An Evening of Urbanism: Discovering Dubai – an urban sketcher's journey
The RIBA GULF Chapter, in partnership with the AoU, invites you to join An Evening of Urbanism in Dubai
Date: Thursday 19 June 2025
Time: 18:00 - 21:00 Gulf Standard Time
Location: One Life Kitchen & Cafe, Building 5, Dubai Design District, Dubai, UAE
The RIBA GULF Chapter partners with the Academy of Urbanism (AoU) to hold a fireside chat with architect and urbanist Manupriam Seth, Chair of the Urban Sketchers Dubai Chapter (USDC), on the launch of his book Discovering Dubai – an urban sketcher's journey.
Containing over 200 sketches in a variety of media Manupriam records Dubai as a city of constant growth, with unique character and spirit through decades of artistic exploration.
Followed by a conversation on 'Gulf Urbanism – Looking Ahead' with UAE based Fellows of the Academy and RIBA members, culminating with networking ‘til late.
Join us to celebrate the book launch, along with the 10th anniversary of the USDC, the 20th anniversary year of the AoU, and the future of urban development in Dubai and beyond.
The Event will take place in the UPSTAIRS area of One Life, Building 5, d3 Dubai Design District.
Hosted by:
Sandra Woodall, FRIBA, AoU, the RIBA GULF Chapter UAE Country Representative
Moderated by:
Sahil Shaik-Muzawar, Young Urbanist
This event is supported by RIBA Gulf Chapter Chair Andy Shaw, the RIBA GULF Chapter Committee and kindly sponsored by Urban Surveys – spatial data for the built environment.
Speakers:
Manupriam Seth is an architect, urbanist and artist with a passion for freehand drawing and urban sketching. He was born and raised in India and is now settled in Dubai with his wife and two children. He has captured the city in his sketchbook for the last three decades.
His passion for on-location sketching thrived with numerous sketchbooks filled with sketches from the region and his many travels. ‘Discovering Dubai’ is the first book of the series representing his journey with a narrative focused on themes and techniques of urban sketching in Dubai.
Followed by a conversation with AoU Fellows including:
Jason Carlow, Head of Dept of Architecture at American University of Sharjah
United Arab Emirates, Urbanist and Author.
Nadine Bitar Chahine, co-Founder Baladiya Catalyst, Secretary General IFLA Middle East, General Rapporteur – 61stISOCARP World Planning Congress, KSA and strategic advisor on urban policy and transformational urban programmes.
Farah Naz, FCIBSE, RIBA Affiliate, Author and Director of Climate and Sustainability Advisory AECOM Middle East Africa.
Steven Velegrinis, Design Director and Head of Cities Practice APME Gensler UAE.
Don’t miss the chance to win a signed copy of Discovering Dubai – An Urban Sketcher’s Journey, or purchase signed copies at a special discounted rate, exclusively for attendees.
F&B for the event is kindly sponsored by Urban Surveys – spatial data for the built environment.
