Obtaining a library card in the UAE is mostly done online nowadays. In Dubai you can apply via the Dubai Public Libraries app or the Dubai Culture website, in Abu Dhabi you join MAKTABA, the public library network operated by the Department of Culture and Tourism, and in Sharjah you register using the online catalogue of the Sharjah Public Libraries. In all three cases, your Emirates ID carries out most of the necessary steps.
This guide explains how to get a library card in each emirate. It tells you who can apply, what documents you need, any fees, how many books you can borrow, and where to find each public library branch. If you are just looking for a quiet place to read or study, there is also a section on how to find the nearest library.
- Library cards at a glance
- How to get a library card in Dubai
- How to get a library card in Abu Dhabi
- How to get a library card in Sharjah
- Digital library and online library services
- Key Takeaways
- Frequently Asked Questions
Library cards at a glance
Here’s the short version before the details:
| Dubai | Abu Dhabi | Sharjah | |
| Managed by | Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Public Libraries) | Department of Culture and Tourism (MAKTABA) | Sharjah Public Libraries |
| Where to apply | Dubai Public Libraries app or Dubai Culture website | MAKTABA website (Login/Register) or any branch | catalog.shjlib.gov.ae (Register or UAE PASS) |
| What you need | Emirates ID | Valid Emirates ID | An online account; UAE PASS sign-in available |
| Cost | Children free, adults and families: AED 50, institutions: AED 100, plus a refundable deposit | Free borrowing membership | Contact the library |
| Borrowing limit | 15 items (adults), 10 (children), 25 (family) | 15 titles (adults and children) | Contact the library |
| Loan period | 28 days | 21 days, auto-renewed up to twice | Contact the library |
| Card validity | 5 years (children’s cards until age 12) | Contact the library | Contact the library |
| Helpline | 800 33222 | 02 444 0444 | 800 7323 (800 READ) |
How to get a library card in Dubai
Dubai’s public libraries are managed by the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, and a single membership gives you access to all branches. Citizens, residents, private companies, government offices, and non-profit groups can all join. Individual memberships are valid for five years and can be renewed for another five. For children, memberships last until they turn 12.
Membership types in Dubai
When you apply, you’ll pick one of these categories:
- Children
- Students
- People of Determination
- Thukher cardholders
- Government employees
- Individual (adult)
- Family
- Institutions and companies
For individual, children’s and family memberships, the only document you need is your Emirates ID. Companies need a copy of their commercial licence, and government entities need an official letter. Both also register the Emirates IDs of two people authorised to borrow on the organisation’s behalf.
How to get a library card online in Dubai
You can complete the entire process using the Dubai Public Libraries smart app. The application takes around 15 minutes to fill out, and after the library approves it and you make the payment, your card will be issued.
- Create an account on the Dubai Public Libraries app, or sign in with UAE PASS.
- Open the E-Services link on the Dubai Public Libraries platform.
- Choose Subscription to Public Library Membership.
- Select your membership type.
- Fill in the account upgrade form and attach your documents.
- Review your details and submit the application.
- Wait for approval from the Libraries Department.
- Pay the membership fee through Dubai Pay.
- Activate your digital membership card in the app.
Fees, deposit and renewal
New members pay a subscription fee and a refundable security deposit, which depend on the membership type:
| Membership | Subscription fee | Security deposit |
| Children | Free | AED 75 |
| Adults | AED 50 | AED 150 |
| Family | AED 50 | AED 200 |
| Institutions | AED 100 | AED 200 |
You pay through Dubai Pay at the end of the application, and the amount shown there is what you’ll be charged.
If you decide to cancel later, just use the same E-Services platform. Make sure you have paid any outstanding fees and returned all borrowed items. Your deposit will be refunded at a library branch or by bank transfer, and your card will stop working once the refund is processed.
Borrowing rules in Dubai
| Membership | Items you can borrow | Loan period |
| Children | 10 | 28 days |
| Individual adults | 15 | 28 days |
| Family | 25 | 28 days |
| Companies and institutions | 100 | 28 days |
Late returns cost 50 fils a day per item. If you lose or damage a book, you either replace it or pay its value, plus a AED 25 admin charge. Members also get free internet in the libraries, discounts on library services, and 25% off books at Al Fadhilah Library.
Dubai public library branches
Looking for a Dubai public library near me? You can use your card at any of these branches. Most branches are open Sunday to Thursday from 8 am to 8 pm and on Friday from 8 am to 12 pm. Hours may vary by location or on public holidays, so please check the Dubai Culture website or call 800 33222 before visiting.
| Library | Location |
| Al Mankhool Library | Al Mankhool, Bur Dubai |
| Al Rashidiya Library | Al Rashidiya, near Al Rashidiya Park, south of Dubai International Airport |
| Hor Al Anz Library | Hor Al Anz, Deira |
| Al Twar Library | Al Twar 1, Damascus Street, near Al Twar Park and Al Qusais Metro Station |
| Umm Suqeim Library | Jumeirah Street, Umm Suqeim |
| Al Safa Art and Design Library | Al Wasl Street, next to Union Coop, opposite Al Safa Park |
| Hatta Public Library | Main street near Al Wadi Park, Hatta |
For all branches, call 800 33222 or email info@dubaiculture.ae.
How to get a library card in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi’s public libraries are part of MAKTABA, which is the library network run by the Department of Culture and Tourism in Abu Dhabi. When it comes to library membership, MAKTABA offers two levels, but only one allows you to borrow books and take them home.
MAKTABA online account vs borrowing membership
- An online account: this allows you to log in to MAKTABA’s online services, but it does not grant you the right to borrow.
- To borrow physical books, you need to borrow a membership and must have a valid Emirates ID.
Set up an account with library.dctabudhabi.ae using your Emirates ID (you should choose Login/Register, then Proceed, and then Register Now). You can create an online account for free, but this alone does not let you borrow physical books. To borrow books, please upgrade to a free borrowing membership.
. Adults can get an adult membership if they are 15 years of age or older, while those under 15 are entitled to a children’s membership. If you need assistance, you can call MAKTABA on 02 444 0444 or go to any of the branches.
Borrowing rules in Abu Dhabi
At MAKTABA branches, both adults and children can borrow up to 15 books at a time for 21 days. Most items renew automatically twice, so you usually do not need to do anything. Rare books and reference materials must stay in the library.
Abu Dhabi public library branches
If you are looking for a public library in Abu Dhabi, there are several MAKTABA branches to explore. You can visit Khalifa Park Library, Al Bahia Library, or Al Wathba Library in Abu Dhabi, Al Marfa Library in Al Dhafra, and Zayed Central Library in Al Ain. Please note that all of these libraries are closed on Saturdays.
The table below highlights some of the public libraries in Abu Dhabi and their locations.
| Library | Location | Opening hours | Phone |
| Khalifa Park Library | Inside Khalifa Park, Abu Dhabi | Sun: 10 am–6 pm Mon–Thu: 8am–8pm Fri: 8 am–12 pm | 02 657 6182 |
| Zayed Central Library | Next to Sulaimi Park, Al Ain | Sun: 8 am–4 pm Mon–Thu: 8am–8pm Fri: 7:30 am–12 pm | 03 711 8266 / 03 711 8265 |
| Al Bahia Library | Al Bahia Park, Al Bahia | Sun: 10 am–6 pm Mon–Thu: 8am–8pm Fri: 8 am–12 pm | 02 657 6118 / 02 657 6120 |
| Al Wathba Library | Al Wathba Park, Al Wathba | Sun: 10 am–6 pm Mon–Thu: 8 am–8pm Fri: 8 am–12 pm | 02 657 6023 |
| Al Marfa Library | Al Marfa City | Sun: 12 pm–8 pm Mon–Thu: 8am–8pm Fri: 8 am–12 pm | 02 657 6014 |
Qasr Al Watan Library, inside Qasr Al Watan in Al Ras Al Akhdar, is also part of the emirate’s public library network. Check its visiting arrangements before you go, as the library sits inside the palace complex.
Ministry of Culture library membership
The UAE Ministry of Culture provides public library memberships at cultural centres in many locations. Membership lasts for life, with fees between AED 50 and AED 500. Children under 12 can join for free. To apply, log in with UAE PASS and pay the fee. You do not need a separate library card because your Emirates ID acts as your membership card. If your Emirates ID expires, your membership will be suspended until you renew it.
| Category | Lifetime fee |
| Children up to 12 | Free membership is available to eligible children. |
| Ages 12 to 18 | AED 50 |
| Ages 19 and over | AED 100 |
| Family card | AED 250 |
| Private establishments | AED 500 |
Children need a guardian’s consent. Membership is suspended if your Emirates ID expires, so keep it up to date.
How to get a library card in Sharjah
The Sharjah Public Libraries service has been in operation for one hundred years and currently includes a main library in Sharjah city together with five branches located along the east coast and in the central area. If you want to obtain a library card online, go to the Sharjah Public Libraries catalogue at catalog.shjlib.gov.ae: select ‘Register’ in order to set up your account or log in using your UAE PASS.
To register, just visit the Sharjah Public Libraries website. If you have questions about borrowing, membership types, fees, or how to pay, you can email the membership team at info@shjlib.gov.ae or call 800 7323 (800 READ).
| Library | Location | Opening hours (Sun–Thu) | Phone |
| Sharjah Public Library (main) | Sharjah city | 8 am–10 pm | 06 516 6888 |
| Kalba Public Library | Overlooking Kalba Corniche | 8 am–8 pm | 06 516 6890 |
| Khor Fakkan Public Library | Khor Fakkan | 8 am–8 pm | 06 516 6850 |
| Dibba Al Hisn Public Library | Dibba Al Hisn | 8 am–8 pm | 06 516 6870 |
| Wadi Al Helo Public Library | Wadi Al Helo, between Kalba and Hatta | 8 am–8 pm | 06 516 6860 |
| Al Dhaid Public Library | Al Dhaid | 8 am–8 pm | 06 516 6840 |
After you become a member, you can reserve books through the online catalogue. Pick them up from a Smart Locker with your Emirates ID or Sharjah Public Libraries card. We will hold your reserved books for three days.
The main library has special halls for children and teenagers. You can book school visits and reserve these halls on the library’s booking website.
Digital library and online library services
Your card is not limited to paper books; each network maintains a digital library so that you are able to read and listen to books without having to leave the sofa. The range of services available and who can access them varies from network to network.
- Dubai: membership includes access to the Dubai Public Libraries digital library through the app.
- In Abu Dhabi, MAKTABA’s online library offers Libby by OverDrive for e-books and audiobooks, PressReader for newspapers and magazines, Majarra for Arabic articles, and various research databases including ProQuest and EBSCO; the conditions for access differ according to the resource.
- Sharjah: Sharjah Public Libraries provides an e-lending platform, research databases in the catalogue, and the Smart Knowledge Library for online learning.
How to find a public library near you
Searching for “public library near me” or “nearest library” in your maps app is helpful, but check a few things before you go.
- Check the library’s hours for today. Many branches close early on Fridays and some open later on Sundays. Searching for “library near me open now” can help you avoid a wasted trip.
- See if the library has study spaces. In Dubai, many branches have reading rooms. MAKTABA also offers 24/7 access to individual study rooms for members aged 18 and over.
- Choose a branch you’ll want to visit again. Your Dubai or MAKTABA card works at any branch, but the one near your home or work is often the most convenient.
For families,If you have kids, most Dubai branches have a children’s section. In Abu Dhabi, the Cultural Foundation has an entire building just for young readers.
Key Takeaways
- In all three emirates, you can start your library card application online, and an Emirates ID is the main document you need.
- Dubai Public Libraries membership lasts five years and works at every branch. Adults pay AED 50 plus a AED 150 refundable deposit and can borrow 15 items for 28 days.
- In Abu Dhabi, MAKTABA separates an online account from a borrowing membership. The borrowing membership is free and lets you take home 15 titles for 21 days.
- The Ministry of Culture provides lifetime library memberships in Al Dhafra and some northern emirates. Eligible children can get free membership.
- Sharjah Public Libraries has six libraries and online registration through its catalogue. Membership questions go to info@shjlib.gov.ae.
- Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah all offer digital library services, though the resources and access rules vary by network.
Frequently Asked Questions
To apply through the library network in your emirate, in Dubai you should use the Dubai Public Libraries app or the Dubai Culture website, in Abu Dhabi you need to create a MAKTABA account and then upgrade it to a borrowing membership, in Sharjah you must register on the Sharjah Public Libraries catalogue and get in touch with the membership team regarding borrowing, and you will usually need your Emirates ID.
Yes, you can complete the entire Dubai library membership process online. The application form usually takes around 15 minutes to fill out. After your request is approved and payment is made, you will receive your digital card.
Individual, children’s and family memberships only need an Emirates ID. Companies need a commercial licence copy and the Emirates IDs of two authorised borrowers. Government entities need an official letter.
Al Mankhool Library is in Al Mankhool, Bur Dubai. It opens Sunday to Thursday from 8 am to 8 pm, and Friday from 8 am to 12 pm. Call 800 33222 for directions.
Zayed Central Library, next to Sulaimi Park, is the MAKTABA branch in Al Ain. It opens Sunday from 8 am to 4 pm, Monday to Thursday from 8 am to 8 pm, and Friday from 7:30 am to 12 pm.
Yes. MAKTABA’s borrowing membership is free for adults and children, and it covers all five branches, including Khalifa Park Library and Zayed Central Library in Al Ain.
Yes. The Abu Dhabi Children’s Library is at the Cultural Foundation in Al Hosn. It covers three floors with reading zones, play-and-learn spaces and year-round programmes.
In Dubai adults are allowed to borrow 15 items, children 10 and families 25, all for a period of 28 days; in Abu Dhabi MAKTABA members can borrow 15 titles for 21 days.
Correct. Dubai has a children’s membership that remains valid until the age of 12, MAKTABA provides a children’s membership for people under 15, and the Ministry of Culture offers free membership to eligible children with parental or guardian consent.
