The Mohammed bin Rashid Library, which opened in June 2022, is a fitting addition to Dubai’s long list of “must-see” attractions. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum began the ambitious project in 2016, and it has now grown into an outstanding reality. It will draw prominent professionals, scholars, historians, linguists, poets, and book enthusiasts from all over the world as a cultural monument in Dubai.
We go over everything the magnificent Mohammed bin Rashid Library has to offer in this post.
About the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library Dubai
His Majesty In June 2022, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, inaugurated the Mohammed bin Rashid Library, which quickly became Dubai’s largest library. Al Jaddaf is home to the magnificent bookstand-shaped structure.
The library is also environmentally friendly, with solar panels on the roof providing about 10% of its electricity. The building’s exterior facade helps to insulate the interiors and manage the atmosphere. The design of the building also has an impact, reducing water consumption by up to 50%.
Architectural Significance
The library’s design is inspired by the ‘Rehal’ or ‘Rehl,’ a Turkish name for a foldable wooden book rest used by Muslims to rest their holy books. Because the Rehl is usually used for placing the Holy Quran during recitation, the concept of ‘Rehl’ is to demonstrate reverence for books.
This recitation is thought to raise one’s spiritual status. The library’s architectural design pays homage to the same concept, and it appears to exemplify how society can benefit from the library through learning information.
What’s Inside the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Library Al Jaddaf?
MILLIONS OF BOOKS
Spread over seven floors, there are nine specialized libraries in the facility:
- The General Library
- The Emirates Library
- The Young Adults Library
- The Special Collection Library
- The Children’s Library
- The Media and Arts Library
- The Maps and Atlases Library
- The Periodical Library
- The Business Library
Each of these libraries has approximately 1.1 million digital and print volumes in a variety of languages, including Arabic. In a 325-year archive, there are additionally 1 million audiobooks, over 6 million dissertations, 75,000 movies, 73,000 music scores, and over 5,000 historical journals (print/digital). There will also be 500 unique collectibles and 35,000 print and digital newspapers from around the world. The following categories of books are available at the library:
- Young adults
- Children
- General use
- Information
- Media and arts
- Emirates
- Maps and atlas
- Periodicals
- Business
- Special collections
A LIBRARY CAFE
The library has a two-storey cafe with an area of 800 square meters. The cafe is a bright, welcoming, and airy environment with stunning views of the library gardens and Dubai Creek.
AMPHITHEATRE
The amphitheater, which is located on the creek side of the library complex, is an outdoor location for live events. The events will include anything from cultural and musical acts to spoken word presentations.
THE LANGUAGES GARDEN
The 60 pillars in the language garden are etched with words by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai. The quotes, which are in a variety of languages, cover a wide range of topics, including leadership, knowledge, and the enjoyment of the written word.
What to Expect From the Library in the Coming Years?
The library is expected to feature these additions:
- A digital book retrieval system
- Self-service kiosks
- Smart robots to assist visitors
- A book digitization laboratory
- Automated storage
Mohammed Bin Rashid Library Contact
- Location: Al Jaddaf, Dubai
- Contact: +971-4-317-5606
- Mohammed bin Rashid Library Website: www.mbrsg.ae/home/library.aspx
