Mohammed bin Rashid Library in Dubai Creek is Dubai’s hottest new attraction – and there’s lots to explore.
Back in 2016, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, announced the foundation of Mohammed Bin Rashid Library.
Five years in the making and it is opening to the public tomorrow – Thursday June 16.
Costing a whopping Dhs1billion to build, this is one impressive building. Built in the shape of an open book sitting on top of a traditional wooden book rest, its architecture is like no other in the city.
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The library is spread over 54,000 sq m and can host 1,000 visitors at any one time. That’s a lot of book worms in one place.
Want to know more about the library and what to expect inside? Keep reading for the ultimate guide to Mohammed bin Rashid Library.
Where is Mohammed bin Rashid Library?
Mohammed bin Rashid Library is in Al Jaddaf on Dubai Creek.The nearest metro stop is Al Jaddaf Metro station, 2.5 km away.
Is it free to enter Mohammed bin Rashid Library?
Yes! There is no fee to enter the community hub that will welcome visitors from Thursday June 16.
Can I borrow books from Mohammed bin Rashid Library?
Not at the moment, but there are plans for people to be able to borrow books in the future.
How many libraries are there inside Mohammed bin Rashid Library?
Mohammed Bin Rashid Library comprises nine libraries and The Information Centre. The different libraries, spread over three floors, are divided into the following sections;
- Business
- Children
- General use
- Information
- Maps and atlas
- Media and arts
- Periodicals
- Special collections
- United Arab Emirates
- Young adults
How many books are there at Mohammed bin Rashid Library?
Visitor have access to more than 1.1 million printed and digital books in Arabic and foreign languages at the reading spot. There are also 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.
What else is at Mohammed bin Rashid Library?
Alongside the nine libraries there is an amphitheatre, The Languages Garden and a café that will be spread over two floors. There are plans for the open-air space to be used in the cooler months for intimate cultural, spoken word and music performances.
What is The Languages Garden at Mohammed bin Rashid Library?
Read words by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai at plaques in the picturesque garden. Stroll around and look at the 60 pillars featuring quotes from HH Sheikh Mohammed, dotted around the outdoor area which can be read in English and Arabic.
Are there robots at Mohammed bin Rashid Library?
Mohammed bin Rashid Library uses the latest artificial intelligence and library technologies. This includes an automated warehouse, an electronic retrieval system, self-service booths, a book digitisation lab and smart robots to answer visitors’ inquiries. There are also other advanced technologies such augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) being used inside.
Does Mohammed bin Rashid Library cater to people of determination?
The Library empowers the visually impaired with a Braille service. There is also a dedicated area providing a comforting and quiet space for people of determination and autistic individuals.
Are there any exhibitions at Mohammed bin Rashid Library?
The Treasures of The Library exhibition can be found at the Mohammed bin Rashid Library. It displays a collection of rare and old books, atlases, manuscripts, and documents, some of them dating back to the 13th century.
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Mohammed bin Rashid Library opens this week
The striking building is shaped like an open book and is comprised of seven floors.
Read more here.
