Mohammed Bin Rashid Library – what you need to know..

A new cultural milestone for Dubai residents, the long-awaited Mohammed Bin Rashid Library located in Al Jadaf is now open, and it couldn’t come at a better time as we look for ways to keep ourselves occupied indoors now the summer season is in full swing.

Over 1.1 million printed and digital books in both Arabic and a multitude of other languages, span across a whopping seven floors. There are nine separate libraries that include a young adults library, a children’s library, a library dedicated to maps and atlases, a media and art library, a business library, a periodicals library, as well as an ampitheatre, a garden and a café. There is certainly something for everyone to while away the hours, and for those who love getting lost inside a great book – quite literally!

You can also stroll around the picturesque Languages Garden and admire the 60 pillars featuring quotes in both Arabic and English by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Other points of interest include the latest AI and advanced technologies used within the library. With smart robots ready to answer visitor inquiries, an electronic retrieval system, a book digitisation lab, and the latest AR and VR technologies, this is one futuristic library to explore.

Five years in the making and costing one billion dirhams to build, the building exterior, in true Dubai form, is as impressive as its book collection inside, shaped to resemble an open book sitting on a traditional Arabic book rest.

A few points to be aware of ahead of making your trip –

*Children under 5 years old are not allowed in the building.

*The library is free to enter, however, you need to book your appointment online ahead of time. Book HERE.

*As this is a government building, the same rules regarding dress code apply. Keep shoulders and knees covered and men need to wear trousers too.

*Timings: Monday – Saturday 9:00am – 9:00pm | Friday: 2:00pm – 9:00pm | Sunday: Closed

As Dr. Seuss said, the more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go. Why not make Mohammed Bin Rashid Library somewhere to go this summer and soak up Dubai’s most cultural new attraction?