The Abu Dhabi National Library is committed to the collection, preservation and promotion of books – as well as reading, writing and research in the UAE and wider Arab world. Established in 1981, the National Library not only houses the UAE’s largest collection of books and manuscripts, as well as other documents and digital knowledge resources, it also promotes a culture of reading and writing in the UAE and is an important resource for researchers and academics.

The National Library houses 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. It also collects, preserves and displays ancient Arab and Islamic manuscripts in areas such as literature, religion, science and the arts.

These manuscripts are on display at the National Library building and can be visited during normal business hours – the library offers its services to researchers and readers 14 hours a day and is also open on weekends. The library maintains an online catalogue of all the resources available in its collection and supports researchers conducting work that is generally focused on the United Arab Emirates, the Gulf region and the Arab world.

Initiatives and programmes
The National Library hosts festivals such as the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair and the Al Ain Book Fair, and awards programmes such as the Sheikh Zayed Book Award to build awareness and interest in reading and writing among the UAE population and the wider Arabic-speaking world.

It also publishes original works in Arabic, as well as foreign books translated into Arabic through programmes such as Kalima and Esdarat, and supports Emirati authors through the Qalam initiative. Additionally, the National Library operates community libraries and bookmobiles in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

Membership requirements
– A refundable deposit of AED 400 made in cash 
– One ID photograph, a copy of valid UAE Residency visa and passport copy shall be submitted along with the application form
For more information, click here.

Locations and opening times: