The Mohammed Bin Rashid Library (MBRL) in Dubai is set to host an expansive slate of cultural, educational, and community events throughout December, scheduled to begin on November 30, 2025. This month-long program is designed to integrate the arts, practical education, music, and volunteerism, offering enriching experiences for diverse segments of the community and solidifying the MBRL’s role as a vital knowledge hub.
The diverse agenda kicks off immediately with a focus on civic engagement and creativity, transitioning into technical archival training, youth coding workshops, international film screenings, and special musical and literary evenings celebrating Arabic heritage.
Highlighting Volunteerism and Community Spirit
In observance of International Volunteer Day, the MBRL will host the Expo of Volunteerism and Innovation. This inspiring event aims to honor and showcase the spirit of giving and the innovative methods employed by crucial volunteer initiatives.
A central element of the expo is an art exhibition featuring works by volunteer artists, including a remarkable live painting session performed by volunteers recognized as People of Determination. The evening will also include an insightful discussion led by Dr. Tareq Al-Saif on the societal importance of a robust volunteering culture. Furthermore, the “My Story with Volunteering” segment will provide a human element, allowing volunteers to share their personal impact stories. The event will culminate with an awards ceremony to formally commend deserving volunteers for their contributions.
Professional Development and Youth Education
For government sector professionals, the MBRL, in partnership with the National Library and Archives, is offering specialized training on The Importance of Organizing and Managing Records and Archives in Government Organisations. These workshops will cover critical areas such as archival legislation, managing electronic and semi-current records, technical preservation procedures, document classification systems, and developing effective archiving policies.
Meanwhile, young participants can engage their creativity and critical thinking through the Code and Play Lab. This interactive workshop aims to introduce the fundamental principles of programming through fun, hands-on activities, fostering logical problem-solving skills early on.
International Cinema and Arabic Artistry
The popular Cineolio’s Cinenights series returns, showcasing five international short films. The screening includes the Canadian thriller Darkside (Spencer Zimmerman, 2022), the French fantasy Memorium (Fabrice Mathieu, 2012), the German drama No Goodbye (Ludo Vici, 2016), The Porous Body (Sofia El Khyari, 2018), and the South Korean piece The Repetition for Love (Kyungrok Kim, 2025). The event is structured to encourage dialogue between the audience, aspiring filmmakers, and the directors.
To celebrate cultural heritage, the library will host Oud Night, a dedicated musical performance featuring talented young Emirati musicians. This event highlights both emerging local artistry and the enduring quality of traditional musical instruments.
Capping the cultural month, the library marks World Arabic Language Day by welcoming the acclaimed Arab artist Marcel Khalife. In a special session, Khalife will discuss his work setting classical Arabic poems to music. He is expected to illuminate the timeless beauty of classical Arab poetry and its interplay with contemporary music and culture.
The Mohammed Bin Rashid Library continues to affirm its commitment to promoting knowledge and inspiration through a year-round calendar of literary, artistic, and educational events. Full details regarding registration and the entire December program are available on the official MBRL website and associated social media platforms.