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Libraries of the UAE
Did you know that the UAE has close to 200 libraries across its seven emirates? It’s an impressive number which includes the little bookshop here and the grand university library there.
If you want to see a full list of official libraries, you can jump over to epa.org.ae. Otherwise, we’re listing some of the special libraries you’ll find around that are sure to inspire you in some way or the other.
- Khalifa Park Library, Abu Dhabi
One of the more popular libraries in Abu Dhabi and in the country, the Khalifa Park Library is located in a beautiful park setting and includes a very big collection of general, as well as specialized books. The Children’s Library alone has 10,000 books and counting. Many universities and research centres have contributed to Khalifa Park’s collection with dissertations and rare books – all categorized in their respective halls such as the Thesis Hall, Rare Books Hall, Reading Hall and more. A truly impressive place to be in the capital!
- Al Ras Library, Dubai
Dubai has many creative-looking libraries around but this one stands out for being one of the oldest in the UAE. It opened in 1963 in Deira and boasts over 100,000 books and 165 periodicals. The Al Ras Library is the right spot for getting the true essence of old Dubai with a good mix of culture and history.
- Sharjah Public Library, Sharjah
Another oldie is the Sharjah Public Library which dates back to 1925 founded privately by Sheikh Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi in Al Hisn, Sharjah Fort. It was previously named Al Qasimia Library and was then inherited by Sheikh Sultan’s son. The library kept changing locations and ownership until 2011 when the current ruler of Sharjah, Sheikh Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi moved the library premises to the Cultural Square renaming it to the Sharjah Public Library.
- Salim bin Abdulla Al Humaid General Islamic Library, Ajman
This library was started by a passionate bookworm in Ajman in 1988. Salim bin Abdulla Al Humaid created this library, under the patronage and presence of Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Ruler of Ajman, out of his own personal collection and dedicated it to teachers as a thank you for helping him as a young man. Most of the books (around 250,000 titles) are bought by Al Humaid’s personal finances, while others are gifts from nearby organisations.
- University of Fujairah Library, Fujairah
Among the natural scenic views in Fujairah is a local library located at the University of Fujairah campus. It is a semi-government, not-for-profit entity that was established in 2006 and provides undergraduate degrees in Business Administration, Mass Communication and Information Technology among other programs. The library is decent space that features a collection of print, eBooks, audio-visual, case studies and more. An especially great addition for members of UOF Library is their access to the Harvard Business Review.
- Library of the Department of Antiquities and Museums, Ras Al Khaimah
Ras Al Khaimah, one of the oldest inhabited emirates with continuous human habitation for 7,000 years with many historical and archaeological sites dating back to the 3rd millennium BC. The Library of Antiquities and Museums is an excellent place to visit for books and archival documents on the history of the UAE charting the thousand year legacy and ancient remains.
- Umm Al Quwain Public Library, Umm Al Quwain
This little library is actually a very colourful space for learning and reading. Located within a few blocks of the beach, the Umm Al Quwain Public Library features a wide collection of Children’s Books, a Reading Area with cool furniture that inspires creativity and learning.
