August 16, 2024
The government of Dubai has launched record-breaking projects that capture worldwide attention with the modern and innovative Museum of Future catching the spotlight and now the establishment of a structure that catches the human eye is the open book building named as Muhammad Bin Rashid Library. The AED 1 billion library was constructed with the goal of fostering a culture of reading and advancing art, knowledge, and creativity on a social and individual level. It offers a forum for creative, literary, and intellectual minds from all over the world. A unique aspect of Dubai Tourism, the project is specialised and pertains to cutting-edge technologies, serving the social, educational, and tourism movements is the library's main goal.
Launch of Library
The Mohammed bin Rashid Library, which opened in June 2022, is a deserving addition to the extensive list of "must-visit" locations in Dubai. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, unveiled the large-scale project in 2016. As a recognised cultural landmark in Dubai today, it will draw world-renowned scholars, linguists, professionals, poets, and book enthusiasts.
Project Elements
The project includes a fully automated book store and digitalisation lab, as well as a basement, ground floor, and seven stories. The Information Centre, Public Library, Periodicals Library, Children's Library, Atlas and Map Library, Media and Arts Library, Young Adults Library, Study Rooms, and Special Collection Library are among the specialised libraries it houses. It also has a theatre that can hold up to 550 people and is furnished with the newest audio-visual equipment. Furthermore, the library features both a transient and permanent exhibit.
Architecture
The architecture of the library is modelled after "the Rehal," or "Rehl," which is Turkish for a foldable wooden book rest that Muslims use to set their holy books. The purpose of the Rehl, which is primarily used to place the Holy Quran during recitation, is to demonstrate respect for books. It is said that reciting this aloud raises one's spiritual status. The architectural layout of the library pays tribute to this notion and attempts to capture how society can benefit from libraries by acquiring knowledge.
The library's main building has reading halls, service areas, a business library, a conference centre, exhibition spaces, a children's library and a ground floor bookshop. The library's basement has enough room to accommodate thousands of cars. Eight specialised collections are housed within the library, along with an information centre, an Arabic library, a popular library, a children's library, a family library, an international library, a media library, publications in both print and digital formats, and internet services. It also has study spaces, conference rooms, a library for young adults, and a special library dedicated to the Al Maktoum Collection. There is a business library, a movie theatre, book loan areas, auditorium, and both temporary and permanent exhibitions. It has an Al Maktoum Collection special library as well as a centre for the conservation and preservation of books and manuscripts.
Timings
The library timings are from 9am to 9pm from Monday to Saturday and 2pm to 9pm on Friday and Sunday is observed as an official holiday.
Amphitheatre
The amphitheatre is an outdoor space intended for live events, and it is situated on the library complex's creekside. Spoken word performances, music, and cultural events all take place there.
Library Café
A two-story, 800 square metre cafe is located within the library. The cafe provides stunning views of Dubai Creek and the library gardens and is a bright, cosy, and airy space.
The Language Garden
The 60 pillars in the language garden are inscribed with sayings by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai and the UAE's vice president and prime minister. A wide range of topics, including leadership, knowledge, and the appreciation of written language, are covered by the quotes, which are available in multiple languages.
Other Interesting Facts About the Library
- The Muhammad Bin Rashid Library has introduced Artificial Intelligence for the first time in the Middle East for issuing books and maintaining the record with specific titles. This also means that robots will guide you through books and will be able to answer questions related to books that you wish to locate.
- The library has more than 1.1 million printed and digital books in English, Arabic, and other foreign languages spread over its seven floors. The General Library, Emirates Library, Young Adults Library, Children's Library, Special Collection Library, Maps and Atlases Library, Media and Arts Library, Business Library, and Periodical Library are among the nine specialised sections that are present in the library.
- Solar panels are present on the building's roof to provide 10% of its energy, this environmentally conscious library has embraced the highest standards of sustainability. The external structure of the building is intended to help control the internal environment, minimise heat gain, and provide insulation to the interior.
- The library serves as the best option for people who are determined because of its modernised features and services. The library offers Braille service catering the needs for the blind and also has a special destination for autistic individuals offering a quiet and comfortable place.
- The building's ceiling windows provide natural lighting for the library, which also features a 50% water-saving design. Recycled water from air conditioners is used to irrigate green areas.
The Mohammed Bin Rashid Library features international lectures, documentaries, and live library presentations. Electronic versions of the majority of the printed books, articles, and newspapers will also be produced. The library offers a mood right from the start, the moment as the entrances are done the library is filled with organised shelves of books from top to bottom. The library is a heaven of Earth for bookworms who want a comfortable and quiet environment for reading. The comfortable atmosphere strengthens the thirst for knowledge and preserves the culture of book reading that is vanishing from today's World. The library serves as fascination for people who crave intellect while offering the most modern and advances facilities. The project has increased the market value of Dubai most admirable places , it is a famous landmark in Dubai for its beautiful structural representation, attracting many people from across the Globe.
