural practices surrounding mourning in Emirati society, with multiple high-ranking officials participating in the condolences. The long-term implication is a reinforcement of the social fabric and respect for prominent figures within the UAE, highlighting the importance of cultural traditions in leadership roles.
7 sourcesApr 21Low
- Culture· World
Nadia Farès, Moroccan-French Actress, Dies at 57 from Cardiac Arrest
Nadia Farès, a prominent Moroccan-French actress known for her role in 'The Crimson Rivers', passed away on April 17, 2026, after suffering cardiac arrest following a swimming pool incident. The immediate cause of her death was linked to an unconscious episode while swimming, which led to her being placed in an induced coma. This tragic event highlights the fragility of health and may impact the cultural landscape, particularly within the Moroccan expatriate community in France and beyond.
3 sourcesApr 21Moderate
- Culture· World
The Strokes' Coachella Performance Features Controversial Video Montage on Gaza and Iran
On April 18, 2026, The Strokes concluded their Coachella set with a video montage depicting the destruction of universities in Gaza and Iran, attributed to US-Israeli military actions. This performance coincides with heightened tensions due to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war and the 2026 US-Iran war, which have resulted in significant destruction of educational institutions. The long-term implication may involve increased polarization in public opinion and potential repercussions for artists engaging in political statements during performances.
3 sourcesApr 21High
- Culture· World
Pope Leo XIV Visits Angola's Slave Trade Shrine to Address Historical Suffering
Pope Leo XIV visited the Sanctuary of Mama Muxima in Angola, a site linked to the trans-Atlantic slave trade, where he reflected on the historical suffering of enslaved Africans. This visit coincides with his ongoing apostolic journey in Africa, emphasizing the need for a world free from injustices and poverty. The long-term implication may involve renewed discussions on the Catholic Church's role in addressing historical injustices and fostering healing within affected communities.
3 sourcesApr 21Low
- Culture· World
Desmond Morris, influential zoologist and author, passes away at 98
Desmond Morris, the renowned British zoologist and author of The Naked Ape, died on April 19, 2026, at the age of 98. His death comes after a prolific career that spanned decades, during which he significantly contributed to the fields of animal behavior and human sociobiology. The long-term implication of his passing is a renewed focus on his work and its impact on the understanding of human evolution and behavior in popular science.
2 sourcesApr 20Low
- Culture· World
Mitch Winehouse Loses High Court Case Over Auctioned Items of Amy Winehouse
On April 20, 2026, Mitch Winehouse lost a High Court claim against Amy Winehouse's friends regarding the sale of personal items. The lawsuit was dismissed as the judge found no evidence of concealment and criticized Mitch Winehouse's credibility. This ruling may impact future claims related to the management of celebrity estates and their personal belongings.
2 sourcesApr 20Low
- Culture· World
Charlotte MacInnes initiates defamation lawsuit against Rebel Wilson in Australian court
A defamation trial began on April 20, 2026, in Sydney, Australia, involving actress Charlotte MacInnes suing Rebel Wilson over alleged false claims regarding a retracted harassment complaint. The lawsuit follows a series of social media posts by Wilson that MacInnes argues damaged her reputation amid ongoing disputes related to the production of Wilson's film The Deb. The outcome of this trial could set a precedent for how defamation cases are handled in the entertainment industry, particularly concerning social media statements and their implications for personal reputations.
3 sourcesApr 20Low
- Culture· UAE
Sheikh Zayed Book Award Announces 20th Edition Winners in Abu Dhabi
The Sheikh Zayed Book Award announced its winners for the 20th edition on April 18, 2026, recognizing eight recipients from various countries. This announcement follows a competitive selection process that included over 4,000 nominations from 74 countries, showcasing the award's global reach and significance. The long-term implication is the continued promotion of Arabic literature and culture, enhancing the UAE's role as a cultural hub in the region and beyond.
4 sourcesApr 20Low
- Culture· UAE
Dubai's Global Village to Reopen on April 20, 2026 After US-Iran Conflict Closure
Dubai's Global Village has announced its reopening on April 20, 2026, following a temporary closure due to the US-Iran war that began on February 28, 2026. The immediate trigger for this reopening is a ceasefire agreement reached around April 7-8, 2026, which has allowed for a reassessment of safety and operations. Long-term, this reopening is expected to restore access to affordable family entertainment and support local employment in the retail and hospitality sectors, aiding economic recovery in the region.
3 sourcesApr 20Low
- Culture· MENA
Completion of Maintenance for the Kaaba al-Musharrafa Ahead of Hajj Season
The General Authority for the Care of the Two Holy Mosques has completed a comprehensive maintenance project for the Kaaba al-Musharrafa and the Station of Ismail. This initiative was triggered by the upcoming Hajj season, ensuring that the site is ready for millions of pilgrims while adhering to international standards. Long-term, this maintenance effort aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, enhancing the infrastructure of holy sites to support increased pilgrimage activities sustainably.
4 sourcesApr 20Low
- Culture· MENA
Spanish Archaeological Mission Discovers Roman-Era Tomb in Egypt
On April 18, 2026, a Spanish archaeological mission from the University of Barcelona uncovered a Roman-era tomb in Al-Bahnasa, Egypt, containing multiple mummies and significant artifacts. This discovery is prompted by ongoing excavations aimed at exploring ancient funerary practices in the culturally rich site of Oxyrhynchus. The long-term implication is an increased focus on international collaborations for heritage preservation and tourism in Egypt, enhancing its archaeological significance.
3 sourcesApr 20Low
- Culture· World
Wolf Neukgu Recaptured After Nine-Day Escape from South Korean Zoo
Neukgu, a two-year-old wolf, was recaptured on April 17, 2026, after escaping from O-World Zoo in Daejeon, South Korea, on April 8, 2026. The escape triggered a massive search operation involving over 300 personnel and led to public anxiety, including school closures. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about animal captivity and zoo security, potentially influencing future regulations in wildlife management.
4 sourcesApr 20High