Summer is the perfect time to enjoy and explore your local libraries. Abu Dhabi has a wide array of libraries that serve children and adults. If you want your children to read during the summer but also want to watch the budget at home, visit your library and check out a few books each week.
Find a quiet, comfortable place to read, study, or work on a project at any of the libraries scattered throughout Abu Dhabi. Most offer computers or free Wi-Fi so you can bring your device (laptop, mobile, tablet etc) and set up your mini office and work in peace.
Usually there is a membership application to complete and minimal deposit in case books/ materials are lost or unreturned. Each branch has special materials that are unique to it, and some branches offer databases to assist with your information needs.
For students, the learning/ study spaces are priceless. If you need a place away from office and home to get work done, the library is the place for you. For those with higher level research needs, some universities and libraries have special programmes that accommodate community users with advanced research services. Contact local universities and ask if they have a community borrower programme. Some, especially in Dubai, have a library network that the community is encouraged to tap into for their research, leisure and learning space needs.
Al-Nahyan Library
Hours: Sunday-Thursday 8 am-10 pm; Saturday 10 am –8 pm
Telephone: +971 2 657 6034; +971 2 657 6058
Location: Nahyan Camp, Muroor Street, Opposite Bus Station, National Library Campus, 4th Floor.
Email:alnahyan-library@tcaabudhabi.ae
Khalifa Park Library
Opening hours: Sunday – Thursday from 8 am-8 pm, Saturday 4 pm-8 pm
Telephone: +971 2 657 6330; +971 2 651 5480;+971 2 657 6358
Location: Khalifa Park
Email: national-library@tcaabudhabi.ae
Mazyad Mall Library
Hours: Sunday – Thursday 9 am – 9 pm , Saturday 4 pm-9 pm
Telephone: +971 2 651 5424 , +971 2 697 6422
Location: Mazyad Mall, Mohammed Bin Zayed City, ground floor, opposite Al Jaber Exchange
Email: MBinZayed-Library@tcaabudhabi.ae
Al Bahia Library
Hours: Sunday – Thursday 8 am – 8 pm, Saturday 4 pm-8 pm
Telephone: +971 2 657 6120
Location: Al Bahia Park- Al Bahia Area
Email: national-library@tcaabudhabi.ae
Al Marfaa Library
Hours: Sunday – Thursday 8 am – 4 pm
Telephone: +971 2 657 6015; +971 2 657 6047; +971 2 657 6014
Location: Al Marfaa City
Email: national-library@tcaabudhabi.ae
Zayed Central Library
Hours: 8am – 4pm daily except on Fridays and Saturdays
Telephone: +971 3 7118270; +971 3 7118260
Location: Next to Al Silmi Garden- Al Ain
Some organizations and groups also offer community libraries:
Public libraries of Ministry of Culture, Youth and Community Development
The public libraries of Ministry of Culture, Youth and Community Development (MCYCD) offer a wide variety of printed and electronic information resources in Arabic, English and a number of foreign languages. They offer library membership opportunities to both UAE nationals and residents. The library also provides group membership service to institutions and schools who meet certain requirements.
Hours:
Saturday to Thursday from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM and from 4 PM to 9:00 PM.
https://mcycd.gov.ae/sites/MCYCDVar/en-us/Pages/LibraryServices.aspx
The UAE Federation Library
The UAE Federation Library at the Emirates Centre for Strategic Studies and Research (ECSSR) is one of the largest libraries in the country specialised in disciplines such as military, politics, economic and social affairs. The library is mainly focused on collecting literary materials on the UAE in particular and the Gulf region in general. The library comprises a large number of Arabic and English books, references, encyclopedias, periodicals, important documents, official reports, maps and electronic database, among other materials.
Hours:
Sunday to Thursday from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Library
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque houses a unique library dedicated to Islamic books. Located in the third floor of the mosque’s northern minaret, the library contains 3000 titles in various Islamic cultural and scientific disciplines written in over 12 languages. The library has sections for rare books, priceless Arabic manuscripts and rare editions of the Holy Quran printed in Europe between sixteenth and nineteenth centuries. It is open to researchers, academics and the public.
Hours:
Weekdays from 8 AM to 8 PM.
Alliance Francaise
The Alliance Francaise has a multimedia library comprising more than 12,000 books, 2,500 videos and hundreds of CD ROMs and CDs, as well as a selection of French periodicals. The library is accessible to all, however a membership fee is required if you want to take any book or material out.
Hours:
Sunday to Thursday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tel: +971 2 666 6232 or +971 2 666 9044
For more information see details at: Abu Dhabi e-government Gateway – https://www.abudhabi.ae
