Dubai Public Library Membership: Branches, Fees and Study Rooms

An adult card for Dubai Public Library costs AED 200, made up of a AED 50 fee covering five years and a AED 150 refundable deposit, according to Gulf News in October 2025. Members can borrow from branches across the emirate, from Al Mankhool to Hatta, and book quiet study rooms from AED 5 for two hours. The library network is part of Dubai Culture.

Membership fees

TypeTotalBreakdownValid for AdultAED 200AED 50 fee + AED 150 refundable depositFive years, renewable FamilyAED 300AED 50 fee + AED 200 refundable depositFive years, renewable ChildAED 75Refundable depositUntil the child turns 12

Registration requires a valid Emirates ID. For a child's card, a parent provides their own Emirates ID. You can apply online or at any branch.

Branches and hours

Gulf News lists these Dubai Public Library branches:

• Al Safa Art and Design Library, Al Wasl Street
• Umm Suqeim Library
• Al Mankhool Library
• Hor Al Anz Library
• Al Twar Library
• Al Rashidiya Library
• Hatta Public Library

Hours reported in October 2025 were Sunday to Thursday 8am to 8pm and Friday 8am to 12pm, with branches closed on Saturdays. Dubai Culture's page for Al Safa shows two different schedules, so call the toll-free number 800 33222 before making a special trip.

Al Safa Art and Design Library

This branch, established in 1989 and renovated in 2018, sits opposite Safa Park. Its collection centres on fine arts, sculpture, architecture, Arabic calligraphy, performing arts, music and jewellery design, with Taschen titles in the adult section. It has a children's section with activity, exhibition and computer rooms, an art gallery, and digital databases, with materials in Arabic, English, Hindi, Chinese and French, plus Braille. Any Dubai Public Library member can use it.

Booking a study room

Rooms can be booked online through the Dubai Public Library website (dpl.dubaiculture.gov.ae), in person at a branch if one is free, or by phone on 800 33222. Have your Emirates ID details and mobile number ready.

BookingMembersNon-members Up to 2 hoursAED 5AED 10 Full dayAED 25AED 50 WeekAED 100AED 200

Rooms for up to six people cost slightly more.

The Mohammed Bin Rashid Library

The Mohammed Bin Rashid Library in Al Jaddaf is a separate institution with its own rules. It opens Monday to Saturday from 9am to 9pm, Friday from 2pm, and is closed on Sundays. Children under five are not admitted, and visitors must cover shoulders and knees. See our guide to quiet places in Dubai for more on visiting.

Getting to the larger branches

Al Safa Art and Design Library is on Al Wasl Street, next to Union Co-op and opposite Al Safa Park, which makes it easy to combine a library visit with a walk in the park (AED 3 entry). Dubai Culture lists its contact details as 800 33222 and info@dubaiculture.ae. If you plan to use the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library as well, Creek Metro Station on the Green Line is a 5 to 10 minute walk away, and the main car park has bicycle parking.

What to check

• Bring your Emirates ID when registering or booking.
• Confirm the branch's hours by phone, especially on public holidays.
• More places to spend unhurried time are in our Directory.

For general information. Details can change; check with Dubai Culture before relying on them.