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
582 stories- Culture· World
King Charles III surprises audience with appearance at Royal Shakespeare Company's performance
King Charles III made an unexpected visit to a sold-out performance of Shakespeare's 'The Tempest' in the UK. This surprise engagement highlights the King's commitment to the arts and his desire to connect with the public at this moment. The long-term implication may be an increase in public figures participating in cultural events, fostering greater community engagement in the arts.
3 sourcesMay 25Low
- Culture· MENA
Over 1.6 million Muslim pilgrims arrive in Saudi Arabia for Hajj
More than 1.6 million Muslim pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia for the annual Hajj pilgrimage. This significant turnout is facilitated by extensive preparations and security measures implemented by Saudi authorities to ensure a smooth pilgrimage experience. In the long term, Saudi Arabia will likely continue to enhance its logistical and security efforts to accommodate the increasing number of attendees in future years.
3 sourcesMay 25Low
- Culture· World
Fraudster Caught Attempting to Sell Fake Ancient Statues to Sotheby's
Andrew Crowley was apprehended while trying to sell counterfeit ancient artifacts to Sotheby’s, with discrepancies in the authenticity of his paperwork leading to his exposure. The invoices he presented were found to be printed using modern methods, dating back only to 2001, rather than the claimed 1976. This incident underscores the need for stricter verification processes in the art and auction industry to combat ongoing challenges of art fraud.
3 sourcesMay 25Low
- Culture· World
Stephen Colbert concludes The Late Show amid CBS cancellation and political controversies
Stephen Colbert hosted his final episode of The Late Show on May 22, 2026, following its cancellation by CBS due to financial pressures and political controversies. The immediate trigger for this cancellation was a significant $16 million settlement with Donald Trump, reflecting the intertwining of media and politics. Colbert's transition to a public access show suggests a potential shift in the late-night television landscape and his adaptability in the evolving entertainment industry.
3 sourcesMay 25Low
- Culture· World
Pope Leo XIV to release first encyclical on artificial intelligence
Pope Leo XIV is set to unveil his first encyclical focused on artificial intelligence on May 27, 2026. This initiative is driven by the Vatican's desire to address ethical concerns surrounding AI and its impact on human dignity, with Christopher Olah from Anthropic participating in the event. The encyclical is likely to catalyze ongoing discussions about the intersection of technology and faith, influencing both religious and technological communities in the future.
3 sourcesMay 25Moderate
- Culture· UAE
UAE Expands Arabic Language Program in Schools
The UAE has announced the expansion of a phonetics-focused Arabic learning scheme in schools. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance Emirati representation in education and improve language proficiency among students. The long-term implication is a likely increase in initiatives aimed at fostering national identity and improving educational outcomes in the UAE's education system.
3 sourcesMay 24Low
- Culture· World
Research Reveals Engineering Secrets Behind Great Pyramid's Earthquake Resistance
A recent study has uncovered hidden structural features in the Great Pyramid of Giza that contribute to its remarkable resilience against earthquakes. This research is timely as it highlights the advanced engineering techniques of ancient Egyptians, which have allowed the pyramid to endure for over 4,600 years. The findings may inspire modern architectural practices aimed at improving earthquake resistance in contemporary structures.
3 sourcesMay 24Low
- Culture· World
Spotify introduces ticket reservation system for top fans to combat scalping
Spotify has announced a new initiative to reserve concert tickets for top fans based on their engagement with artists. This move is part of Spotify's strategy to enhance fan experiences and reduce ticket scalping, coinciding with a new music licensing deal. As this system is implemented, it may reshape how streaming services engage with live events and influence the broader music industry landscape.
4 sourcesMay 24Low
- Culture· World
JR Unveils Inflatable Art Installation on Historic Pont Neuf Bridge
Parisian artist JR has begun enveloping the historic Pont Neuf bridge in an inflatable cave as part of a new public art installation. This project is a tribute to the artistic legacy of Christo and Jeanne-Claude, coinciding with a growing public interest in contemporary art. The installation is expected to inspire similar artistic endeavors in urban spaces, enhancing community engagement with public art.
4 sourcesMay 24Low
- Culture· UAE
Discovery of Abbasid-era gold jewelry announced in Qassim, Saudi Arabia
A significant collection of Abbasid-era gold jewelry has been discovered at the archaeological site of Diriyyah in Qassim, Saudi Arabia. This find, which includes 100 gold pieces, is part of ongoing excavation efforts that highlight the historical importance of the site. The discovery is expected to enhance cultural tourism and support Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 initiatives focused on preserving its archaeological heritage.
3 sourcesMay 23Low
- Culture· World
Higgsfield AI premieres fully AI-generated film 'Hell Grind' at Cannes
'Hell Grind,' a 95-minute film entirely generated by AI, premiered at the Cannes Film Festival. The film's production, which took only two weeks and cost $500,000, highlights the significant role of AI technology in modern filmmaking. This development may lead to a transformative shift in production processes and economic models within the film industry as AI continues to evolve and gain acceptance among filmmakers and audiences alike.
3 sourcesMay 23Moderate
- Culture· World
Tui Group ends sponsorship of Married At First Sight amid serious allegations of sexual assault
Tui Group has terminated its sponsorship of the reality TV show Married At First Sight following allegations of rape and sexual assault made by contestants. This decision comes in response to growing concerns about participant safety in reality television, particularly after multiple women have come forward with allegations. The long-term implication may lead to increased scrutiny and significant changes in industry practices regarding the welfare of reality show participants.
3 sourcesMay 23Low
- Culture· UAE
UAE municipalities enhance services for Eid al-Adha celebrations
Municipalities in the UAE are implementing measures to enhance services and facilities for Eid al-Adha. This is happening as part of a proactive approach to ensure public safety and improve the holiday experience for residents and visitors. The long-term implication is a strengthened sense of community and increased satisfaction with public services during major holidays.
4 sourcesMay 22Low
- Culture· World
Commonwealth Short Story Prize winners face AI authenticity allegations
Three of the five regional winners of the Commonwealth Short Story Prize are under suspicion for potentially using AI tools in their submissions. This controversy arises as AI detection platforms have flagged certain syntactical features in the winning stories, prompting an investigation by Granta and the Commonwealth Foundation. The long-term implication may involve a reevaluation of submission guidelines and authenticity standards in literary competitions as AI technology continues to influence creative writing.
3 sourcesMay 22Moderate
- Culture· World
Jackson Pollock's 'Number 7A, 1948' sells for record $181.2 million at Christie's auction
Jackson Pollock's painting 'Number 7A, 1948' has achieved a historic auction price of $181.2 million at Christie's in New York. This unprecedented sale reflects a surge in demand for abstract expressionist art, occurring as collectors seek high-value investments in the contemporary art market. The long-term implication may be a shift in auction strategies and increased interest in similar high-value artworks.
3 sourcesMay 22Moderate
- Culture· World
Allegations of sexual assault emerge from Married At First Sight UK prompting police investigation
Serious allegations of rape and sexual misconduct have surfaced from the reality show Married At First Sight UK. The immediate trigger for this scrutiny is a BBC Panorama investigation that revealed multiple contestants' claims of assault during filming. This situation is likely to lead to increased regulatory oversight and reforms in participant safety protocols within the reality television industry.
4 sourcesMay 22High
- Culture· UAE
Sharjah City Municipality introduces free parking and extended park hours for Eid Al Adha
Sharjah City Municipality has announced free public parking and extended park hours in preparation for Eid Al Adha. This initiative is aimed at enhancing convenience for residents and visitors during the holiday period. The long-term implication is expected to be increased community engagement and support for local businesses during festive celebrations.
3 sourcesMay 21Low
- Culture· UAE
Sharjah Ruler Inaugurates Redesigned Al Majarrah Park
His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi inaugurated the redesigned Al Majarrah Park, enhancing its artistic and cultural character. This event is part of Sharjah's broader initiative to promote community engagement and cultural spaces at this specific moment. The long-term implication is that the park is expected to become a central hub for community activities, fostering a vibrant cultural scene in Sharjah.
3 sourcesMay 21Low
- Culture· UAE
Dubai Police Sets Guinness World Record for Largest Virtual Meeting
Dubai Police organized a virtual meeting attended by 9,348 employees, setting a Guinness World Record. This milestone was achieved during the 'Front Line Heroes' meeting, which aimed to recognize the efforts of police employees during a national crisis. The success of this event may inspire other organizations to leverage technology for large-scale gatherings in the future.
3 sourcesMay 21Low
- Culture· MENA
Prince Saud bin Bandar Honors 169 Students in Cultural Skills Competition
On May 20, 2026, a ceremony was held to recognize 169 students for their achievements in a cultural skills competition organized by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Culture. This event reflects a commitment to promoting educational excellence and cultural awareness among youth in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. The ongoing emphasis on cultural skills is likely to enhance educational standards and foster a generation of culturally aware individuals in the region.
3 sourcesMay 21Low