UAE | Education

Dubai libraries: A paradise for book lovers

Started as a small desert oasis 50 years ago, Dubai libraries are now an institution of learning

By Nadia Eldemerdash, Web Producer
Published: 20:22 June 21, 2013

Image Credit: Abdel-Krim Kallouche/Gulf News
The Al Ras Public Library in Dubai

Dubai: With 462,000 books lining shelves across the city, Dubai’s public libraries provide an indispensable service to the city’s residents.

In many ways, the story of the public libraries is the story of Dubai itself. It begins with a small hall in Al Ras, overlooking the creek, built in 1963 under the behest of the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum.

Today, there are eight public libraries across Dubai, including an electronic library in Umm Suqeim, housing everything from references and periodicals to children’s books and video and audio recordings.

"As a part of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, the Dubai public libraries seek to supplement the incredible advancement of the emirate and the nation in every field, especially that of culture and knowledge," says Abdulrahman Ibrahim, the director of the libraries.

To that end, the libraries’ collection grew 8.7 per cent in 2012, acquiring over 37,000 new material over the past year, including books, CDs and other materials. Much of these come from book fairs, and the Dubai public libraries have been to fairs in Sharjah and Abu Dhabi as well as international fairs in Madrid and Italy.

Ibrahim says that the libraries apply a deft hand in choosing new materials, "taking into consideration the diversity of the Dubai Public Libraries’ consumers in terms of age, culture, education and language…while maintaining the UAE’s Arab and Islamic identity."

More Pictures

The story of Dubai Public Library

Multimedia

Public library is a reservior of knowledge

Comments (4)

Added 11:46 June 22, 2013

I have been to these libraries and i must acknowledge that they have excellent resources. However, they should consider extending the hours in which the libraries are open and opening in the weekends especially on Saturdays as many people in Dubai are busy with work and the only times they could use is the evenings (Maybe till midnight) or even weekends.

Amin, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Added 11:05 June 22, 2013

is any membership required to acquire the books?

Ruh, dubai, United Arab Emirates

Added 10:42 June 22, 2013

Being a bookworm, libraries were my favorite places while living in the United States. I would visit them at least once every week. When I came first to UAE I was disappointed that I couldn't find many libraries as my reading was now hindered somewhat. I had been a lover of fiction books and reading fiction had helped my reading abilities. The fact that Dubai now has many libraries is very encouraging. Libraries add to the academic advancement of a place by providing free books to read. If this is coupled with a pressure on students to read and write (through mandatory book report writing) students will advance not only in reading and writing but in all sciences.

Kokab, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Added 10:41 June 22, 2013

Its an excellent move and we appreciate his concern and feel lucky to be a resident of Dubai. The Dubai Library in Mankhool is located in a very prominent, residential area and the collection and ambience are extremely good for any avid reader.

Shanti, Dubai, United Arab Emirates