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· World
Spotify Acts Against Stream Manipulation Linked to Prediction Markets
Spotify has removed over 500,000 streams from the song 'Earrings' due to manipulation linked to prediction markets Kalshi and Polymarket. This action follows the discovery of users manipulating song rankings through betting activities, prompting Spotify to distance itself from these platforms. The incident raises questions about the integrity of prediction markets and may lead to increased scrutiny and regulatory responses in the music industry.
4 sourcesJul 5
- Culture· World
Neil the Seal returns to Tasmania causing disruption and attracting media attention
Neil the Seal has resumed his annual tour of southern Tasmania, causing chaos in beachside towns. His return is prompted by his biannual migration, which has garnered significant media attention and a large social media following. The long-term implication may involve local authorities implementing wildlife management strategies to balance tourism and community safety.
3 sourcesJul 5
- Culture· UAE
Dubai's Catholic churches fully reopen after three-month restrictions
Dubai's Catholic churches have fully reopened after a three-month period of restrictions due to safety directives. The reopening follows the suspension of in-person masses during Holy Week, which was implemented in response to the ongoing US-Iran war. This development may signal a return to normalcy for religious gatherings in Dubai, although ongoing geopolitical tensions could still influence future gatherings.
3 sourcesJul 4
- Culture· World
Russian couple arrested after scaling Empire State Building for marriage proposal
On July 1, 2026, a couple of Russian climbers scaled the Empire State Building to propose marriage and were subsequently arrested. Their act was triggered by a desire to make a grand romantic gesture, which included displaying a peace banner during their climb. This incident raises concerns about public safety and may lead to stricter regulations on extreme public displays in the future.
3 sourcesJul 4
- Culture· World
Victor Willis of Village People dies at 74 after brief illness
Victor Willis, the lead vocalist of the Village People, has passed away at the age of 74 after a short illness. His death has prompted tributes highlighting his significant contributions to music and pop culture, coinciding with the release of a new Village People single. The music community is expected to reflect on his legacy and the enduring popularity of the group's work in the coming days.
4 sourcesJul 4
- Culture· World
Canada to debut in Eurovision Song Contest in 2027
Canada has been announced as a participant in the Eurovision Song Contest starting in 2027. This decision follows Canada's recent membership in the European Broadcasting Union, which allows non-European countries to join the contest. As Canada prepares for its Eurovision debut, the event is likely to attract significant attention and could influence the future direction of the contest, encouraging more non-European countries to participate.
3 sourcesJul 4
- Culture· MENA
Annual washing of the Kaaba conducted by Deputy Governor of Mecca
The annual washing of the Kaaba took place recently, led by the Deputy Governor of Mecca, Prince Saud bin Mishal. This traditional ceremony is occurring now as part of Saudi Arabia's commitment to preserving Islamic heritage and maintaining the sanctity of this holy site. In the long term, this event underscores the nation's focus on enhancing religious tourism and heritage preservation efforts while honoring traditional practices.
4 sourcesJul 3
- Culture· World
Neon Acquires Film 'Artificial' After Amazon Drops Project
Neon has acquired the film 'Artificial,' which chronicles the career of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, after Amazon MGM Studios decided to drop it. This acquisition reflects a growing interest in narratives surrounding technology and its leaders at this moment when tech stories are increasingly relevant. The long-term implication may lead to more biographical films focusing on influential figures in the tech industry.
4 sourcesJul 3
- Culture· MENA
Ceremonial washing of the Holy Kaaba scheduled for Tuesday
The Holy Kaaba is set to undergo its ceremonial washing on Tuesday, a significant event in Islamic tradition. This annual ritual is taking place now as part of the ongoing commitment to uphold centuries-old practices and cultural significance. The event is expected to attract global attention, reinforcing the Kaaba's status as the most sacred site in Islam and highlighting the importance of religious traditions in contemporary society.
3 sourcesJul 2
- Culture· World
Sony to Remove 551 Movies from Digital Libraries by 2026
Sony has announced the deletion of 551 movies from customers' digital libraries, scheduled for September 1, 2026. This decision is part of a broader trend of the company scaling down its digital store offerings, leading to customer outrage over perceived ownership rights. As digital ownership issues gain prominence, consumers may increasingly turn to physical media alternatives for greater control over their purchases.
3 sourcesJul 2
- Culture· World
Hollywood director Carl Rinsch sentenced for defrauding Netflix of $11 million
Carl Rinsch has been sentenced to two and a half years in prison for defrauding Netflix out of $11 million intended for a science fiction series. The immediate trigger for this sentencing was the conviction of Rinsch for misappropriating funds for personal luxuries instead of the intended project. This case is likely to lead to increased scrutiny and potential changes in funding oversight practices within the entertainment industry.
4 sourcesJul 2
- Culture· UAE
Hamad Al Balushi becomes first passenger on Etihad Rail's inaugural journey
Hamad Al Balushi, a visually impaired individual, was selected as the first passenger on the inaugural Etihad Rail journey from Fujairah to Abu Dhabi. His nomination was part of a social media initiative by Etihad Rail, aimed at promoting inclusivity and recognizing the achievements of people of determination. This event signifies the UAE's ongoing commitment to empowering individuals with disabilities and may lead to further initiatives that enhance inclusivity in national projects.
3 sourcesJul 1
- Culture· MENA
Saudi Arabia concludes 2026 Hajj season with enhanced services for pilgrims
The last group of pilgrims has departed Saudi Arabia, marking the successful conclusion of the 2026 Hajj season. This event is occurring now as the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah emphasizes its commitment to improving pilgrimage services through digital solutions and government coordination. Looking ahead, preparations for the 2027 Hajj season are already underway, focusing on operational readiness and further enhancements in service delivery.
3 sourcesJul 1
- Culture· World
Supergirl underperforms at the box office with $38 million opening weekend
'Supergirl' opened to just $38 million domestically, significantly below the expected $80 million. This disappointing performance is attributed to a combination of high audience expectations and competition from previous superhero films. The long-term implication may lead DC Studios to reassess its strategy for future superhero projects to regain audience interest and financial viability.
4 sourcesJun 30
- Culture· World
Dr. Julie Elie awarded 2026 Coller-Dolittle Prize for zebra finch vocalization research
Dr. Julie Elie has been awarded the 2026 Coller-Dolittle Prize for her groundbreaking research in decoding zebra finch vocalizations. This recognition comes as her findings reveal 11 core calls in the birds' communication, highlighting a significant advancement in interspecies communication. The long-term implication of this research could lead to enhanced understanding and potential dialogue between humans and animals.
3 sourcesJun 29
- Culture· World
AI technology enables recovery of ancient scrolls from Mount Vesuvius eruption
Researchers have successfully utilized AI technology to digitally unroll and read ancient scrolls that were buried and burned during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. This groundbreaking work is happening now due to advancements in imaging techniques and AI capabilities that allow for the recovery of lost texts. The long-term implication is a potential increase in discoveries of ancient philosophical writings, enriching our understanding of historical human thought and ethics.
3 sourcesJun 29
- Culture· World
King Charles and Queen Camilla to reside at Clarence House post-Buckingham Palace renovation
King Charles has announced that he and Queen Camilla will not live in Buckingham Palace after its £369 million renovation. This decision is driven by a desire to modernize royal living arrangements and prioritize the palace's role in state functions and public engagement. The long-term implication may lead to a redefined royal presence and engagement strategies in the UK as the monarchy adapts to contemporary expectations.
3 sourcesJun 29
- Culture· UAE
Dubai launches new urban development projects to enhance quality of life
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed has approved a series of innovative urban development projects in Dubai. This initiative is driven by the emirate's commitment to align with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and promote sustainability and community engagement. Long-term, these projects are expected to significantly enhance Dubai's appeal as a global destination for living, working, and visiting.
3 sourcesJun 28
- Culture· UAE
Abu Dhabi announces construction of Dar al Funoon performing arts venue set to open in 2030
Abu Dhabi has officially announced the construction of Dar al Funoon, a new performing arts center designed by Frank Gehry, which is scheduled for completion in 2030. This initiative is part of a broader cultural development strategy on Saadiyat Island, aimed at enhancing the emirate's cultural landscape. The long-term implication is that this venue is expected to elevate Abu Dhabi's status as a leading cultural hub in the region and attract international attention.
4 sourcesJun 28
- Culture· UAE
Louvre Abu Dhabi announces four major exhibitions for 2026-2027 season
Louvre Abu Dhabi has unveiled its exhibition program for the 2026-2027 season, featuring four major exhibitions that explore themes such as games, trade routes, and cultural heritage. This announcement comes as part of the museum's ongoing commitment to bridge cultural gaps and enhance understanding of global human history. The long-term implication is that these exhibitions are likely to attract a diverse audience and foster greater cultural appreciation in the region and beyond.
3 sourcesJun 27