Latest news with #Forma
Arab News
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
US Qatari Sophia Al-Maria wins 2025 Frieze Artist Award
DUBAI: US Qatari artist and writer Sophia Al-Maria has been announced as the recipient of the 2025 Frieze Artist Award, one of the art world's most highly anticipated annual commissions. For the latest updates, follow us on Instagram @ The award is part of Frieze London, a leading international art fair that will return to Regent's Park from Oct. 15-19, bringing together more than 280 galleries from 45 countries. Presented in partnership with Forma, the award supports early- to mid-career artists in debuting new works. This year, Al-Maria will perform 'Wall Based Work (a Trompe LOL),' a live stand-up comedy show held daily inside the fair tent. The work marks Al-Maria's first attempt at stand-up, in which she will blend sharp humor with her long-standing interest in mythology, empire and pop culture. 'In partnership with Forma, we are proud to continue supporting artist-centered programming,' said Eva Langret, director of Frieze EMEA. 'Al-Maria's debut stand-up promises a collective experience exploring vulnerability, creativity, shared anxieties and LOLs.' Meanwhile, Chris Rawcliffe, artistic director at Forma, said: 'By wielding humor as a tool for survival, Al-Maria not only provokes reflection but actively reshapes the cultural conversation … Al-Maria is more than an artist and critic, she is a catalyst for change, and an indispensable voice in both the art world and the wider social landscape.' Al-Maria's proposal was selected by a jury of leading industry professionals, including curator and museum consultant Lydia Yee and the artistic director of exhibitions at Ikon Gallery, Melanie Pocock, artistic director of exhibitions at Ikon Gallery, as well as Langret and Rawcliffe. Based in London, Al-Maria works across drawing, collage, sculpture, film and writing. Her practice is unified by a focus on storytelling and mythmaking, often reimagining histories and envisioning speculative futures. Her work has been shown at major institutions and biennales, including the Gwangju Biennale, the New Museum and Whitney Museum in New York, the Venice Biennale, and Tate Britain.
Time Out Dubai
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out Dubai
Best library cafés in Dubai 2025: 6 cosy spots to visit next
Looking to take a little escape from reality and get stuck into a really good book? We've rounded up some of the best spots in the city to dive into a page turner — they're literally designed for it. From pre-loved bookstores to cosy corners inside art galleries, these are all of the best library cafés in Dubai. The best Library cafés in Dubai Book Hero The seaside Umm Suqeim spot is technically a bookstore rather than a library, but you can pick up pre-loved books for as little as Dhs10. Browse the shelves, pick a brand new story and get stuck into the pages over a coffee and an oven-baked Napolitana pizza (lush). Open daily 6am-11.30pm. Jumeirah Beach, Umm Suqeim, (056 736 8862). Fiker Institute Ok, so this is more of a library than it is a café but hear us out. Not only is the gorgeous Alserkal Avenue spot a great place to work or study, if you purchase a day pass it also comes with unlimited coffee. Keeping you caffeinated all day long, you have to add this to your to-visit list. Open Tue-Sun 9am-9pm. Al Quoz, Foundry The gallery, library and co-working space not only gives you free entry to see some incredible art, but there's also a gorgeous little café inside. Serving up coffee, pastries and some simple savoury bites, you can (carefully) wander around with a cup in hand as you take in the stunning installations. Or grab a latte and climb into a library pod for some cosy and undisturbed reading. Open daily 10am-10pm. Downtown Dubai, (04 367 3696). Forma Say hello to Forma, the latest must-visit spot in Jumeirah. This new pizza place can be found in Al Safa Art and Design Library in Dubai and has all the arty vibes any creative could want. Try the miso corn, six cheese pizza (capture the cheese pull) and desserts such as the pretzel ice cream and pistachio cookie tiramisu. Open daily, 8am. Al Safa Art & Design Library, Jumeirah @formauae Kefi Books, Boardgames and Specialty Coffee This adorable spot is packed with over 200 boardgames to play and 6,000 different books for you to get stuck into. While you're lost in the story, you can also tuck into everything from a butter chicken risotto to lasagne or pizza, all washed down with the special tiramisu latte. Open Sun-Thu 9.30am-midnight; Fri-Sat 9.30am-1am. Al Mamzar, (04 385 2888). Lulu & The Beanstalk The independent bar, café and bookstore is not your traditional library, but you can still choose a new novel, grab a matcha and chill for a few hours. Hosting live DJs and drinks deals as day turns to night, this is the kind of place you really could stay for hours. Open Mon-Thu 8am-11pm; Fri 8am-midnight; Sat 11am-midnight. ICD Brookfield Place, (04 268 8664). Looking for things to do in Dubai? 70 of Dubai's coolest cafés and coffee shops Your essential caffeine guide, from Jumeirah to Al Khawaneej 13 places to go in Dubai if getting a matcha is your whole personality From some of our favourite cafés in the city 8 cool Palm Jumeirah cafés to try in Dubai From busy bakeries to beachside hangouts
FACT
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- FACT
Forma serves pizza with a slice of culture
This new pizzeria in Dubai is guaranteed to become a favourite spot in Dubai soon. Dubai is no stranger to good pizza. From favourites like Pitfire Pizza and Blu Pizzeria to name a few, the city has its fair share of places serving up cheesy goodness. And now another exciting restaurant has entered the roster, say hello to Forma. Located within the artsy Al Safa Art and Design Library on Al Wasl Road, Forma is more than just a pizza joint. The space not only offers a laid-back spot for you to enjoy but do it while devouring artisanal pizzas and pieces, and coffee. Step into a space that's as much about vibe as it is about food. Imagine stepping out of Jumeirah's public library and right into a with handcrafted pies and specialty coffee. Yep, it's that kind of place. Forma is designed as a stylish cafe-meets-pizzeria that merges art and flavour. Situated next to the Jumeirah public library, the venue follows the same notes with its shelves, artsy details and minimal aesthetics. Cosy indoor corners and breezy outdoor seating will ensure that this place is perfect. From solo reading sessions to group pizza outings, this is where it's at. Forma's pizza menu includes tons of delicious options. While Margherita and Pepperoni-like classics grace the menu, it also offers unique tastes such as Bacon Pistachio, Hot Chicken and Miso Corn. Apart from pizza, you can indulge in the Burrata Poppers and Crispy Prawn to name a few. Pair these up with signature sips and desserts that'll make sure you keep coming back for more. Forma is backed by Belhasa Hospitality, which is also the brains behind NAC, Berenjak, and many others. So expect this new venture to draw in massive crowds too. With an artsy space, laid-back ambiance, and a flavour-packed menu, Forma is set to become a new favourite for all. GO: Follow @formauae on Instagram for more information.
