Everything you need to know: 1m titles, location, timings, MacBook giveaways, vouchers and free entry.
On the ninth day of Ramadan, the Big Bad Wolf Books sale is set to open at Dubai Studio City’s Sound Stage, offering readers and families a wide selection of titles at highly affordable prices.
The 11-day event, which begins on Thursday, is being held in partnership with the Sharjah Book Authority and the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority. Known as the world’s largest touring book sale, it will run until March 8, with free entry for all visitors.
Affordable reads
Doors will open daily from 10am to 2am, giving book lovers plenty of time to explore more than one million titles. The collection spans fiction, non-fiction, children’s books, cookbooks, educational resources, and self-development guides.
From popular series like Harry Potter to titles such as Beyond the Story by BTS, the sale promises something for every kind of reader.
With discounts of up to 95 per cent and prices starting from just Dh2, the event stands out as one of the most accessible literary gatherings in the region, making it easy for readers of all ages to stock up on books without stretching their budgets.
Culture of learning
With Ramadan evenings drawing families out for meaningful outings after iftar, organisers expect strong evening footfall for the event, held under the theme ‘Beyond the Noise’.
Andrew Yap, Co-founder of Big Bad Wolf Books, said this year’s theme reflects a growing desire for depth amid the constant distractions of modern life, particularly social media.
“We believe that ‘Beyond the Noise’ is more than a concept. It is something tangible inside the venue, where scrolling slows down and understanding begins,” he said. He added that the steep discounts — with prices starting from Dh2 — help remove financial barriers that often prevent families from building home libraries.
“When access becomes easy and affordable, reading stops being an occasional purchase and becomes a sustainable family habit,” he said.
Offers for students, prizes to be won
Students and educators can enjoy a 5 per cent discount on all English books, with no minimum spend required. A valid student or educator ID must be presented at checkout to avail the offer.
Shoppers will also have the chance to win exciting prizes, including a MacBook Air. Customers who spend Dh200 in a single receipt will receive one lucky draw entry, while Dh250 earns two entries. Every additional Dh250 spent adds two more entries. Vouchers worth Dh1,000 are also up for grabs, with further details available on the Big Bad Wolf Books Instagram page.
48-hour playwriting contest
The event will also host Stage Write 2026, a 48-hour playwriting contest taking place on February 28 from 10am to 12pm. Participants can register at the venue, draw character and situation cards, and submit an original 10-minute play within 48 hours.
The winning entry will receive a Dh500 cash voucher and a live theatrical adaptation at X Fest 2026, in collaboration with The Junction.
