Bookworms rejoice.

We all know nothing beats curling up with a good yarn, especially in winter.

And in Dubai, there are plenty of public and private libraries to choose from.

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Whether you’re on the hunt for a quiet corner or just want to find new titles, here’s Time Out’s complete guide to all the best spots to try your next good read.

Who can join libraries in Dubai?

All Dubai residents and UAE citizens are eligible to borrow books from public libraries.

All you need to do is sign up for a membership and pay the relevant fees.

Certain libraries may allow non-members to read on-site.

How can you register to become a library member?

Adult public library memberships start at Dhs200 and Dhs75 for kids, while there are family memberships priced at Dhs250.

You can start the registration process here.

You will need to submit a copy of your Emirates ID along with the fee and, once approved, you’ll receive a digital membership card.

How does borrowing books work?

Depending on your membership, you can borrow books from any public library for 28 to 35 days.

Adults can borrow up to 15 titles at a time, kids can borrow 10 and families can take out 25 books.

Now that you know the ins and outs of how memberships work, here are some of the best spots to get reading in Dubai.

Al Rashidiya Library

Just a stone’s throw away from Al Rashidiya Park, this homely library has an incredible lineup of books from popular authors. The biggest draw here is the dedicated kid’s section where little ones can spend hours in the reading hall, have fun in the activity room or take advantage of the audio visual facilities.
Open Mon-Thu 8am-8pm. 44th St, Al Rashidiya (800 33222).

Al Safa Art and Design Public Library

If you’re a book worm who loves art, then this public library is for you. It was first established in 1989 and was revamped in 2018 to serve as a hub for those in the creative field. This uniquely designed space has a serene indoor area with spacious tables and chairs and glass windows that allows plenty of light to stream in. You’ll find a range of books for both adults and kids here with most genres and plenty of books focused on architecture, interior design and modern art.
Open Mon-Thu 8am-8pm and Fri 8am-noon. Al Wasl Rd, Jumeirah 3. (800 33222).

Al Twar Library

Avid readers will be in good hands here with a whopping 68,033 titles to choose from and a brilliant kid’s section with a range of books, activities and exciting annual events. Want to soak up the pleasant winter weather while reading? Head out to the garden area, grab a snack and page through your favourite novel. Sounds good to us.
Open Mon-Thu 8am-8pm and Fri 8am-noon. Emarat Al Mawred 2, Al Twar 1 (800 33222).

Beach libraries

Nothing beats a trip to the library other than kicking back at the beach with a book. And thanks to the ‘Beach Library Project’, you can find dedicated self-service libraries at certain beaches across the city. These beach libraries all include plenty of books you can borrow. You can find these 24-hour reader havens at Kite Beach, Al Mamzar Beach and Jumeirah Beach.
Open 24 hours. Kite Beach, Al Mamzar Beach and Jumeirah Beach.

Hatta Public Library

If you live on the outskirts of Dubai, Hatta Library is a great option, found at the foot of Al Wadi Park. There’s a dedicated bus shuttle to and from the library and a nifty multi-purpose hall. You will be able to find everything you could need here with over 70,000 titles to browse through.
Open Mon-Thu 8am-8pm and Fri 8am-noon. Main street near Al Wadi Park (800 33222).

Hor Al Anz Library

Do you live in Deira and the surrounds? This laid-back library was built to give the Deira community access to books and is family-friendly, featuring a dedicated women and children’s section. You can access both Arabic and English titles here and if you’d like a spot to study or catch a breather, head outdoors to the cafeteria. You’ll find some tasty treats, power sockets to charge your phone or laptop and cosy seats.
Open Sun-Thu and Sat 8am-8pm.16th Street, Deira. (800 33222).

Jameel Art Centre

Art lovers aren’t the only ones who will enjoy exploring this uber cool centre all day long. Book lovers will be in good hands here too as Jameel Art Centre houses the Jameel Library, which has an impressive collection of both English and Arabic books. This library is found on the ground floor where you can also attend regular workshops, reading events and seminars led by experts.
Open Sat-Mon and Thu 10am-8pm and Fri noon-8pm. Jaddaf Waterfront (04 873 9800).

Mohammed Bin Rashid Public Library

You’re bound to have seen this iconic library shaped as an open book in Al Jaddaf. And if you haven’t been inside yet, visit it pronto. Towering at seven floors, and covering a floor area of 54,000 square metres, there are many themed rooms to explore here. You’ll be spoilt for choice with an endless book collection offering something for everyone, featuring about 4.5 million printed books, 2 million e-books and more than 1 million audiobooks.
Open Mon-Thu 9am-9pm, Fri 9am-noon and Sat 9am-9pm. Al Jaddaf (800 627523).

The Old Library

This non-profit library has been around for over 50 years and is managed by volunteers. It keeps its doors open with funds raised by subscription fees collected from library members and money raised by second-hand book sales. The Old Library has the charm of your childhood library with cosy armchairs to sink into and 25,000 books, including fairytales, fiction, non-fiction, biographies and children’s literature.
Open Mon-Sat 10am-6pm. Gold & Diamond Park, Building 7. theoldlibrary.ae (04 321 3939).

Umm Suqeim Library

This public library is a one-stop hub for all kinds of readers, with a fantastic range of books. Scholars and researchers will feel at home here, with genres covering history, literature, religion, medicine, geography and more. Of course, you can also find your favourite works of fiction here and kids will be covered with a dedicated section, featuring an activities area, audio-visual facilities and a reading room. Little ones can also join fun annual winter and summer library camps.
Open Sun-Thu and Sat 8am-8pm. 770 Jumeirah St, Umm Suqeim, Jumeirah 3 (800 33222).

Good to know

Private libraries have their own membership fees and processes, so if you’re thinking of joining one, it’s best to get all the information you need at the specific library you’re interested in joining.

Still prefer digital? The Dubai Municipality has made a comprehensive e-library service available as part of the Dubai Smart Government program. 

Through this e-library portal, you can easily access books, journals and more. You can set up an account and log in here.

Happy reading.