Dubai, UAE, April 17, 2026: As the world celebrates World Heritage Day, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library stands out as one of the leading cultural institutions playing a pivotal role in preserving human heritage. It is driven by a comprehensive vision that combines the authenticity of knowledge with technological advancement, offering a global model for protecting cultural memory and passing it on to future generations.

Dr. Mohammed Salem AlMazrooei, Board Member at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Library Foundation, said: 'The Library continues to strengthen its position as a global hub for protecting heritage and presenting it through a modern vision that blends authenticity with technology. This is achieved by developing its restoration capabilities, and expanding access to knowledge, thereby enhancing the presence of heritage in the future and transforming the Library into a cultural bridge connecting the past with the present.'

The Library houses more than 8,000 rare items, along with hundreds of unique pieces in the Treasures of the Library Exhibition, making it a global centre for preserving cultural heritage in its various languages and forms. These treasures range from literary, scientific, religious, and artistic manuscripts, reflecting the history and interaction of human civilizations across the ages.

Rare Knowledge Treasures Across Time

Among the Library's most notable rare holdings is the book Description de l'Égypte (1809-1828), one of the largest exploratory works in history, documenting ancient and modern Egypt through the efforts of hundreds of scholars and artists. The Library also preserves a copy of Don Quijote by Spanish author Miguel de Cervantes, a foundational work of the modern novel.

In science, a rare copy of The Canon of Medicine by Ibn Sina stands out, a key medical reference in the East and West for centuries. The Library also includes timeless literary works such as Les Misérables by Victor Hugo, the complete works of William Shakespeare, and Al-Shawqiyat by the 'Prince of Poets' Ahmed Shawqi.

The collection is not limited to Arab and Western heritage but extends to unique Asian manuscripts such as the Indian Ramayana, the Japanese Lotus Sutra written in gold ink, and an illuminated Kashmiri Qur'an reflecting the beauty of Islamic art.

 

 

At the heart of these efforts is the Library's Restoration Centre, one of the key pillars dedicated to heritage preservation. Since its establishment, it has successfully restored approximately 150 rare items, some dating back to the 13th century, using the latest technologies and international standards. The centre relies on local experts who carry out precise processes, including document cleaning, chemical treatment, and damage repair, while preserving historical authenticity.

The centre is equipped with advanced facilities such as suction tables, ultrasonic humidification chambers, fume extraction cabinets, and modern techniques for paper reintegration and restoration, ensuring the longevity of manuscripts and protecting them from the effects of time.

Since its opening, the centre has restored many rare items, including a Qajar-era Qur'an written in Naskh script, a complete 500-page Qur'an, and a collection of historical periodicals and publications such as Al-Mirsad Magazine (1949), Al-Kifah Daily (1954), Al-Muwazzaf Magazine (1937), Arab Listener Magazine (1943), Theatres Magazine (1931), among others.

 

 

These restoration efforts are complemented by the Digitisation Lab, which plays a vital role in converting rare manuscripts and documents into high-resolution digital copies. This allows researchers and visitors to access them without affecting the originals. The Library has successfully digitised more than 900 rare items on its digital platform, enhancing open access to knowledge and preserving it for future generations.

Digital documentation processes before and after restoration also contribute to building a precise knowledge archive, making it easier to track the condition of items and ensure the sustainability of this cultural heritage.

 

 

The Mohammed Bin Rashid Library represents an advanced model in managing cultural heritage by integrating modern technologies with specialised human expertise, offering a comprehensive knowledge experience that connects the past, present, and future.

Through its continued investment in restoration, digitisation, and the development of local talent, the Library reaffirms its commitment to serving as a global platform for preserving human heritage and a hub of knowledge that fosters cultural dialogue among nations and strengthens the cultural identity of future generations.