Dubai Municipality to construct new premises for Dubai Central Library in Al Mamzar

According to Essa Al Maidour, Assistant Director General of Dubai Municipality for General Projects Affairs, the new book-shaped building, to be constructed on the banks of the picturesque Al Mamzar Lagoons, will include extended facilities. The central library is currently located in Al Ras area.

"We have chosen this beautiful location for the library given the significance of library in enlightening the community members. Moreover, a less-congested area means a lot of interest among the public. People can come to the library and enjoy reading in a relaxed environment, while enjoying the scenic location," he said.

As for designs of the new premises, he said the preliminary designs have been selected through a contest among internationally-renowned and experienced consultants. These designs show a book-shaped building that reflects the library's main theme.

"The main activities of the library would concentrate on the middle part of the building where natural lighting from all part would light up the entire area. The basement would be dedicated for parking which will accommodate as many as 1000 cars. Other facilities of the central library will include administrative and technical sections, reading halls, service areas, children's library, business library, exhibitions and conference centre, and training halls," he said.

He added that the central library would consist of over 1.72 million books and other library materials including CDs and audio-video cassettes.

Al Maidour noted that the building would be constructed according to high international standards and specifications with much focus on electronic services as well as state-of-the-art audio-visual facilities.

The final designs are expected to be ready by the end of the third quarter of this year, which will be followed by floating a tender for contractors to bid for undertaking the project's construction. Works of the project are expected to be over by the end of next year.