.png "Interview With Expat Saanika Gandhi, Author of Children's Book 'The Yellow Kite'")
A list of Dubai libraries where UAE residents and visitors can read and borrow books to their heart's content
9 June 2023
| Last updated on 12 June 2023
Whether you're looking for a book, need to do some research, want to sit down and read with your family, or you're hosting a study session, you're in luck.
Dubai is home to several libraries with books available in English, Arabic, and other select languages. Visitors will no doubt love all the unique resources these Dubai libraries have to offer, as they are full of invaluable pieces of history, knowledge, and stories.
Just don't forget to return your books on time and remember: Shh! Silence in the library.
Can I borrow books from libraries in Dubai?
Yes, Emiratis and expat residents in Dubai are eligible to sign up for a public library membership to borrow books.
How much does is a Dubai library membership?
It varies depending on the library you choose. A Dubai public library membership for adults is around AED 200, and AED 75 for children.
How to register for a Dubai public library membership?
You are welcome to apply online or in-person at the libraries. To register your membership, you may need to provide a copy of your Emirates ID and pay the relevant fee. When your request is approved, you will receive a library membership e-card.
1. Mohammed Bin Rashid Library in Al Jaddaf, Dubai
This community library in Dubai is beautifully shaped like an open book. Located in Al Jaddaf, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library is home to over 4 million physical books, about 2 million e-books, and more than a 1 million audiobooks, making it a rich resource for everyone.
Timings: Open from Monday to Thursday (9AM - 9PM), Fridays (9AM - 12PM), and Saturdays (9AM - 9PM).
Pictured: Mohammed Bin Rashid Library, Dubai
2. The Old Library at Gold & Diamond Park
The volunteer-run library in Dubai has been around for more than 50 years, bearing the atmosphere of a cosy family library with visitors spoiled for choice thanks to their collection of 25,000 books, ranging from non-fictions and biographies to children's stories and fictional literature.
Timings: Open Mondays to Saturdays (10AM - 6PM)
3. Al Safa Art and Design Library in Jumeirah
Located along Al Wasl Road in Jumeirah, the uniquely designed Al Safa Art and Design Library is a family-friendly library that is open to both adults and kids, with resources in interior design, art, architecture along with non-fictions, fictional stories, and more.
Registered public library members are allowed to borrow up to 25 books at a time (for adults) and a maximum of 10 at a time (for children).
Timings: Open from Mondays to Thursdays (8AM - 8PM), and Fridays (8AM - 12PM)
Image credit: Visit Dubai
4. Al Mankhool Public Library in Mankhool
Managed by the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, the Mankhool Public Library. The library is open to adults and children, with general interest sections to more specific interests and topics of research.
Timings: Open from Sundays to Thursday (8AM - 8PM), and Fridays (8AM - 12PM)
Image credit: Instagram - foodfitnesschakra
5. Al Twar Library
Al Twar Library is part of the Dubai Public Libraries, and serves the emirate's Al Twar area and its neighbouring districts. Visitors and members have access to over 68,000 books in a wide range of topics and stories. They often host community reading and book events.
Timings: Open from Mondays to Thursdays (8AM - 8PM, and Fridays (8AM - 12PM)
Image credit: Dubai Culture
6. Al Rashidiya Library
If you live near Rashidiya, then this cozy book centre locate near Al Rashidiya Park is for you. Here, you'll find a large line-up of books and stories by international authors, along with a dedicated section for children, an activity room, and even audio-visual equipment.
Timings: Open from Mondays to Thursdays (8AM - 8PM)
Image credit: Dubai Culture
7. Umm Suqeim Public Library
Umm Suqeim Public Library has been around as a fantastic resource for books since the 1980s, with a huge collection available in both English and Arabic. This Dubai community library has audio-visual facilities, a dedicated section for kids, and a reading hall. Non-registered visitors are allowed to read on the premises, however only library members are permitted to borrow books.
Timings: Open from Sundays to Thursday (8AM - 8PM), and Fridays (8AM - 12PM)
8. Jameel Art Centre at Jaddaf Waterfront
Located along the Jaddaf Waterfront opposite Palazzo Versace Dubai, the Jameel Arts Centre houses a library with books available in English and Arabic. Visitors can expect a wide selection of guides, journals, catalogues, etc. in a variety of topics such as the culture and history of the Arab region.
The Jameel Library often hosts reading group sessions, research projects, and several informative and educational talks led by leading experts.
Timings: Open from Wednesdays to Mondays (10AM - 6PM), and Fridays (12PM - 8PM)
9. Etihad Museum at Jumeirah
Located near Union House, where the signing of the treaty establishing the United Arab Emirates took place in 1971, is the Etihad Museum where visitors can also find a library with over 3,000 books, magazines, etc. dedicated to the UAE's history, culture, society, politics, etc.
To enter the museum, you will need to get a ticket - AED 25 per adult and AED 10 per child (5 to 24 years old). Etihad Museum's library does not lend out books to its visitors, but you are allowed to read books and listen to CDs/audiobooks at the premises.
Timings: Open everyday from 10AM - 8PM
10. Hor Al Anz Library in Deira
Just a stone's throw away from plenty of restaurants and cafeterias in the neighbourhood (in case you're feeling peckish) is the Hor Al Anz Public Library. This library in Dubai provides a relaxed reading atmosphere for those in the Deira community. There is a dedicated section for women and children, and heaps of books in English and Arabic.
Timings: Open from Sundays to Thursdays and Saturdays (8AM - 8PM). Closed on Fridays.
Image credit: Dubai Culture
11. Hatta Public Library
If you live around Hatta or you're stopping by for a visit, be sure to check out the Hatta Public Library, located near Al Wadi Park. Take a break from all the exciting outdoor activities that Hatta Dubai has to offer with a relaxed reading session.
The Hatta library houses more than 70,000 books in a wide range of stories and topics.
Timings: Open from Mondays to Thursdays (8AM - 8PM), and Fridays (8AM - 12PM)
Image: Dubai Culture
12. Beach Libraries
The Beach Library initiative was launched back in 2017, and since then beach-goers in Dubai have been able to enjoy a good read along with the sun, sand, and sea. Browse from a range of free books to borrow, but don't forget to return them!
You can find these little community libraries at the following beaches: Jumeirah, Al Mamzar, Umm Suqeim, and Kite Beach.
.png?itok=EH_x0Pha "Experience Extended Stays and Special Savings at Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort UAE")
