Dubai, UAE, 8 May 2025:

The Mohammed Bin Rashid Library recently welcomed a high-level cultural delegation from the Russian Federation, led by Her Excellency Zhanna Vladimirovna Alekseeva, State secretary -deputy Minister of Culture of the Russian Federation. The delegation, which included Maria Vedenyapina, Director of the Russian State Children's Library, visited as part of an official mission to explore the library’s world-class facilities, services, and pioneering initiatives, as well as to discuss opportunities for cultural collaboration between the two sides.

The distinguished guests were received by His Excellency Mohammed Ahmed Al Murr, Chairman of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Library Foundation. His Excellency praised the robust strategic ties between the UAE and Russia and acknowledged the vibrant presence of the Russian community in Dubai. He further underscored the library’s dedication to inclusivity through a dedicated Russian-language section, alongside its rare collection of works by renowned Russian authors such as Dostoevsky and Pushkin, showcased in the Treasures of the Library Exhibition.

During the discussions, Al Murr reaffirmed the library’s ongoing efforts to enrich its literary offerings with Russian works, particularly in the domains of art, architecture, music, and cinema—areas in which Russia has historically excelled. He also highlighted the UAE’s commitment to fostering a thriving cultural environment through landmark projects such as the Zayed National Museum and the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi.

In turn, Her Excellency Alekseeva commended the UAE’s progressive cultural landscape, citing iconic institutions such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Museum of the Future in Dubai. She expressed Russia’s keenness to deepen cultural ties with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library, noting that Russia is home to over 42,000 libraries. Alekseeva also emphasised the value of bilateral cooperation in organising joint cultural exhibitions.

Maria Vedenyapina provided insights into the significance of children's libraries in Russia, where nearly 300 institutions are exclusively dedicated to serving the educational and developmental needs of young readers. She lauded the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library’s Children’s Library for its extensive collection, innovative use of technology, and thoughtfully designed recreational spaces.

Vedenyapina further highlighted the Russian leadership’s strong interest in promoting the nation's cultural heritage on the global stage. She underscored the critical role of libraries in nurturing values and traditions among younger generations, and cited the ongoing collaboration between Russia and the UAE Embassy to showcase Emirati heritage in the Russian Federation.

The visit concluded with an exchange of symbolic cultural gifts, symbolising mutual respect and a shared spirit of friendship. Following the formalities, the delegation was guided by the library’s Customer Happiness Team on an exclusive tour of the Treasures of the Library Exhibition.

This visit aligns with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library’s mission to foster cultural dialogue and international cooperation, disseminate knowledge, and further establish Dubai as a global nexus for culture and creativity.