Love to Read?

WE SHOW YOU HOW TO GET A FREE MAKTABA DIGITAL LIBRARY MEMBERSHIP

Lakmee Senhadeera

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), is responsible for the administration of five public libraries, collectively known as MAKTABA, that are dotted around Abu Dhabi Emirate. Any person who lives in the UAE with a valid Emirates ID, regardless of their age is eligible for a free, MAKTABA digital library membership. This membership allows you access to the following online resources for free: the online digital library for children and adults, academic & research databases and a calendar of programs with daily online workshops.

How to Sign-up for a free MAKTABA account:

Visit www.library.dctabudhabi.ae and select “Get Library Membership”. To complete the new registration form, you will need your Emirates ID and a valid email address.

Zayed Central Library Al Ain

Zayed Central Library, Al Ain’s very own public library branch of MAKTABA, is located next to Al Sulaimi Park. This library is home to over 136,000 books in Arabic and English. Current services at the Zayed Central Library include book lending for adults and children, free access to the internet, study spaces, study rooms and an outdoor play area for children. In coordination with MAKTABA, the Zayed Central Library also provides a diverse range of educational events, programs and activities for the local community.

Library Membership options:

If you would like to borrow books from the Zayed Central Library, please contact the library to register for a library membership.

If you have any questions about joining the Zayed Central Library or using the MAKTABA services, please contact the library staff: Telephone: 03 711 8266 MAKTABA website: library.dctabudhabi.ae (for registration and digital content access)

Library Hours: Monday to Thursday: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM Friday: 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM Saturday: Closed Sunday: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM COVID 19 precautionary Requirements: Al Hosn App: Green Status is mandatory for all visitors.

IN PERSON MEMEBERSHIP CHILDREN (up to 15) ADULTS (16 and over)

Requirements

MAKTABA online library account Emirates IDs of parent and child MAKTABA online library account Emirates ID Passport size photo

Deposit

No deposit required for children under 15 (free)

Adults: 400 AED deposit (refundable upon membership cancellation any time after 3 months)

Borrowing limit

Children: Up to 7 books for 3 weeks

Adults: Up to 15 books for 3 weeks

Renewal Period

Renewable twice for an additional 6 weeks

Fines

AED 1 per day per book