Arts & Culture
9.23.2022
Top 3 most beautiful libraries in the Arab world
Places of culture, exchange and learning, libraries are flourishing in the countries of the Middle East and North Africa. Some are historical, others more recent, but all have the ambition to spread knowledge, to anchor knowledge, to create a universal base for all humanity. Discover our top 3 most beautiful libraries in the Arab world.
1 – Mohammed ben Rached Al-Maktoum Library in Dubai
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When a library is built in Dubai, it has to break all records! In this emirate where everything is magnificent, the Mohammed ben Rached Al-Maktoum Library is no exception to the rule. Inaugurated on 13 June 2022, the building covers 54,000 m² and houses more than one million books divided into nine thematic sections. Not to mention thousands of historical journals and musical scores, as well as millions of research articles. This cultural centre is the largest library in the Middle East and North Africa.
And while Dubai is often criticised for turning a blind eye to environmental issues, the emirate of superlatives is showing a certain awareness in this project. The Mohammed ben Rached Al-Maktoum Library is environmentally friendly, drawing 10% of its energy from solar panels and reducing its water consumption by 50%. Inspiring!
2 – The Ithra Library in Saudi Arabia
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In Saudi Arabia, in the city of Dhahran, stands the Ithra Cultural Centre, which means ‘enrichment’ in Arabic. Opened in 2017, this vast complex boasts breathtaking futuristic architecture and includes a museum, a theatre, a cinema, exhibition spaces, an idea laboratory and a library. The latter is one of the largest public libraries in the region. It has 270,000 titles in Arabic and English on four floors.
The library is bright, stylish and sleek, providing a pleasant working space for students and freelancers. It regularly hosts book signings and local and international speakers. It is also the home of the iRead national reading competition, which has attracted over 70,000 participants since 2014.
3 – The Bibliotheca Alexandrina in Egypt
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The Bibliotheca Alexandrina is a particular crowd magnet because it was built on the site of the ancient Library of Alexandria, known for its cultural influence throughout the Mediterranean basin during the time of Greco-Roman Egypt.
Nestled in the heart of the Bay of Alexandria, the new building looks like a disc gently tilted towards the sea. At the entrance, two important details greet visitors: a giant statue of Ptolemy I, creator of the ancient Library of Alexandria, and engravings representing the two hundred scriptures from around the world. Once inside, the reading room extends over 20,000 square meters and seven levels, taking the form of an amphitheater. The atmosphere is warm, thanks to the strong presence of wood and sensors that filter the light. In the background, the sound of the Grande Bleue echoes, giving the place a magical touch
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