Fancy meeting a book? The Mohammed bin Rashid Library is not just a repository of books. It is a cultural landmark shaped like a rehl. A rehl is a traditional wooden book rest used to hold the Quran.
The Mohammed bin Rashid Library overlooks Dubai Creek. This seven-story structure houses Dubai’s most ambitious cultural initiative. It aims to establish a lighthouse of knowledge and creativity. The library wants to grow its collection by acquiring millions of books from around the world.
Founded in 2016, the library is the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. It supports Dubai and UAE goals. These goals aim to develop a knowledge society. The library promotes and encourages reading, literacy, and Arabic literature.
Launched in 2014, the library’s primary goal is to stimulate a passion for knowledge. This applies to all those living in the United Arab Emirates. This is especially for young people. The Mohammed bin Rashid Library actively supports reading, research, creativity, and entrepreneurship. It provides free access to books and knowledge resources plus quality information services.
The library plays an increasing role in the preservation of Arabic literature, culture, and heritage. It ensures public access to Arabic literary works. These works include both modern and rare old texts. The library supports young Arabic writers. It also has an Arabic language publishing program.
The Mohammed Bin Rashid Library comprises ten main library collections. These include The General Library and the Young Adult Library. There is also a Children’s Library. Other collections are the Information Centre, the Map and Atlas Library, and the Media and Arts Library. The Business Library, the Emirates Library, the Periodicals Library, and a Special Collections Library round it off. Besides physical collections, the library provides access to ebooks and other digital media.
The audio book library is a fantastic resource. It is especially useful to the visually impaired or those with reading difficulties. The Mohammed bin Rashid Library is developing a range of Braille books for the blind too.
The Mohammed bin Rashid Library employs artificial intelligence in its operations. This includes choosing titles and borrowing and returning books. Smart robots respond to inquiries and deliver selected books.
Across its seven floors, the library includes more than 1.1 million printed and digital books. They are in English, Arabic, and other foreign languages. The library comprises nine specialized sections.
The Mohammed bin Rashid Library is environmentally friendly. It gets 10 percent of its energy from solar panels. The external structure is designed to insulate the building’s interior and reduce heat gain.
The library has natural lighting. This comes from ceiling windows. The design reduces water consumption by 50 percent. Water is recycled from air conditioners to irrigate green spaces.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum founded the library. It nurtures the nation’s spirit of learning and curiosity. The Mohammed bin Rashid Library marks a milestone in Dubai’s cultural, societal, and economic development.