Zayed Central Library Al Ain: Opening Hours, Services, and Membership

Zayed Central Library is the largest public library in Al Ain, with more than 100,000 books for children and adults. It opened in 2016 next to Sulaimi Park and is part of MAKTABA, the Abu Dhabi public library network managed by the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi).

The library also offers quiet reading rooms, computers with internet access, a theater, and a bookstore. Membership is free and lets you borrow books and use MAKTABA’s eBooks, audiobooks, and online magazines from home. Here’s what you should know before you visit, including opening hours, contact details, borrowing information, and what it’s like to live nearby.

• Zayed Central Library at a glance
• What’s inside Zayed Central Library
• Services and digital resources
• Abu Dhabi library membership: how borrowing works
• Zayed Central Library opening hours and contact details
• What is the location of the Zayed Central Library?
• How to get to Zayed Central Library
• Living near Zayed Central Library
• Key Takeaways
• Frequently Asked Questions

Zayed Central Library at a glance

The key points, all in one place.

What’s inside Zayed Central Library

Zayed Central Library has the largest book collection in Al Ain, all in one place. You’ll find everything from picture books and children’s stories to academic works in many subjects. It’s a great spot for both family visits and university research.

• A variety of books for all age groups: over 100,000 titles for children and adults.
• The material for research includes scientific journals, periodicals, scholarly works and academic publications.
• Reading rooms are quiet areas where people can read, study or work.
• Computers and free Wi-Fi means computers that have internet access together with free Wi-Fi for your own devices.
• A theatre that is located on-site and which hosts cultural events.
• The bookstore carries publications from Dar Al Kutub.

The library has a busy cultural calendar, with school visits, book signings, and art exhibitions throughout the year.

Services and digital resources

At Zayed Central Library, you can borrow books, get research help, and use the internet on site. As a MAKTABA member, you also have access to many online resources from anywhere.

• eBooks and audiobooks: Borrow digital titles through Libby by OverDrive.
• Newspapers and magazines: Read titles from around the world on PressReader.
• Research databases: Use ProQuest and other academic databases.
• Majarra: Digital magazines and content in Arabic.
• Ask a Librarian: Send a question online and get help from library staff.

All these resources are available on the MAKTABA website, where you can also find the full catalogue, event listings, and library rules.

Abu Dhabi library membership: how borrowing works

Abu Dhabi library membership is free. Sign up online with your Emirates ID on the MAKTABA website. Your account gives you instant access to MAKTABA’s digital services. To borrow physical books, upgrade to a borrowing membership.

MAKTABA also offers a 24-hour library service, allowing approved members to use participating libraries outside regular opening hours.

Zayed Central Library opening hours and contact details

Zayed Central Library is open six days a week and is closed on Saturday. It stays open the longest from Monday to Thursday, and on Friday it is only open for a short morning session.

To get in touch with the library:

• Phone: 03 711 8266 or 03 711 8265
• WhatsApp: 056 537 4203
• Email: AlAinLibrary@dctabudhabi.ae
• General DCT Abu Dhabi line: +971 2 444 0444

Where is Zayed Central Library?

Zayed Central Library is next to Sulaimi Park on Mohammed Bin Khalifa Street in Al Mutarad, a residential area just west of central Al Ain. Sometimes, Al Mutarad is spelled Al Mu’tarid.

How to get to Zayed Central Library

How to get to Zayed Central Library by car

Driving is the easiest way to reach the library. Enter “Zayed Central Library, Al Ain” into your maps app and follow Mohammed Bin Khalifa Street until you reach Sulaimi Park. Al Mutarad Street connects to Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Street, which leads to the main highways to Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

How to get to Zayed Central Library by bus

Buses run in Al Mutarad and connect the area to central Al Ain and the main bus station. Check the Darb app before you travel for the latest routes and schedules.

Tips for your visit

• On Friday, the library closes at noon, and it stays closed all day on Saturday.
• Register before your visit by creating a MAKTABA account online with your Emirates ID. This way, you’ll be ready to borrow books on your first visit.
• Make a day of it by visiting Sulaimi Park, which is right next door. It’s easy to combine a trip to the library with some time outdoors. For more ideas, see our list of things to do in Al Ain.
• To learn about upcoming events like book signings, exhibitions, or school visits, send a WhatsApp message to 056 537 4203.

Other public libraries in the MAKTABA network

Zayed Central Library is one of several branches in the MAKTABA network. If you live in or visit Abu Dhabi, you can get free membership at these other branches as well.

Families in Abu Dhabi can also visit the Abu Dhabi Children’s Library, and Khalifa Park is worth a trip on its own. For more options, check out our guide to the best libraries in Abu Dhabi.

Al Mutarad is a popular residential area in central Al Ain. Al Mutarad Area it is relaxed and family-friendly, quieter than the city center but still close to main roads and local landmarks.

Most homes in Al Mutarad are apartments in low-rise buildings, with some villa clusters too. Daily essentials are close by:

• Shopping: Al Jimi Mall, Al Ain Mall and Safa Mall, plus Choithrams and Safa Express supermarkets.
• Healthcare: NMC Specialty Hospital and Sheikh Tahnoon Bin Mohammed Medical City.
• Mosques: Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Grand Mosque.
• Getting around: There is easy parking, local bus routes, and it takes about 20 minutes by car to reach Al Ain International Airport.

Living near Zayed Central Library

Apartment rents in Al Mutarad usually range from AED 40,000 to AED 60,000 per year. You can browse apartments for rent in Al Mutarad or see all available properties. If you’re interested in buying, check out properties for sale in Al Ain.

Key takeaway

• Zayed Central Library is the largest public library in Al Ain, with more than 100,000 books, and it sits next to Sulaimi Park in Al Mutarad.
• It opens Sunday 8 am to 4 pm, Monday to Thursday 8 am to 8 pm and Friday 7:30 am to 12 pm, and closes on Saturday.
• Facilities include reading rooms, computers with free Wi-Fi, a theatre and a bookstore.
• Membership is free through MAKTABA with your Emirates ID, and lets you borrow up to 15 books for 21 days.
• Members can also use MAKTABA’s eBooks, audiobooks, digital newspapers and research databases from home.

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