Bookworms are in luck as the Mohammed bin Rashid Library in Dubai Creek is opening soon.
The striking building captures the imagination before visitors even enter; the building is shaped to resemble an open book sitting on a traditional wooden book-rest.
The brand new library will welcome members of public from Thursday June 16.
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Costing Dhs1 billion to build, the seven-floor building is home to nine libraries, an amphitheatre, garden and a café that will be spread over two floors.
Visitors can expect a vast range of reading material inside. The website lists that the nine libraries cater to different genres of books; general use, young adults, children, information, maps and atlas, media and arts, business, emirates, periodicals and special collections.
Book buffs are sure to wonder what will be inside the library and according to the project’s website readers and researchers will have access to over 1.1 million printed and digital books in Arabic and foreign languages.
That is not all, as there will also be 35,000 print and digital newspapers from around the world, nearly 500 rare collectibles, six million dissertations, around 73,000 music scores, 75,000 videos, approximately 13,000 articles, and more than 5,000 historical print and digital journals. Wow.
There is no denying that Dubai is in the fast lane when it comes to technology and the Mohammed bin Rashid Library will use the latest tech and artificial intelligence.
Proving that it is one sleek set-up there will be automated storage and electronic book retrieval system as well as a self-service kiosk.
Other modern touches include robots to respond to visitors’ inquiries. We cannot wait to check this out.
We are excited about the amphitheatre as there are plans for the open-air space to be used in the cooler months for intimate cultural, spoken word and music performances.
As for the garden, the words of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai will be found on plaques in the garden.
60 pillars featuring quotes from HH Sheikh Mohammed are dotted around the outdoor area which can be read in English and Arabic.
HH Sheikh Mohammed toured the namesake library on Monday June 13 prior to the official opening on Thursday June 16.
Are you eager to cosy up with a book at the incredible Mohammed bin Rashid Library?
Opening to the public on Thursday June 16. Open daily from 8am-11.55pm. Dubai Creek (04 222 2025).
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