Dubai libraries are not just places where one can borrow a book or two. They are creative hubs also offering a full range of cultural and art activities both to children and adults, such as workshops, lectures, film screenings, and much more. We have selected four libraries for you to go to when you feel like reading or studying in a pleasant atmosphere or just spending your free time with benefits.
Opened to the public in June 2022, the Mohammed bin Rashid Library located in Al Jaddaf is the biggest library in the Arab world: it covers an area of 54, 000 sqm. Spreading over seven floors, the building, which incorporates elements of Islamic architecture, strikes one’s imagination. It is shaped as an open book sitting on a rehl (a lectern that holds the Quran). While designing the library, the principles of sustainable architecture were taken into consideration. The structure uses solar panels; besides, there is an external facade regulating the environment and insulating the interiors.
The Mohammed bin Rashid Library provides an astonishing number of various spaces and facilities. It houses an exhibition space (Level 7); Business Library and Emirates Library (Level 6); Private Collections Library (Level 5); Libraries dedicated to Media and Arts, Maps and Atlases, and Young Adults (Level 1). On the 2d and 4th floors, one can find conference rooms and those for studying. The ground floor is home to the Periodicals Library; General Library; Children’s Library; an auditorium; and a cafe. The library’s collection is simply immense. There are almost five millions of printed books, two millions of e-books, and more than a million audiobooks to choose from. The library also hosts different educational and cultural events.
Since its inauguration in 1989, the Umm Suqeim Public Library has been a perfect spot for all kinds of readers with its large collection of books both in English and Arabic covering multiple topics: history, literature, religion, medicine, geography, you name it. Those who like to read some fiction will also be satisfied. Apart from books, the library is also stocked with other reading materials (periodicals, maps, documents, etc.) which can be useful for any type of research projects. For young readers, there is a special section at the library: it features a reading room, an activity room, and audio-visual equipment. Children can also participate in exciting winter and summer camps organised by the library annually.
Situated on Al Wasl Road, the Al Safa Art and Design Library does not look like a stereotypical old-fashioned library at all. It was founded in 1989 and refurbished in 2018. A stylish spacious building with minimalistic interiors is a paradise for art and design lovers and practitioners. If you need books on architecture, interior design, and modern art, this library is where you should head to. One is invited to read, work, or study in a distraction-free zone, an atrium-like space with tables, chairs, and big windows. The library also has a courtyard used for different activities such as, for example, poetry recitals and movie nights.
The Al Twar Public Library in Al Qusais was established in 2007. Promoting reading and research, it offers many research facilities, which attracts scholars and students. The library gives access to 68, 033 titles and has a section for kids with an activity room and tons of children’s books. Little ones are also welcome to take part in summer and winter camps and regular workshops. Among the events that could be interesting for adults are community reading and various book events. A notable feature of the library is a garden area popular among those who are looking to read comfortably while basking in the winter sunshine.
You may also be interested in visiting the Jameel Library to have a look at the Another Empty House project.
