Dubai Culture Announces Re-opening of Public Libraries

mediaoffice.ae: Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) announced the reopening of public libraries in the emirate today, 18 June, with the exception of the Al Ras branch.

Libraries will resume their operations between 10.00 am and 5.00 pm daily except on Fridays. Dubai Culture reassured the public that comprehensive precautionary measures have been enforced to protect the health and wellbeing of visitors and employees. All visitors are instructed to maintain a distance of two metres with others. Each entrant is subject to thermal screening and sanitisers are made freely available to everyone. Both employees and visitors are required to wear a face mask and all areas of the libraries are being frequently disinfected.

The reopening of Dubai public libraries follows the Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management’s decision to resume various cultural and economic activities in the emirate and allow people over the age of 60 and children under the age of 12 to visit public places.

The decision reflects Dubai Culture’s efforts to support the National Reading Strategy launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. It is also part of the Authority’s commitment to libraries and its efforts to encourage people of all ages to read more widely. The move is also in line with the Authority’s mission to enrich Dubai’s cultural scene and enhance its position as a global hub for art and culture, an incubator for creativity and a thriving hub for talent.

The Authority has invited members of the community to explore Dubai’s unique public libraries and take advantage of the various services provided by them to visitors of all ages, especially as the school year comes to a close. School students can enjoy reading in an enriching environment that encourages learning, based on their interest.

Dubai public libraries were closed from mid-March in line with the precautionary measures taken in the UAE to limit the spread of COVID-19 and preserve public safety. Events and workshops will remain suspended at these libraries until further notice, Dubai Culture said.

Public libraries in Dubai provide a set of high-quality services including information services, extensions, references, external and internal circulations, briefings, periodicals and newspapers. They also provide advanced electronic services that allow the public to easily and rapidly access large amounts of information through automatic searches, databases, and internet and multimedia services. Other services offered include multi-purpose halls, facilities for People of Determination, and services, such as copying, faxing, packaging, and scanning.