5 places for bibliophiles in Dubai

Libraries perform a significant role in education because they provide people with the services and resources they seek to acquire the knowledge they desire.

The assistance for education and literacy is greatly aided by public libraries. They provide visitors a variety of information, including books, training sessions, workshops, scientific journals, etc.

People visit libraries not only in order to gather information, but also in search of identity and a place to connect.

Additionally, libraries assist non-English speakers to aid in their community integration, acting as community hubs for a variety of populations. As a result, public libraries frequently acquire works in several languages. Therefore, if you love reading and if you’re look for a libraries in Dubai, then here’s a list of five popular ones for you.


  1. Mohammed Bin Rashid Library

Location: Mohammed Bin Rashid Library, 68CV+8GX Al Jaddaf, Dubai

Timings: Sun-Thurs 9am to 9pm, Fri 2pm to 9pm and Sat Closed

Contact: +971 4 222 2025

The Mohammed Bin Rashid Library’s most recent opening was on June 16, 2022. It is stated that the library, which resembles an open book sitting on a rehl (a conventional lectern that houses the Quran), is the largest in the Arab region. There are different regions in this library:

  • Business
  • Children
  • General use
  • Information
  • Maps and atlas
  • Media and arts
  • Periodicals
  • Special collections
  • United Arab Emirates
  • Young adults

The library will serve as a gathering place for readers to engage in conversation and take away some new information. Seminars, movie screenings, cultural activities, and so much more will soon be held there.


2) The Old Library

Location: The Old Library, Gold & Diamond Park, Building 7, Dubai

Timings: Mon to Sat 10am to 6pm, Dhs231 membership fee.

Contact: (04) 321 3939

E-mail: theoldlibrary.ae

Over 25,000 books may be found in this 50-year-old reading room, which is managed entirely by volunteers. The non-profit library is supported by membership fees and marketing of used books. Classical books, biographies, memoirs, and children’s literature are all included in the selection. Become a participant for Dhs231 per year. Please be aware that you must be at minimum 18 years old.


3) Etihad Museum

Location: Etihad Museum, Union House, 2nd December Street, Jumeira, Dubai

Timings: 10am to 8pm daily, Dhs25 adults, Dhs10 students aged 5 to 24

Contact: (04) 515 5771

E-mail: etihadmuseum.dubaiculture.gov.ae

The UAE’s founding treaty was signed in 1971 at Union House, which is where the Etihad Museum is situated. Well over 3,000 volumes on UAE politics, society, and history are archived in its library, where you can read them in peace and comfort. A wide range of publications, including magazines, books, CDs, and other instructional tools, are available on the UAE.

The books cannot be taken home, and entry to the museum requires the purchase of a ticket, whose prices Dhs25 for adults and Dhs10 for students (aged five to 24). Phone the museum in advance to make sure it isn’t shut for a work function before you go.


4) Al Mankhool Library

Location: Al Mankhool Library, Al Mankhool, Dubai

Timings: Sun to Thur 8am to 8pm, Fri 8am to 12pm, closed on Sat

Contact: (04) 515 5200

E-mail: dm.gov.ae 

The Al Mankhool Library, which situated in Bur Dubai, has a broad selection of books and reference materials that you may read in a peaceful environment, making it ideal for studying, working, or just doing recreational reading. For just Dhs75 for kids under 12, Dhs200 for adults, and Dhs250 for a family plan, you can join this club for five years.


5) Umm Suqeim Public Library

Location: Umm Suqeim Public Library, 770 Jumeirah Street, Dubai

Timings: Sun to Thurs 8am to 8pm, Fri 8am to 12pm, closed on Sat,

Contact: (04) 348 2512

Email: dubaiculture.gov.ae

The Umm Suqeim Public Library was established in 1989 and offers a substantial collection of books in both English and Arabic. There is a separate area for kids that includes a reading room, an exercise room, audio conferencing, and much more. Visitors are welcome to read on the premise, but subscription is only restricted to UAE citizens, GCC citizens, UAE residents, and UAE registered companies.

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