The Mohammed Bin Rashid Library (MBRL) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, is set to host a robust schedule of cultural, educational, and artistic events throughout December 2025, offering wide-ranging activities designed for all community segments. Commencing with a focus on volunteerism and culminating with a celebration of Arabic language and music, the programming solidifies MBRL’s role as a vital nexus for knowledge and cultural exchange in the region. These free-to-attend events aim to seamlessly blend intellectual growth with recreational enjoyment.
Celebrating Community and Service
Kicking off the month is the Expo of Volunteerism and Innovation, specifically timed to honor International Volunteer Day. This inaugural event recognizes the profoundly positive impact of altruistic efforts and the creativity driving volunteer-led projects. The evening’s centerpiece will be an art exhibition spotlighting works by volunteer artists, including live painting demonstrations featuring People of Determination volunteers.
Further enriching the discussion, the event features an address by Dr. Tareq Al-Saif, who will analyze the intrinsic value of volunteer culture and its powerful capacity to foster cohesive societies. Attendees can also hear firsthand accounts during a session titled “My Story with Volunteering,” where dedicated individuals will share personal narratives on how their involvement transformed their lives. The segment concludes with an awards ceremony, formally recognizing the unwavering commitment and accomplishments of local volunteers.
Professional Development and Archival Standards
In partnership with the National Library and Archives, the MBRL will host a vital professional development program focusing on Record and Archive Management in Government Organizations. This initiative underscores the importance of maintaining institutional memory and efficiency. The structured workshops will cover crucial areas, including adhering to archival legislation and international standards, effective management of digital, current, and legacy records, technical protocols for document preservation, classification best practices, and the development of comprehensive archiving policies.
For younger patrons, the library offers a stimulating and engaging workshop, Code and Play Lap. This hands-on session is designed to familiarize children with foundational programming concepts through interactive activities. The curriculum focuses on developing crucial logical problem-solving skills and nurturing early-stage creativity in technology.
Global Cinema and Artistic Expression
As part of its popular Cineolio’s Cinenights series, the MBRL is scheduled to screen a curated selection of five international short films. The diverse cinematic lineup includes: Darkside (2022, Canada) directed by Spencer Zimmerman; Memorium (2012, France) by Fabrice Mathieu; No Goodbye (2016, Germany) from Ludo Vici; The Porous Body (2018, director Sofia El Khyari); and The Repetition for Love (2025, South Korea) by Kyungrok Kim. This screening aims to inspire young filmmakers and facilitate meaningful dialogue between the audience and the creative visions presented.
Culture and heritage take center stage during Oud Night, a special musical performance showcasing the talent of emerging young Emirati musicians. This event serves as a tribute to the region’s rich artistic history and promises a deeply resonant evening celebrating national heritage.
A Tribute to the Arabic Language
The cultural highlight of the month coincides with World Arabic Language Day, featuring an appearance by the iconic Arab artist, Marcel Khalife. In a dedicated session, Khalife will discuss his esteemed career setting famous classical Arabic poetry to music. He will explore the timeless beauty of classical Arab verse and provide insights into the complex relationship between poetic tradition, musical composition, and contemporary Arab culture.
The Mohammed Bin Rashid Library continues to reinforce its commitment to making knowledge and culture accessible to diverse audiences. Interested individuals can find the complete event schedule and register for these complimentary events by visiting the official library website, www.mbrl.ae, or following their associated social media channels.