Dubai Culture to host Dubai Public Library’s 50th Anniversary on December 22

Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Majid Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Chairman of Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), the Emirate’s dedicated Authority for culture, arts, and heritage, is set to mark the Dubai Public Library’s (DPL) Golden Anniversary on December 22, 2013, at the Dubai Cultural Association from 10am. 

Through the celebration, Dubai Culture is paying tribute to the vision of late Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, who was committed to promote a literary culture in the Emirate by establishing the public libraries. 

His Highness Sheikh Majid Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum said: “The golden jubilee celebration of the Dubai Public Library is a truly remarkable occasion, which highlights the strong focus of Dubai’s leadership to promote a literary culture in the Emirate. 

“Over the years, the libraries have contributed immensely in widening the knowledge of residents, encouraging youth to take up reading and in promoting social solidarity through a number of literary events held at the libraries. The Dubai Public Library will continue to be at the forefront in promoting the habit of reading and in highlighting the Arabic language to the city’s residents and visitors.” 

The Authority will celebrate the achievements of Dubai Public Library over the past 50 years with a spectacular range of activities that will bring together community members and cultural organisations from across the city. 

The ceremony will commence with a documentary on the establishment of Al Ras Library, its milestones, and testimonials from individuals who have been instrumental in supporting the growth of the library over the last 50 years. 

Organisations, embassies, institutions, and individuals who have been the driving force behind the growth of the various public libraries across the city and building the cultural framework of the city, will also be honoured. The event is open to the public.  

Dubai Public Library has always played an integral role in serving as creative spaces for the community, where intercultural dialogue and knowledge exchange are encouraged. The libraries are located in Al Twar, Al Mankhool, Hor Al Anz, Al Safa, Al Rashidiya and Umm Suqeim.

Fifty years after their inception, they continue to remain the definitive meeting ground for members of the community and an incubator for information.