Yes, libraries do exist in the UAE – and with all the reading we’ve been doing during the pandemic, we thought why not list out all the café libraries that exist out there for you to try out on a weekend or perhaps even on a quiet weekday. Scroll for our tip libraries in Dubai:
1. Spill The Bean
Okay, we’ll spill the beans! This independent specialty coffee shop located in Sustainable City distinctively offers an array of books you can either enjoy in the café itself or from the comfort of your homes. What we love most about this one is its’ original book exchange system where visitors can bring in a book of theirs and in exchange, avail a free coffee on the house.
If you fancy a bite, you can even treat yourself to one of Spill The Bean’s menu items. Word on the street is this UAE library’s breakfast menu is worth the visit. They’ve got a vast selection of pancakes, tree hugger yums (yes, that’s what they’ve called them) and even bagels. Ugh, if we could get a dime every time we craved a bagel.
Find the deets below:
Opening Hours: 7:30am – 8pm
Location: The Sustainable City, Dubai
Contact Number: +971 52 505 9022
2. Jameel Arts Centre
Located at Jaddaf Waterfront, Jameel Arts Centre boasts a library that acts as an open contemporary arts research centre dedicated to cultural histories of the Gulf and its neighbouring regions. The growing multimedia library collection features books, journals, catalogues, theses, artists’ files and ephemera in both English and Arabic.
If you’re looking for a new kind of outing, we would recommend forgoing the usual weekend lunch out and instead hitting up the library for an insightful read. Here are the deets:
Opening Hours Vary
Location: Jaddaf Waterfront, Dubai
Contact Number: 04 873 9800
3. Al Safa Art & Design Library
This inspiring and relaxing free public space in the UAE boasts an impressive collection spanning over 4,000 books, artistic sculptures, and photographs. The library’s minimal interiors will also help de-clutter your mind for a couple of hours (You know you need it). Though the library visit is free, fees apply to take books home.
Opening Hours: Sat to Thurs 10AM to 5PM, Fri Closed
Location: Al Wasl Rd, Jumeirah 3, Dubai
Fees: Dhs150 membership fee for one person, Dhs220 membership fee for a family.
Contact Number: 800 33222
4. Al Mankhool Library
Jump through the years to experience old Dubai in Al Mankhool Library, located in Bur Dubai. If you’re looking for a spot to get some work done, Al Mankhool Library’s quiet atmosphere will offer the right space for you to seize the day (woo!).
Opening Hours: Sat to Thur 8am to 7.45pm, Fri closed
Location: Al Mankhool, Dubai
Fees: 5 year membership costs Dhs75 for children under 12 and Dhs220 for adults.
Contact Number: (04) 515 5200
5. Kutab
If you’re looking for the perfect place to conduct a book club meeting, this is it. This modest café bookstore offers a small menu including fresh juices, cake and pastries, breakfast options, salads and sandwiches – but you’ll probably want to visit for the coffee and books.
Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm (May Vary)
Location: Mirdif, Dubai
Contact Number: +97142885858
If you’ve enjoyed this short libraries in Dubai read, you might want to check out the below reads:
