Complete guide to the public libraries in Abu Dhabi
Libraries, even in today’s digitised world, can play a major role in the development of society. Their functions and methods have been altered to a degree, but they remain an integral and fascinating stalwart for imparting knowledge. The UAE’s capital is home to a number of exceptional libraries. Peaceful environments that are perfect for broadening and educating the mind. In this guide, we bring you all the details of the finest public libraries in Abu Dhabi, along with location and contact details.
LIST OF PUBLIC LIBRARIES IN ABU DHABI
The capital provides readers with a range of libraries. No matter where you live in the city, chances are that there is an Athenaeum nearby.
KHALIFA PARK LIBRARY
How can we start with any library than other Khalifa Park Library? Set amongst lush greenery, Khalifa Park Library is one of the biggest library in Abu Dhabi. This public library in Abu Dhabi is home to over 50,000 titles, with both general and specialised books. It also has a dedicated Children’s Library section, which contains an impressive 10,000 books to foster their mind and imagination!
Other interesting sections of this library include the Rare Books Hall and the Emirates and Gulf Books Collection. You’ll find periodicals, scientific journals and collections on various academic topics. Khalifa Park Library also hosts numerous events, including book signings, art displays, storytelling sessions and events marking occasions around the UAE.
- Timings: 08:00 am to 08:00 pm
- Location: Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Street, Khalifa Park
- Contact: +971-2-657-6024
AL BAHIA PARK LIBRARY
This public library in Abu Dhabi is popular with the younger bookworms! Al Bahia Park Library is located at the edge of a vibrant park. With 25,000 books on offer, this is one of the best public libraries in Abu Dhabi for children and young adults. The children’s library here is a great draw for residents around the city.
Aside from an extensive collection, the library also hosts school visits and special programmes for children! The Main Hall has a larger collection of e-books, periodicals and audio-visual material.
- Timings: Monday to Thursday from 08:00 am to 08:00 pm | Friday from 12:00 pm to 08:00 pm | Sunday from 12:00 pm to 08:00 pm
- Location: 2nd Street, Inside Al Bahia Park, Al Shahama
- Contact: +971-2-657-6118
AL MARFA LIBRARY
This is among the public libraries in Abu Dhabi that is ideal for researchers! You’ll find an impressive collection, including Arabic and English periodicals, children’s books and a special section of research-oriented books. The latter was established recently as a rich resource for academics in the area, with books on religion and politics, amongst others.
Interestingly, Al Marfa Library was established in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Company for Onshore Petroleum Operations – and has a dedicated collection on the oil and gas industry. But this public library in Abu Dhabi city is great for younger visitors, too. Bring the kids along to the Activity Room, where they can enjoy movies, puppet shows and movies.
- Timings: 08:00 am to 08:00 pm
- Location: Ghweifat International Highway, New Al Marfa
- Contact: +971-2-657 -014
ZAYED CENTRAL LIBRARY (AL AIN)
Next on our list of popular public libraries in Abu Dhabi is the Zayed Central Library in Al Ain. Located next to the family-friendly Sulaimi Gardens, you won’t find a shortage of reading materials out here! Their collection of more than 100,000 books caters to children and adults, with journals, periodicals and academic publications.
The massive facility also has a theatre, reading rooms and a bookstore! Keep an eye out for the book signing events and art exhibitions that regularly are organised here.
- Location: Mohammed Bin Khalifa Street, Al Mutawaa, Al Ain
- Contact: +971-3-711-8266
AL WATHBA LIBRARY
Set in the charming Al Wathba Park, this public library in Abu Dhabi houses an extensive collection of 50,000 titles on an array of subjects in Arabic and English. Bright and airy, the lovely library comes with reading corners, internet and a colourful children’s area with plenty of fun reading material!
- Timings: 10:00 am to 04:00 pm
- Location: Al Ras Al Akhdar
- Contact: +971-2-657-6295
SHEIKH ZAYED GRAND MOSQUE LIBRARY
Head to the extraordinary Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, and you’ll find a library tucked away on the third floor in the northern minaret. An excellent resource for academics, this library is home to rare manuscripts of the Holy Quran, journals, studies and books on Islamic culture, art and history. Take the chance to tour the hallowed halls of this magnificent mosque because it’s one of the best free attractions in Abu Dhabi!
- Timings: Monday – Friday 09:00 am to 06:00 pm | Closed on the weekend
- Location: Inside Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
- Contact: +971-2-419-1919
ALLIANCE FRANCAISE
Operated by the French Alliance Association, this multimedia library houses 12,000 books, audio-visual material and French periodicals. The library aims to make the French language and culture more accessible while respecting local cultures simultaneously. It is open to all, but borrowing books requires a membership.
- Timings: Monday – Friday 09:00 am – 06:00 pm | Closed on the weekend
- Location: 99, Villa A1, Al Qouʻ Street, Al Bateen
- Contact: +971-2-612-2900
FAQS
WHAT ARE THE TOP BOOKSTORES IN ABU DHABI?
Some of the best bookstores in Abu Dhabi include Magrudy’s, Kinokuniya and Jarir Bookstore.
CAN YOU GET BOOKS ONLINE IN ABU DHABI?
Yes, bibliophiles can buy books online in the UAE by ordering from services like Book Point or Virgin Megastore.
And that brings an end to our list of public libraries in Abu Dhabi. If you live in Dubai, you will be delighted to know that there are a number of public libraries in Dubai, such as Al Ras Public Library and Mohammed bin Rashid Library.
Looking for some more cultural activity? The exhibits in Louvre Abu Dhabi are perfect for your Instagram feed.
Stay tuned to MyBayut for more updates on Abu Dhabi’s best attractions.
