Dubai: The Mohammad Bin Rashid Library project is proceeding according to the planned schedule with a 15 per cent completion rate.

This was announced by Hussain Nasser Lootah, director-general of Dubai Municipality, who inspected the progress of work on the project.

Lootah was briefed on the details of the project, the method of implementation at the site, in addition to some technical issues, and reviewed samples of the main materials to be used in the project. He urged the project team of consultants, contractors and engineers to complete the project within the specified time and schedule.

The project, which is unique in size and shape, has an architectural outline such as an open book covering an area of 66,000 square metres located on the Dubai Creek in Al Jaddaf area. The project consists of a main building with basement, ground floor and seven floors, in addition to a central warehouse for books.

The project also includes a Laboratory for Preservation of Books and Collection and Processing of Materials; a Digital Conversion Lab; specialised libraries including an Information Centre, an Arabic Library, a Public Library, a Children’s Library, a Reading Corner, children’s books and other activities that contribute to children’s understanding and reading comprehension. The Family Library focuses on books that cater to the proper education of family members and the strengthening of family ties.

The other attractions are the International Library; the Media Centre which offers periodicals, audiovisual publications and internet services; the Youth Library; study rooms; meeting rooms; the Private Library containing collectibles of Al Maktoum family, rare books and articles; the Business Library; multiple open reading areas; permanent exhibitions, temporary exhibitions, theatre, cinema and book-lending corners.

With its huge building, the library will serve as a venue for many cultural and intellectual events as well as art exhibitions. The latest technologies will be used to equip it to be one of the largest electronic libraries in the world. The library will serve as a cultural and scientific movement in the country and a catalyst for reading and scientific research.