The literary world’s most anticipated event, the Big Bad Wolf (BBW) Books, is officially returning to Dubai, promising an unparalleled experience for bibliophiles across the region. Starting from 26 February until 8 March 2026, the state-of-the-art Sound Stages at Dubai Studio City will be transformed into a huge library housing millions of books from around the world.
Billed as the world’s largest touring book sale, the event organised by Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) in strategic collaboration with the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, is particularly significant as it coincides with the holy month of Ramadan.
‘Beyond the Noise’ Theme
The 2026 edition aims to encourage readers to find depth and reflection through physical books as an alternative to constant digital distractions. “We are not just selling books; we are helping to nurture informed reading habits and make quality knowledge truly affordable for all,” says BBW Books Co-Founder Andrew Yap.
Visitors under this year’s theme can expect to find over one million-brand new books from around the world covering a vast array of genres, including bestselling fiction, non-fiction, academic resources, and a massive children’s section.
To ensure the event is accessible to everyone, prices for books will start from as low as AED 2, with massive discounts reaching up to 95% off retail prices.
Family-friendly Venue
The event is designed to be a family-friendly destination, offering free entry to all attendees throughout its 11-day run. To accommodate the schedules of residents, working professionals, and Ramadan schedules, the sale will operate daily from 10 am to 2 am, providing 16 hours of browsing time per day.
Empowering a New Generation of Readers
Launched in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in 2009, as the brainchild of BookXcess’ founders Andrew Yap and Jacqueline Ng, the primary mission of BBW Books is to cultivate reading habits, increase literacy worldwide, and build a new generation of readers by making books more affordable and accessible to everyone.
Since its inception, BBW Books has visited more than 37 cities in 15 countries. The events have attracted more than 6.5 million visitors, selling more than 31 million books.
