Mohammed Bin Rashid Library

The Mohammed Bin Rashid Library is one of the region's largest libraries, on the banks of Dubai Creek in Al Jaddaf. It opened in June 2022 after AED 1 billion of construction. Entry is free, and people come not only to read but to see the building itself and the rare-book exhibition.

What to see

The seven-storey, 54,000-square-metre building is shaped like a rehal, the wooden stand that holds an open Quran or book. Nine specialised libraries share the roof: General, Emirates, Young Adults, Children's, Special Collections, Maps and Atlases, Media and Arts, Business and Periodicals. The holdings include about 760,000 printed items and more than 1.3 billion digital resources in over 90 languages.

The Treasures of the Library exhibition on the seventh floor shows rare books, atlases and manuscripts, some from the 13th century, unique copies of the Quran, calligraphy and bookbinding tools, and a first edition of Blaeu's Atlas Maior from 1662 — 11 volumes and about 600 maps. Rooftop solar panels supply about 10% of the building's energy. More than 2.5 million people visited in the first four years.

Getting there

By metro, take the Green Line to its terminus, Creek, then walk 5–10 minutes; bus C04 also stops at the station. By car, follow Al Khail Road (D68) near the Creek crossing and take the signposted exit for Creek station and the library, which has 300 free shaded parking spaces. You can also come by water: an air-conditioned abra runs from Dubai Festival City to Al Jaddaf Marine Station, about 20 minutes' walk away.

Planning your visit

The library is open Monday to Saturday from 9:00 to 21:00, from 14:00 on Fridays, and closed on Sundays. No booking is needed to enter. Staff-led building tours must be arranged in advance, and self-guided routes are also available. Allow one to three hours. The ground floor with its café and events is lively, while the upper floors are quiet reading rooms.

Before you go

Dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered, or you may be refused entry. Children under 5 are not admitted, and under-14s must be with an adult. Large bags, strollers, bicycles and scooters are not allowed inside, and food and drink are only permitted in the ground-floor café. Photos without flash are fine, while commercial filming needs permission. Only members with an Emirates ID can borrow books, so tourists read on site.