Qasr Al Watan Library

This impressive and prestigious library is located in Qasr Al Watan, a working presidential palace and an important destination within the cultural landscape of Abu Dhabi. This is one of the few presidential headquarters in the world that has opened its doors to the public.

Qasr Al Watan Library reflects the UAE Vision 2021, which supports the knowledge economy to promote and sustain development through investment in minds and human resources. The library is an impressive addition to the rich, existing Abu Dhabi public library network, which provides sources of knowledge through the latest technologies and techniques. Qasr Al Watan Library is open to UAE nationals, residents and travelling visitors, and can be visited in person. A membership card provides access to all services.

The Qasr Al Watan Library boasts a large collection of knowledge resources in the fields of science and the arts within the UAE. Collected over 35 years, these publications cover subjects including history, geography and the social, economic and political development of the country. Official and historical documents from local and international sources are accessible alongside the Constitution and laws of the UAE. The library also houses publications from cultural institutions, research centres, official authorities and publishing houses from across the UAE. There are books on archaeology, history, heritage, memoirs, biographies, human and social sciences, statistics, administration, culture, literature, arts and other sources of public interest.

The publications have been carefully selected to meet the needs of scholars and researchers of all ages and disciplines. The growth and expansion of library holdings in the future will include interactive programmes that tap into a world of paper as well as electronic publishing and multimedia.

In addition to the library's comprehensive collection of books and resources, a series of community initiatives, including panel discussions and musical performances, stimulate dialogue and knowledge exchange.

The library allows readers to borrow printed and other materials through a membership system. The library’s staff provide a variety of services to access information and reference lists. They can train visitors on how to use the digital library and provide information about library programmes. Special tours enable visitors to learn about the library and its contents and understand how to make the most of its programmes and resources. The library provides internet access, computers and tablets to ensure efficient use of its e-services. The digital library offers many sources in various formats, such as print material and audio and video equipment, with library members being able to access them from anywhere in Abu Dhabi.

Offering an integrated reading experience, with resources available in Arabic, English and many other languages, Qasr Al Watan Library is home to printed books, e-books, audio and video books, periodicals, multimedia, university letters, research articles, newspapers and magazines, documents, encyclopaedias, book summaries, reference dictionaries, databases and rare manuscripts. The interior offers a comfortable research, reading and writing environment, housing modern rooms equipped with computers and search-friendly electronic resources.