Dubai is the most futuristic city in the world, and hence you can just imagine how the libraries in Dubai would be!
Dubai has several libraries that cater to different and wide a range of interests. And most of them are futuristic setups, where you can go to read books, research, strike up conversations, or just find a quiet corner to focus and get your shit (read as work) done. This post is about some of the most amazing libraries in Dubai that you must visit once if you live in Dubai.
You can enter these libraries for free, you can read the books and use resources in these libraries free of cost too. But if you wish to borrow any books and bring them home, then you do need a membership. Most of them have state-of-the-art facilities, they have a good wifi connection and charging points, free drinking water, and spacious sitting areas.
Mohammed Bin Rashid Library
This is the biggest library in Dubai. It is a seven-story library built in the shape of an open book. Inside the library, there are several sections catering to different interest groups. There are also a few discussion rooms, where you can strike up a conversation with other people.
This largest library in Dubai houses over 4.5 million printed, digital, and audiobooks. As soon as you enter this library you might notice the large walls lined high with 17 bookshelves on both sides. They have a lot of books in the Arabic language. And they also have several books in English.
The library is divided into 10 different sections that cater to different audiences from kids, and young adults to adults. There is one such separate section called – Map and Atlas Library, which I found very interesting.
They also have a nice little cafe where you may grab a snack. The library is located close to the creek and near Jaddaf Walk. An evening walk in the gardens that are close to the creek is refreshing. This library is located within a short walking distance from The Creek metro station.
Entry here is free, but you must make a reservation on their website before you visit – https://www.mbrl.ae/visit
Treasures of the Library in Dubai
On the 7th floor of the above-mentioned Rashid Library, there is a section called the Treasures of the Library. It is a small exhibition that houses several rare and ancient books and manuscripts. Some of these are as old as the 13th century. They also have some very old atlas and maps.
The collection also has some rare copies of the Holy Quran. There is a particular section showcasing the celebrated works from several different nations, written by several scholars. The epic Ramayana written by the scholar Valmiki is also showcased here as an epic from India.
Apart from these, there are several ancient objects and ancient tools used for calligraphy by the Arabs. The books showcased here have very elaborate and fine designs and borders.
You can visit this library for free but you need to register in advance on their website. In case you haven’t registered online, the security guard helps you with a QR code. You can use it to make on-the-spot registration.
Beach Libraries in Dubai
I already told you Dubai is a futuristic city, and they really do think decades ahead. Imagine you are on a nice beach, sitting by yourself, and you wish that you had a nice book to read. But you haven’t brought any books with you. Well, they have already thought about you. The beach libraries in Dubai are tiny kiosks with a few books, but they are open 24 hours on Kite Beach, Jumeirah Beach, and Al Mamzar Beach.
Al Mankhool Dubai Public Library
Dubai has a network of 8 public libraries that are located at different locations all over Dubai. Among all these libraries in Dubai, I have mostly frequented the public library at Al Mankhool. I usually just set up in a nice quiet corner, get focused, and would get my shit (read as work) done. The public libraries in Dubai, have nice seating spaces, separate areas for women, a cafeteria, good wifi connection, and charging points. This library in Mankhool also has free Chai (tea) and Coffee (Kava). Moreover, it has a small garden, where I usually go for a short evening walk, or just sit down with my cup of chai. There is also an outlet of the famous Filli located at the petrol pump nearby, where I usually do get my Karak Zafran Tea.
Al Safa Art and Design Public Library
This library in Dubai is the best for creative minds. The library is uniquely designed with a nice indoor area. They also host a collection of artworks from local and international artists at the Art Gallery. This Art gallery regularly hosts exhibitions and events related to art, design, and architecture, that can be a real inspiration to you. Moreover, this library has a dedicated design studio available for the public. They have printers, computers, a vast collection of books, and digital resources, that are amazing for professionals and students who need access to such design software and equipment.
