Mohammed bin Rashid Library in Dubai is officially open

The Mohammed bin Rashid Library inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai is part of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI).

The newly opened library was designed by a consortium of Architekten Stuttgart, Obermeyer Planen+Beraten Munich, and the ACG Architecture Consulting Group. ASGC served as the contractors for the project.

The building as the architects has been built in the shape of a Rehal, the traditional wooden book rest used to hold the Holy Quran. The book rest is used to support the holy book during recitation.

The Mohammed bin Rashid Library has nine main specialised libraries including ‘The General Library’, ‘The Emirates Library’, ‘The Young Adults Library’, ‘The Children’s Library’, ‘The Special Collection Library’, ‘The Maps’ and ‘Atlases Library’, ‘The Media and Arts Library’, ‘The Business Library’ and ‘The Periodical Library’. In addition to 10 main library collections, the project features conference centres and exhibition spaces.

The sustainably built library gets 10% of its energy from solar panels installed on the roof of the building. The external structure is designed to insulate the building’s interior, reduce heat gain, and help regulate the building’s internal environment.

The library, which is strategically located in the centre of the city, has natural lighting thanks to the ceiling windows in the building and is designed to reduce water consumption by half.

The 7-story building houses more than 4.5 million books, one of the world’s largest electronic libraries, as well as book conservation laboratories. It will also serve as a venue for cultural and intellectual events and art exhibitions.