Dubai, UAE, 31 October 2026: Mohammed Bin Rashid Library will host a rich programme of cultural, literary, artistic, athletic, health, and national events throughout November 2026. The programme will also feature an international summit, alongside the Library's participation in exhibitions, conferences, and technology competitions, reflecting the diversity of its initiatives, and its role in enriching the cultural and knowledge landscape and fostering community engagement.
One of the month's key highlights will be the third edition of the Dubai International Library and Publishing Summit, organised by Mohammed Bin Rashid Library on 16 and 17 November under the theme The Architecture of Trust: AI and the Future of Knowledge Institutions. The summit will bring together leading experts, specialists, and knowledge leaders from the fields of libraries, publishing, research, culture, and technology from around the world to explore the future of knowledge institutions amid the rapid transformations shaping the world.
The Library will kick off its programme on 3 November with a Flag Day celebration at 11:00 AM in its outdoor garden, bringing together its staff to express pride in the UAE flag and the values of unity and belonging it represents. Later that evening, the Library will host a launch and discussion of Here and Wisconsin: A Gulf Arab Between Two Worlds by author Jamal Al Shehhi. Moderated by Dr Sulaiman Al Hattlan, the discussion will explore the experience of living between two cultures and the questions this raises about identity, belonging, and one's relationship with home.
As part of its external engagements, the Library will participate in the Sharjah International Book Fair, taking place at Expo Centre Sharjah from 4 to 15 November. Through its participation, the Library will showcase a range of services, initiatives, and events, alongside a dedicated space featuring its publications. The Library will also highlight the Mohammed bin Rashid Arabic Language Award and Dubai Archive.
Further strengthening its presence at specialised industry events, the Library will participate in the EMEA CHRIE 2026 Conference, hosted in Dubai from 9 to 12 November under the theme Beyond the Map: Defining the Future of Tourism. The conference will bring together academics, researchers, and experts from the tourism and hospitality sectors to discuss key topics, including sustainability, talent development, and cultural and tourism experiences.
As part of the Dubai Fitness Challenge 30×30, the Library will organise a sports festival in its outdoor garden from 9 to 21 November, running daily from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM, except Sundays. The festival will feature a comprehensive programme of activities, competitions, interactive workshops, yoga, and pilates sessions, as well as events bringing together families, community members, to promote healthier lifestyles.
Throughout November, the Library will also celebrate the legacy of poet Ahmed bin Sulayem Al-Falasi and the journey of the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), following their inclusion in UNESCO's 2026 Programme of Commemorations. The programme will feature a session titled A Poetic Legacy that Preserves the Nation's Memory, and an evening titled In the Realm of Nabati Poetry, highlighting Al Falasi's life, literary contributions, and role in preserving the nation's collective memory, marking 50 years since his passing. It will also include a session titled Fifty Years of Knowledge Leadership, exploring UAEU's journey and contributions to higher education, scientific research, and the development of national talent, in celebration of its Golden Jubilee.
In the fields of innovation and technology, the Library will participate in the fourth edition of the Emirates Robotics Competition 2026, taking place as part of Dubai Future Week from 18 to 21 November. The competition is organised by Dubai Future Labs, an initiative of the Dubai Future Foundation, in partnership with the Rochester Institute of Technology Dubai, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Mohammed Bin Rashid Library, and the American University of Sharjah. This year's challenge will focus on designing and developing intelligent robotic systems to support library operations. The Library will also review the technologies and robotic systems deployed across its facilities, and highlight their role in enhancing services and operational efficiency.
Furthermore, the Library will take part in a blood donation campaign during November. In collaboration with the Dubai Health Authority, it will also organise a health awareness campaign offering screenings for blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol, as well as oral, dental, and eye health checks. The campaign will further promote healthy eating habits and the importance of preventive healthcare.
The final week of November will place a special focus on the arts and national celebrations. The Library will organise a series of events marking Eid Al Etihad, alongside a special tribute and discussion session honouring Emirati visual artist Abdul Qader Al Rais. The session will highlight his artistic career, major achievements, and contributions to enriching the UAE's visual arts scene.