Libraries have always been essential to communities, providing an ideal space for research and reading in a peaceful environment. Over time, libraries have evolved significantly with the introduction of digital and e-libraries, adopting modern technology to improve accessibility. However, the traditional Abu Dhabi libraries have always opened the doors to knowledge with historic and modern books.
Abu Dhabi, too, boasts a wealth of public libraries that serve as rich resources for enhancing knowledge. Through our blog, you will learn all about libraries in Abu Dhabi.
Top 10 Famous Libraries in Abu Dhabi
We have listed the most preferred libraries available to Abu Dhabi residents. All these libraries are known for their resourceful and peaceful reading spaces.
1. Al Marfa Library
The top recommended library in Abu Dhabi is the Al Marfa Library. It is an ideal spot for researchers and scholars. Here, you can explore their wide range of book collections on religion and politics, including:
- Arabic periodicals
- English periodicals
- Children’s books
- Books on the oil and gas industry
- A special section dedicated to research-oriented books
Moreover, the Al Marfa Library also caters to children. The kids can enjoy visiting its activity room while parents are busy with their research.
You can contact or visit Al Marfa Library using these details:
- Contact: +971 2 657 014
- Operating Hours: Monday to Thursday: 08:00 am to 08:00 pm | Friday: 08:00 am to 12:00 pm | Sunday: 12:00 pm to 08:00 pm | Closed on Saturday
- Address: Ghweifat International Highway, New Al Marfa, Abu Dhabi, UAE
2. Alliance Francaise – Abu Dhabi
A significant association of culture and linguistics, Alliance Francaise, promotes French while respecting UAE’s cultural diversity.
Moreover, the Abu Dhabi campus of their library is an ideal place for keen readers and enthusiasts of the French language. The Alliance Francaise library caters to all interests and tastes, including:
- Classic books
- Novels
- Comics
- Kids Corner
- Board games
- DVDs
- Learner’s library
- Online catalog
Here are the contact details and operating hours of Alliance Francaise:
- Contact: +971 2 612 2900
- Operating Hours: Monday to Thursday: 10:00 am to 08:00 pm | Friday to Sunday: 10:00 am to 07:00 pm | Closed on Saturday
- Address: 99, Villa A1, Al Qou’ Street, Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi, UAE
3. Al Bahia Library
Another famous Abu Dhabi library, Al Bahia Library, has a vast book collection in Arabic and English languages. Additionally, the library also has a wide range of e-books. It also has:
- Specialised journals
- Audio-visual material
- Periodicals
- Children’s books
- Young-adult novels
The contact and operating hour details of Al Bahia Library are detailed below:
- Contact: +971 2 657 6120 | +971 2 657 6118
- Operating Hours: Monday to Thursday: 08:00 am to 08:00 pm | Friday: 07:30 am to 12:00 pm | Sunday: 10:00 am to 06:00 pm | Closed on Saturday
- Address: Al Bahia Park, Al Bahia, Abu Dhabi, UAE
4. The Children’s Library of Abu Dhabi
Are you searching for the ideal reading area for your child in Abu Dhabi? Then, the Abu Dhabi Children’s Library is perfect for your kid.
Moreover, the library encourages children to connect with arts, technology and society, along with a life-long love of reading. The Children’s Library in Abu Dhabi offers various spaces for kids’ better learning, like:
- Book Mountain (an auditorium)
- The Dunes
- Creature Space
- Toddlers Area
- Art Workshop
- Studio Space
- The Falaj
- Reading Nooks
Here are the contact details of The Children’s Library:
- Contact: +971 2 697 6803
- Operating Hours: Saturday to Thursday: 09:00 am to 08:00 pm | Friday: 02:00 am to 08:00 pm
- Address: Cultural Foundation, Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum Street, Al Hosn, Abu Dhabi, UAE
5. Al Wathba Library
One of the best libraries in Abu Dhabi, Al Wathba, has the most iconic fort-like building structure. The library provides a peaceful environment for the reading enthusiasts.
Moreover, with their massive collection of books, people from around the globe come here to nurture their minds. Also, they have a special section dedicated to the kids to motivate them towards reading. The library also offers facilities like:
- Internet
- Separate reading areas
- Kids Corner
- Recreational facilities
You can visit Al Wathba Library in Abu Dhabi at:
- Contact: +971 2 697 6425 | +971 2 657 6023 | +971 2 657 6016
- Operating Hours: Monday to Thursday: 08:00 am to 08:00 pm | Friday: 07:30 am to 12:00 pm and Sunday: 10:00 am to 06:00 pm | Closed on Saturday
- Address: Al Wathba Park, Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi, UAE
6. National Library and Archives
Are you looking for the UAE’s National archives for your historical and political research? The National Library and Archives (NLA) in Abu Dhabi is a government office with a vast collection of archives. The library allows the public to access their archives as per request and a prior reservation.
Furthermore, here are some of the services that the National Library and Archives offers:
- Archival material
- Consulting
- Diagnosing archives status
- Dispose document request
- Educational package request
- Facility booking request
- Liwa magazine
- Transfer document request
- Student Program
- Publications
The operating hours of NLA are:
- Contact: +971 2 418 3333
- Operating Hours: Monday to Friday: 08:00 am to 04:00 pm | Closed on weekends
- Address: National Hotel Building, 8th Street, Airport Road, Al Rawdah, Abu Dhabi, UAE
7. Khalifa Park Library
Khalifa Park Library is titled as the most beautiful library in the UAE due to its iconic surroundings. The library is built in the middle of a lush greenery offering the most serene view to its visitors. It also serves as a significant tourist point in Abu Dhabi.
Moreover, Khalifa Park Library has a massive range of book collections in multiple languages. In addition to that, the library offers various sections like:
- Children’s Library
- Rare books hall
- Emirates and Gulf Books
- Periodicals
- Scientific journals
You may contact or visit the Khalifa Park Library at:
- Contact: +971 2 657 6024
- Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday: 08:00 am to 08:00 pm
- Address: Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Street, Khalifa Park, Abu Dhabi, UAE
8. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque – Library
One of the most preferred Islamic and historical libraries is in Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. The library offers an extensive book collection, including:
- The Rare Books Collection
- The Islamic Civilization Collection
- Manuscript Collections
- Specialised Periodicals
- The UAE Collection
- Children’s Books Collection
Besides that, the library also offers various services to visitors to facilitate and assist them with their research. These services include:
- Reference services and guidance
- Responding to multiple queries
- Cultural tours
- Auto index search
- E-services
- Computers for library users
The operating hours of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Library are detailed below:
- Contact: +971 2 419 1919
- Operating Hours: Monday to Friday: 09:00 am to 06:00 pm | Closed on weekends
- Address: Al Rawdah, Abu Dhabi, UAE
9. Qasr Al Watan Library
One of our recommended libraries, Qasr Al Watan Library, is dedicated to enhancing knowledge and fostering public interest. Moreover, its thoughtfully designed interiors provide a pleasant environment to read, write and research.
Furthermore, the library offers various services, including:
- Digital Library
- Books loan for members
- Audio-visual resources and digital files
- Community events
- Library Tours
The contact details of Qasr Al Watan Library are:
- Contact: +971 6 005 44442
- Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday: 11:00 am to 06:30 pm
- Address: UAE Presidential Palace, Abu Dhabi, UAE
10. UAE Federation Library
Lastly, the UAE Federation Library is another specialised public library in Abu Dhabi. This public library offers researchers a wide range of resources to research at local, regional and global levels.
Additionally, the UAE Federation Library provides a selection of books covering topics like:
- Political
- Military
- Economic
- Social
- Legal
- Information Technology
In addition to that, the library also provides E-services to access e-books, ask questions, apply for a membership, etc.
The UAE Federation Library can be contacted through:
- Contact: +971 2 404 4780
- Operating Hours: Monday to Thursday: 08:00 am to 05:00 pm | Friday: 08:00 am to 12:00 pm | Closed on weekends
- Address: The Emirates Centre for Strategic Studies and Research, Muroor Road, AL Nahyan, Abu Dhabi, UAE.
FAQs
The Khalifa Park Library is the most extensive public library in Abu Dhabi.
There are close to 200 libraries in the UAE.
Yes, visitors must make an online reservation before visiting the UAE Federation Library. However, library members can access it without reservation.
That’s a wrap-up on libraries in Abu Dhabi with their contact details and addresses. The details in this guide will help you find the best place to read near your community in Abu Dhabi. Keep reading to discover other top facilities in UAE on Property Finder’s Blog.
