![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/CAAZ4TYFK7YQOQHZ3I2IYNNZ2Q.jpg?smart=true&auth=a657cbc4434c278e80d93a38ea0c3b06e689d8cc99a33b8239330e2022213bf9&width=400&height=225)
There is also gallery space for artists to host exhibitions. Reem Mohammed / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/J56VOPWDA42KOTFBBGBWUADTNQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=aa13a4b23c7b16236f67c7bbfd077f4081f4ec45f95a77128bfc154d744298fe&width=400&height=225)
Al Safa Art & Design Library is based on Al Wasl Road. Reem Mohammed / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/QY3QCD2JFN6N4BQVJQXAGFW2LA.jpg?smart=true&auth=64144d7f56c3c4c380643368e569d4d09e9e4304a49f092cb7afb526427f190e&width=400&height=225)
Inside, there are a range of stylish workspaces and reading areas for members. Reem Mohammed / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/XQODTU7R3B5WYXB3RRGVHJTVZU.jpg?smart=true&auth=b402e11061437d9e32bde8bd0be292df777658bceb5d2d4ea0f9fd103541d27c&width=400&height=225)
It's where art, design and literature intersect. Reem Mohammed / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/7KOURIO4CUXX4VGE2ZDEMFOAZI.jpg?smart=true&auth=4ead8adfdae280ee898601a86c951fe76da539bc50631144370765ea32ef8817&width=400&height=225)
An outdoor courtyard will host a variety of activities during winter. Reem Mohammed / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/2RKB3YGJFR3M7LI2AMH6L5J7FY.jpg?smart=true&auth=6d0be89baaf1002d274eb3019a10366b404477fadd6d5f9fd298a971ba9eb7ea&width=400&height=225)
There are more than 4,000 titles across the adult and children's libraries, spanning both Arabic and English works. Reem Mohammed / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/L566UNSCIIYK3XCS2MOTKYJQ6E.jpg?smart=true&auth=a2e10628e7ebf52768f32bb73dea6dd3d4bb1026acf8d256c2876a48d470a1bc&width=400&height=225)
The refurbishment is part of a plan to revamp all branches of Dubai Public Library. Reem Mohammed / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/JMWXYNKGIHSLLNVU65FZAWEX74.jpg?smart=true&auth=02a5197ca0690b8820335c27cbe5151f025bce03935b9d7857edd01e4dc1a2a9&width=400&height=225)
There are a number of spaces where members can work. Reem Mohammed / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/JVQGARW52N7DXOKAIQVNG2R3V4.jpg?smart=true&auth=404e327baa24553f5e6c32b037f83cb2da1f83a753508a873dc7465b1bfdadba&width=400&height=225)
Find rare books about design from the region. Reem Mohammed / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/JIQO2QOEMWORYEFUQ4CY5CW6DE.jpg?smart=true&auth=3b2c2622da5c050bfdde271f8a9b2ff8da6506cd9b0d93f5070679638f38f2f3&width=400&height=225)
Plenty of natural light floods in to the spaces. Reem Mohammed / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/Q4AUNKEZWNVZ23HTV4T5K373S4.jpg?smart=true&auth=434b13983463c08a6a1ddb083415dd740d3f0a058f45d576ec691186ffb3889a&width=400&height=225)
There is also a selection of magazines. Reem Mohammed / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/R4IPT3I725VBPDCVE5IZ45NDYE.jpg?smart=true&auth=5448f0e687ce826c9a9b8e5ff46099a8ca36046ea8914d39a61f226a2f6a98da&width=400&height=225)
Books focus on art and design, but there are also general titles. Reem Mohammed / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/6KD76CSL5JAWLLXXQUJPPTWGKI.jpg?smart=true&auth=0a160a7dc4e5a63e1a6f24bf166343453fc9c31bf26efdf96e0cf828432a00d7&width=400&height=225)
A painting of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai. Reem Mohammed / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/JUOJ3HO7PXG7LYAZQQJTJRBY3Q.jpg?smart=true&auth=3aa1d3256841d561523543565dbb740bb62336a88ef8ba260c0bde986733281a&width=400&height=225)
the library, which originally opened in the 1980s, has been refurbished in a more modern style. Reem Mohammed / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/RYQ3YIFF3WDRO64KVIGSPADGRM.jpg?smart=true&auth=26401870e22b181e65a3c3b57cf26320e879b8977c24ccaf909fb72136a0b2a7&width=400&height=225)
A paper sculpture at the recently reopened Al Safa Art and Design Library. Reem Mohammed / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/XQKGVDOL2JGBGEPMESLPZFI6LU.jpg?smart=true&auth=f54f5678778a2fc166900307fe1368962fa589631a4f755716cb509270a8e9f9&width=400&height=225)
An Islamic art book displayed at Al Safa Art and Design Library. Reem Mohammed / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/MEF3T7QYM3NE6PPNWEDAKJQJAE.jpg?smart=true&auth=53cb0111a9339d491cd89cce79b9c0eaceeb606c5a248796fadb754d5ca68cd9&width=400&height=225)
Al Safa Art and Design Library offers group workspaces, meeting areas, a cafe, an art gallery, a lounge area and a children’s library. Reem Mohammed / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/TUNQCUPVM6FM25FYJSALFQ3U24.jpg?smart=true&auth=ce6d94c9434f46a3e057e0ee8fd4c5d85654cc236807e3fd9630f35cef856cbb&width=400&height=225)
Reading areas are well lit. Reem Mohammed / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/CAAZ4TYFK7YQOQHZ3I2IYNNZ2Q.jpg?smart=true&auth=a657cbc4434c278e80d93a38ea0c3b06e689d8cc99a33b8239330e2022213bf9&width=400&height=225)
There is also gallery space for artists to host exhibitions. Reem Mohammed / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/J56VOPWDA42KOTFBBGBWUADTNQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=aa13a4b23c7b16236f67c7bbfd077f4081f4ec45f95a77128bfc154d744298fe&width=400&height=225)
Al Safa Art & Design Library is based on Al Wasl Road. Reem Mohammed / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/QY3QCD2JFN6N4BQVJQXAGFW2LA.jpg?smart=true&auth=64144d7f56c3c4c380643368e569d4d09e9e4304a49f092cb7afb526427f190e&width=400&height=225)
Inside, there are a range of stylish workspaces and reading areas for members. Reem Mohammed / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/XQODTU7R3B5WYXB3RRGVHJTVZU.jpg?smart=true&auth=b402e11061437d9e32bde8bd0be292df777658bceb5d2d4ea0f9fd103541d27c&width=400&height=225)
It's where art, design and literature intersect. Reem Mohammed / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/7KOURIO4CUXX4VGE2ZDEMFOAZI.jpg?smart=true&auth=4ead8adfdae280ee898601a86c951fe76da539bc50631144370765ea32ef8817&width=400&height=225)
An outdoor courtyard will host a variety of activities during winter. Reem Mohammed / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/2RKB3YGJFR3M7LI2AMH6L5J7FY.jpg?smart=true&auth=6d0be89baaf1002d274eb3019a10366b404477fadd6d5f9fd298a971ba9eb7ea&width=400&height=225)
There are more than 4,000 titles across the adult and children's libraries, spanning both Arabic and English works. Reem Mohammed / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/L566UNSCIIYK3XCS2MOTKYJQ6E.jpg?smart=true&auth=a2e10628e7ebf52768f32bb73dea6dd3d4bb1026acf8d256c2876a48d470a1bc&width=400&height=225)
The refurbishment is part of a plan to revamp all branches of Dubai Public Library. Reem Mohammed / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/JMWXYNKGIHSLLNVU65FZAWEX74.jpg?smart=true&auth=02a5197ca0690b8820335c27cbe5151f025bce03935b9d7857edd01e4dc1a2a9&width=400&height=225)
There are a number of spaces where members can work. Reem Mohammed / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/JVQGARW52N7DXOKAIQVNG2R3V4.jpg?smart=true&auth=404e327baa24553f5e6c32b037f83cb2da1f83a753508a873dc7465b1bfdadba&width=400&height=225)
Find rare books about design from the region. Reem Mohammed / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/JIQO2QOEMWORYEFUQ4CY5CW6DE.jpg?smart=true&auth=3b2c2622da5c050bfdde271f8a9b2ff8da6506cd9b0d93f5070679638f38f2f3&width=400&height=225)
Plenty of natural light floods in to the spaces. Reem Mohammed / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/Q4AUNKEZWNVZ23HTV4T5K373S4.jpg?smart=true&auth=434b13983463c08a6a1ddb083415dd740d3f0a058f45d576ec691186ffb3889a&width=400&height=225)
There is also a selection of magazines. Reem Mohammed / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/R4IPT3I725VBPDCVE5IZ45NDYE.jpg?smart=true&auth=5448f0e687ce826c9a9b8e5ff46099a8ca36046ea8914d39a61f226a2f6a98da&width=400&height=225)
Books focus on art and design, but there are also general titles. Reem Mohammed / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/6KD76CSL5JAWLLXXQUJPPTWGKI.jpg?smart=true&auth=0a160a7dc4e5a63e1a6f24bf166343453fc9c31bf26efdf96e0cf828432a00d7&width=400&height=225)
A painting of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai. Reem Mohammed / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/JUOJ3HO7PXG7LYAZQQJTJRBY3Q.jpg?smart=true&auth=3aa1d3256841d561523543565dbb740bb62336a88ef8ba260c0bde986733281a&width=400&height=225)
the library, which originally opened in the 1980s, has been refurbished in a more modern style. Reem Mohammed / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/RYQ3YIFF3WDRO64KVIGSPADGRM.jpg?smart=true&auth=26401870e22b181e65a3c3b57cf26320e879b8977c24ccaf909fb72136a0b2a7&width=400&height=225)
A paper sculpture at the recently reopened Al Safa Art and Design Library. Reem Mohammed / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/XQKGVDOL2JGBGEPMESLPZFI6LU.jpg?smart=true&auth=f54f5678778a2fc166900307fe1368962fa589631a4f755716cb509270a8e9f9&width=400&height=225)
An Islamic art book displayed at Al Safa Art and Design Library. Reem Mohammed / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/MEF3T7QYM3NE6PPNWEDAKJQJAE.jpg?smart=true&auth=53cb0111a9339d491cd89cce79b9c0eaceeb606c5a248796fadb754d5ca68cd9&width=400&height=225)
Al Safa Art and Design Library offers group workspaces, meeting areas, a cafe, an art gallery, a lounge area and a children’s library. Reem Mohammed / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/TUNQCUPVM6FM25FYJSALFQ3U24.jpg?smart=true&auth=ce6d94c9434f46a3e057e0ee8fd4c5d85654cc236807e3fd9630f35cef856cbb&width=400&height=225)
Reading areas are well lit. Reem Mohammed / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/CAAZ4TYFK7YQOQHZ3I2IYNNZ2Q.jpg?smart=true&auth=a657cbc4434c278e80d93a38ea0c3b06e689d8cc99a33b8239330e2022213bf9&width=400&height=225)
There is also gallery space for artists to host exhibitions. Reem Mohammed / The National
Inside the little-known, ultra-cool library next to Dubai's Safa Park – in pictures
The recently revamped Al Safa Art & Design Library, which originally opened in 1989, completely obliterates any stuffy library stereotypes
![Katy Gillett](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/https%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Farc-authors%2Fthenational%2F0d30538e-8093-483b-9671-b522ebeb7695.png?smart=true&auth=8c7547f4ac03274ba8bbce82d6291f909b38c6ccab7737911edec4058f46eea6&width=70&height=70)
Katy Gillett
05 September, 2019
- Listen In English
- Listen In Arabic