Qasr Al Watan Library Witnesses Remarkable 46% Increase In Visitors In Early 2024

The Qasr Al Watan Library in Abu Dhabi saw a significant increase in visitors during the first half of 2024, with nearly 270,000 tourists compared to 185,000 in the same period last year. This represents a growth rate of 46 percent. The library is part of the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC) and is a key cultural landmark in the UAE capital.

Saeed Hamdan Al Tunaiji, Executive Director of the ALC, highlighted the library’s unique location within Qasr Al Watan, one of the few presidential premises open to the public. He stated, "The library’s exceptional location within Qasr Al Watan, one of the few presidential premises in the world that is open to the public, has given it an added impetus, in addition to its distinction in its commitment to meeting the needs of its visitors by promoting a culture of reading, and providing rich sources of knowledge, including a diverse collection of books and educational resources."

The library offers an extensive range of books, research articles, reports, documents, encyclopaedias, book summaries, databases, and rare books. It aims to provide a comprehensive cultural and knowledge experience for both residents and international tourists. The collection includes around 50,000 works carefully selected to meet readers' aspirations.

Qasr Al Watan Library also focuses on preserving and enriching literary works and Arabic language research. It strives to foster a culture of reading among community members by curating specialised books and adding digital collections for broader content distribution. The library organises various cultural and educational programmes to attract visitors and enhance their experience.

Al Tunaiji further noted that "With its wide range of official and historical documents, as well as specialised sources in various fields, Qasr Al Watan Library is a prominent historical institution and a reference that embodies key milestones in the cultural journey of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi." The library supports research with invaluable resources that cater to intellectuals.

The library houses publications from cultural institutions, research centres, official bodies, and local publishing houses. These cover diverse subjects such as archaeology, heritage, memoirs, biographies, culture, literature, and arts. Modernly designed halls equipped with computers and advanced electronic browsing solutions provide comfortable spaces for reading and research.

Rare Collections and Exhibitions

A distinctive feature of Qasr Al Watan Library is its collection of rare books. This includes literary works by European travellers from the 13th to 19th centuries that highlight various aspects of Arab civilisation like culture, music, medicine, and literature. These works reflect the richness and diversity of Arab heritage.

The library recently inaugurated a permanent exhibition in the Knowledge Pavilion showcasing literary works honoured by the Sheikh Zayed Book Award. This exhibition features all award-winning books since its inception. Visitors can explore significant literary contributions recognised over the years.

Qasr Al Watan Library continues to develop interactive applications aimed at encouraging knowledge enrichment. By offering diverse resources and modern facilities within a historically significant setting, it remains a vital institution for cultural preservation and education in Abu Dhabi.

With inputs from WAM