All the public libraries in Abu Dhabi under DCT’s MAKTABA and more
The list of libraries in Abu Dhabi that we can all use is extensive, so there is no reason for any of us not to pick up a book and read.
And behind the push to encourage people to use public libraries in Abu Dhabi is MAKTABA.
MAKTABA is the Library Management department, a subdivision in the Dar Al Kutub Sector, at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, and is responsible for the administration of public libraries in Abu Dhabi.
Not only that, but it also provides a diverse programme of educational events and activities for the local community, such as the famed Creative Reading Competition which just concluded it’s 10th event (More on that and the winners below.
But back to public libraries in Abu Dhabi and especially those under MAKTABA.
LIST OF PUBLIC LIBRARIES IN ABU DHABI UNDER MAKTABA
Al Bahia Library
This Abu Dhabi public library, adjacent to a beautifully landscaped park, has 18,385 titles in both Arabic and English, with an emphasis on children’s books and young adult novels. Events include children’s storytelling, book signings, art displays, National Day, and back-to school event.
Opening times are Sunday 12pm to 8pm, Monday to Thursday 8am to 8pm, Friday 7:30am to 12pm, Saturday closed. For more information, call 02 657 6074 or email AlBahyaLibraryStaff@DCTAbuDhabi.ae
Khalifa Park Library
Visit this public library in Abu Dhabi and expect to find selected collections covering a range of academic topics in both Arabic and English, comprising of approximately 50,000 titles.
Opening times are Sunday 10am to 6pm, Monday to Thursday 8am to 8pm, Friday 7:30am to 12pm, Saturday closed. For more information, call 02 657 6182 or email Khalifaparklibrarygroup@dctabudhabi.ae
Al Marfa Library
This public library in Abu Dhabi holds no less than 20,223 titles as well as collections of Arabic and foreign language periodicals.
Opening times are Sunday 12pm to 8pm, Monday to Thursday 8am to 8pm, Friday 7:30am to 12pm, Saturday closed. For more information, call 02 657 6014, 02 657 6047 or email AlMarfaLibraryStaff@dctabudhabi.ae
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Al Wathba Library
This public library is in Abu Dhabi is a joy to the eye. The traditional fort-like building houses Arabic and English language books and includes a children’s section, study retreats and meeting rooms for activities.
Opening times are Sunday 10am to 6pm, Monday to Thursday 8am to 8pm, Friday 7:30am to 12pm, Saturday closed. For more information, call 02 657 6016, and 02 657 6023, WhatsApp 050 2971525 or email AlWathbaLibrary@dctabudhabi.ae
Zayed Central Library (Al Ain)
This Abu Dhabi library is located in Al Ain and comprises no less than 136,000 books in Arabic and English. Children are catered for too, and there are study retreats and meeting rooms to run activities.
Opening times are Sunday 8am to 4pm, Monday to Thursday 8am to 8pm, Friday 7:30am to 12nn, Saturday closed. For more information, call 03 711 8266, 03 711 8265 and 03 711 8270, WhatsApp 056 5374203 or email AlAinLibrary@dctabudhabi.ae
Digital Library of MAKTABA
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MAKTABA also operates a Digital Public Library for the people of Abu Dhabi and by clicking on this link, you will be privy to all the latest publications and a full list of upcoming events.
MORE LIBRARIES IN ABU DHABI TO VISIT
Abu Dhabi Children’s Library
Located in the wonderful Cultural Foundation at Qasr Al Hosn, this large library is ideal for children up to 14 years old. There are lots of opportunities to learn and engage in fun library activities too. There’s also an Online library so there’s no excuse NOT to be reding a book now!
Opening times Saturday to Thursday 8am to 8pm, Friday 2pm to 8pm
Abu Dhabi National Library
With various locations across Abu Dhabi, it houses the UAE’s largest collection of books with more than two million volumes of books, periodicals, manuscripts and electronic materials, including more than 300,000 titles in Arabic and 100,000 titles in other languages.
Branches: Al Bahia Park, Sunday to Thursday 8am – 8pm, Saturday: 4pm -8pm, call 02 657 6120. Zayed Central Library – Al Ain, Sunday to Thursday 9am – 3pm, call 03 711 8270, Al Marfa, Sunday to Thursday 8am – 4pm, call 02 657 6047. Khalifa Park, Sunday – Thursday 8am – 8pm, Saturday 4pm – 8pm, call 02 657 6182
Qasr Al Watan library
One of the few presidential headquarters in the world that has opened its doors to the public, it is a unique addition to the public library network in Abu Dhabi, and houses over 50, 00 booksin Arabic and English
Opening times 10am to 4pm daily. For more information, call 02 657 6295 or email qasralwatanlibrary@dctabudhabi.ae
CREATIVE READER COMPETITION WINNERS ANNOUNCED
With all these libraries in Abu Dhabi there is no excuse not to reading and learning, and one group of children, a very large one in fact, did just that and managed to scoop a coveted prize in the 10th Creative Reader Competition, held from January through April 2023 across all library branches in Abu Dhabi.
The award ceremony was organised by MAKTABA, the Library Management within Culture Sector at Department of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi).
The ceremony took place at Majlis Al Hawashem, Majalis Abu Dhabi at the Citizens and Community Affairs Office of the Presidential Court, which Team Yalla was happy to attend
The 10th edition of Creative Reader Competition attracted no less than 2,200 participants, and recognised 128 winners from across the UAE, including students of determination and kindergartners, underscoring the rising interest among young people towards reading as a culture and mode of knowledge gathering.
The competition has successfully encouraged many young minds to take up reading as a habit, with more than 10,000 students and youngsters having participated in the competition in the past decade.
\Students who participated included kindergarten students from across the UAE, alongside students from public and private schools enrolled in Cycle 1 and Cycle 2.
The judging panel this year comprised writers, educators and librarians who assessed entries based on criteria such as the percentage of booklet completion, the number of books borrowed from public libraries, reading comprehension level, linguistic and critical analysis, and creative thinking skills.
For more arts and culture events, visit Yalla Abu Dhabi
