If your bookshelves are looking a little empty or your reading list is feeling stale, you’re in luck — the Big Bad Wolf Book Sale has returned to the UAE, this time landing in Sharjah. Running until May 4, 2025, the sale is being held at Expo Centre Sharjah (Hall 4) and is part of the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival’s 16th edition.

Here’s the best part: books start from just AED 2. Yes, that’s about the same price as a karak, but way better for your brain.

 

Originally launched in Malaysia in 2009 by BookXcess founders Andrew Yap and Jacqueline Ng, the Big Bad Wolf Book Sale has travelled through 37 cities across 15 countries — and now it’s back to tempt readers across the UAE with unbeatable prices.

While the sale is reason enough to visit, there’s plenty more going on as part of the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival:

  • 1,000+ activities including workshops, live performances, and hands-on learning
  • Explore theme zones like Comics Corner, Cookery Corner, and a Sherlock Holmes-inspired mystery zone
  • Learn everything from manga drawing to how rotating robots work at educational sessions

In addition to book shopping, visitors can meet over 130 speakers from 70 countries, from authors to illustrators or watch chefs like Albert Niazhvinski and Karima Hazim in action during live cooking sessions.

You don’t need a ticket or a pass — entry is completely free, meaning you can buy extra books, snacks, or maybe that fifth crime novel you’re trying to justify. Whether you’re a casual browser, a committed book hoarder, or a parent looking to get the kids hooked on reading, Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival is worth bookmarking.