Discovering the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library in Dubai
While researching the top libraries in MBR City, Dubai, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library is presented as a treasury of knowledge and culture.
This library is more than just a repository of literature; it is a place where people learn, ideas are created, and people interact.
Even in the present day’s fastest-growing world of e-reading, the pleasure of holding a book remains uniquely special. The good news for book readers is that Dubai’s public libraries are among the world’s best libraries. To them a cup of coffee and a book always make up a good combination.
What one can do to continuously feed his/her love for books? Of course, by buying books, but this can be very expensive. Fortunately, MBRL stocks various books and periodicals in a safe and quiet space. It is a place that shows the culture of a particular society where every person who wants to acquire new knowledge is welcomed.
Let us meet this fabulous place called the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library and find out what it offers.
Mohammed Bin Rashid Library (MBRL)
MBRL of Dubai Creek is a new landmark and a most exciting destination to visit with much to explore. Situated in Al Jaddaf, it is truly accessible and open from 9.00 am to 9.00 pm, Monday to Saturday.
Initiated by His Majesty Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, in 2016. Construction of this library was completed in five years and it was officially opened to the public in June 2022.
The building utilises solar panels for 10% of its energy generation and has an environmentally friendly look. It has aided in boosting interior insulation.
When people walk into MBRL, they are greeted by floor-to-ceiling bookshelves to the eye’s capacity. The environment is calm and suitable for book readers. Here, it would be interesting to describe more characteristics of one of the top libraries in MBR City, Dubai, MBRL.
- 1. A Landmark of Learning
- 2. Architectural Significance
- 3. Million of Books
- 4. A Library Cafe
- 5. The Languages Garden
- 6. Amphitheatre
- 7. Modern Equipment
- 8. Other Features
1. A Landmark of Learning
MBRL, being one of the top libraries in MBR City, Dubai, has an area of 66,000 square metres. It provides a huge chain of books that meet various needs of different genres and ages of the users. Its shelves contain books and materials of all types, ranging from children’s literature to old manuscripts and running through business resources to modern digital sources.
Children under five years are not allowed to enter the library premises. However, children aged five or older are welcome to explore and enjoy the library’s offerings. The library has braille books and sensory pods to enhance children’s experience.
Thus, MBRL is a landmark of learning for renowned professionals, researchers, poets, linguists, and historians.
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2. Architectural Significance
A foldable wooden book rest is traditionally used for holding the Holy Quran. The library’s architecture has drawn inspiration from the Turkish ‘Rehal’ and pays homage to the reverence for books.
This concept not only honours the act of recitation but also elevates the spiritual standing. The architecture symbolises the library as a sanctuary for knowledge seekers to enrich their minds and souls alike.
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3. Million of Books
The MBRL has an impressive variety of specialised libraries across seven floors. These libraries include:
- The General Library
- The Periodic Library
- The Business Library
- The Young Adults Library
- The Emirates Library
- The Special Collection Library
- The Children’s Library
- The Media and Arts Library
- The Maps and Atlases Library
Each of the above-mentioned libraries offers a rich collection of books, exceeding 1.1 million digital and printed books in multiple languages. The library has 1 million audiobooks, six million dissertations, 73,000 music scores, and more than 70,000 videos.
The MBRL also has 325-year-old manuscripts, 500 rare collectables, and 35,000 digital/print newspapers across the globe. You can easily find early versions of the Holy Quran and the first publication of Miguel de Cervantes.
So, if you are a book lover, discover a treasure of knowledge and culture with MBRL’s walls!
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4. A Library Cafe
MBRL is accessible to all and is an amazing addition to the top libraries in MBR City, Dubai. It has an 800-square-metre cafe, covering two floors. The cafe offers a literary escape where you can enjoy your favourite brew. It is cheerful and warm accompanied by airy spaces.
The atmosphere presents splendid appeals of gardens and the scenic Dubai Creek. Therefore, you can wake your body and mind up by taking a sip of coffee or tea.
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5. The Languages Garden
In the Languages Garden, 60 pillars are painted with quotes from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The quotes are in multiple languages and are of various topics; knowledge, leadership, and representation of literature.
In this way, the library represents the wisdom and inspiration of people across cultures.
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6. Amphitheatre
As one of the top libraries in MBR City, Dubai, the library has an attractive amphitheatre.
The amphitheatre is located along the creek side of the library complex and can hold a large number of people. This is an arena that hosts various live events. It is meant to accommodate enough fun and enjoyment through cultural showcases and musical performances.
Other events include workshops, author’s meetings, and book clubs. It indicates that MBRL is a vibrant and socially active place.
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7. Modern Equipment
MBRL is specifically furnished with modern and latest equipment and resources that make it one of the top libraries in MBR City, Dubai.
Returning the borrowed books is made easier through self-checkout kiosks and smart shelves. You will observe that they are conveniently situated on the ground floor.
MBRL also provides access to personal computers to visitors. The computers enable the required searches among various collection databases and enable the members to deal with their accounts efficiently.
MBRL also assists people in staying in touch throughout their visit with free Wi-Fi. It ensures uninterrupted connectivity and you can use it for researching or simply enjoying an e-book. A total of nine library levels have touch maps.
These maps provide navigation help and a unique mapping experience that directs you to your desired destination in MBRL.
Information screens are conveniently located on every floor to inform you about library services and upcoming events.
These screens provide details to enhance your MBRL experience and keep you updated as you explore.
8. Other Features
You might think that there must be an entry fee to enter this high-class library. You will be happy to know that there is no such fee. Yes, you can get into the library and enjoy reading books. However, you must get a membership to borrow a book.
MBRL is one of the top libraries in MBR City, Dubai, and the largest library and cultural program in the Arab World. The main structure of the library has a conference room, exhibition spaces, reading halls, and service areas. It also has a ground-floor bookshop from where you can buy books of every kind.
There are dedicated prayer rooms in the basement for visitors’ convenience. They are easily accessible via elevators. Whether for quiet reflection or regular prayer, these facilities are designated to accommodate all.
There is an ample parking space where thousands of cars can be parked conveniently. You can also park your electric vehicles in different slots without paying any parking fee. The pathway is completely shaded and takes you to the Al Jaddaf metro station.
The library offers wheelchair accessibility across its facilities. People can use wheelchairs from the carpark and main building to every public room and floor.
Ramps are strategically designed for proper navigation, and elevators are equipped to provide easy access to everyone. These facilities ensure everyone can enjoy the library’s offerings without any hindrance.
Moreover, the library provides environmentally friendly copiers, printers, and scanners. Visitors can easily use them. Each library is equipped with power sockets where you can charge your electronic devices or laptops.
After visiting the library, you can easily visit other attractions near MBRL. The attractions include the Dubai Frame, Museum of the Future Dubai, and Dubai Festival City.
For further information about the library, you can contact the library staff.
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Conclusion
Dubai’s newly-built Mohammed Bin Rashid Library (MBRL) can be considered an outstanding cultural symbol of Dubai and the UAE as a whole due to its architectural appearance. It is one of the top libraries in MBR City, Dubai, combining knowledge and cultural identity. Not only is this structure one of the best architectural designs of the current generation, but it also stands as a symbol of passion for social intellectuals within the region and beyond.
Being the most extensive library in the Arab world, it has an excellent selection of knowledge, books, and materials. The visitors literally experience a whirl of information after entering this iconic building. In this blog, we have discussed this incredible library and its pivotal role in fostering learning and cultural exchange on a global scale.
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