Returning to Dubai from February 26 to March 8, the world’s largest touring book fair is bringing millions of books for book lovers, including families and schools, across the UAE
Dubai, UAE – February 12, 2026: Big Bad Wolf Books, the world’s largest book sale phenomenon, is set to return to Dubai Studio City from Thursday, February 26, to Sunday, March 8, 2026, bringing millions of books at prices starting from just AED 2. Returning to the city during the holy month of Ramadan this year, the 2026 edition is anchored by the theme “Beyond the Noise”, placing renewed emphasis on reading as a tool for reflection, understanding, and informed thinking, while reinforcing Big Bad Wolf Books’ position as Dubai’s biggest and most inclusive book sale.
Now firmly established as a much-anticipated fixture on Dubai’s cultural calendar, Big Bad Wolf Books continues to attract families, educators, and book lovers from across the UAE. With millions of titles spanning children’s books, educational resources, fiction, non-fiction, and self-development, the sale encourages households to engage more deeply with ideas and knowledge, supported by affordable access for readers of all ages and backgrounds.
Andrew Yap, Co-founder of Big Bad Wolf Books, said, “Big Bad Wolf Books is no longer a new concept in Dubai. It is something families actively look forward to every year. Over time, BBW has built a strong recall around affordability, loyal repeat visitors, and a permanent place on Dubai’s cultural calendar. What began as a book sale has evolved into a shared family experience, with many choosing to visit during meaningful periods such as Ramadan.”
He added, “In 2026, our focus is on elevating the experience without losing what made Big Bad Wolf Books famous: massive choice, unbeatable prices, and accessibility for everyone. By bringing millions of books under one roof and working closely with cultural partners across the UAE, we are not just selling books; we are helping to nurture informed reading habits and make quality knowledge truly affordable for all.”
Expanding on the motivation behind this year’s edition, Andrew Yap said, “We live in a time where information is everywhere, but meaningful understanding requires depth, context, and reflection. By making credible, well-curated books widely accessible, Big Bad Wolf Books encourages reading habits that support discernment, critical thinking, and lifelong learning, particularly among children and young people. Books remain one of the most powerful tools we have to support informed, curious, and thoughtful communities.”
This year’s edition is supported by a strategic partnership with Sharjah Book Authority, reflecting a shared commitment to strengthening literacy, cultural development, and access to credible knowledge across the UAE. The event is also held in strategic partnership with Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), underscoring a collective focus on promoting reading and learning as part of the city’s broader cultural ecosystem.
Eiman Al Hammadi, Acting Director of the Literature Department at Dubai Culture, said: “Events like Big Bad Wolf Books contribute directly to Dubai’s mission of becoming a city where literature enriches daily life and fuels the creative economy, in line with the National Literacy Strategy 2016 – 2026. Through such initiatives, we are building year-round momentum around books and storytelling, strengthening the literary landscape. These large-scale engagements also integrate with our ongoing programmes across our museums, libraries, and festivals, highlighting the power of reading to inform minds, inspire imagination, and bring communities together.”
She added: “As Big Bad Wolf Books becomes a fixture on the city’s calendar, it helps establish reading habits that extend beyond single occasions, creating lasting impact on how families and individuals engage with literature throughout the year.”
Mr. Mohamed Noor Hersi, Representative from Sharjah Book Authority and Honorary Board Member of Big Bad Wolf Books, said, “Our partnership with Big Bad Wolf Books reflects Sharjah Book Authority’s ongoing commitment to expanding access to knowledge and strengthening the culture of reading across the UAE. By collaborating with a global initiative that makes books affordable and widely available, we can reach families, children, and young readers across many diverse backgrounds.”
He added, “At SBA, the vision behind initiatives such as the Sharjah International Book Fair has always been to position books as a cornerstone of cultural development and lifelong learning. Partnering with Big Bad Wolf Books complements this mission. By bringing credible literature directly into communities at scale, we are making reading accessible, engaging, and part of everyday family life.”
The 2026 edition further strengthens Big Bad Wolf Books’ role as the largest and best-value book sale in the Middle East, offering the widest selection of affordable books anywhere in the market. Designed to encourage bulk buying for organisations and groups, including families, book clubs, schools, and libraries, the sale supports stocking up on quality reading material while reinforcing its community-driven impact.
With family-friendly timings, a welcoming environment, and millions of books priced from just AED 2, Big Bad Wolf Books Dubai 2026 is set to once again deliver the region’s most accessible, impactful, and value-driven book sale, cementing its status as a cultural destination for readers across the UAE.
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ABOUT BIG BAD WOLF BOOKS
Founded in Malaysia in 2009, Big Bad Wolf Books is the brainchild of BookXcess co-founders Andrew Yap and Jacqueline Ng. What began as a bold idea to make books more affordable has since grown into the World’s Biggest Book Sale — and a global reading advocacy movement.
More than just a book sale, Big Bad Wolf champions access to reading by bringing millions of books to communities at unprecedented prices. Since its inception, the sale has toured over 55 cities across 17 countries, including Malaysia, Cambodia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Myanmar, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan, the United Arab Emirates, Tanzania, Kenya, and most recently, Egypt and Saudi Arabia — with no signs of slowing down.
Big Bad Wolf offers books at extraordinary discounts, reaching up to 95% off in selected markets. Its mission is simple yet powerful: to cultivate reading habits worldwide and build a new generation of readers by making books affordable and accessible to everyone.
At its core, Big Bad Wolf believes in the transformative power of books — to inspire curiosity, broaden perspectives, empower minds, and encourage people to dream beyond their circumstances. By removing price barriers, Big Bad Wolf continues to create meaningful pathways to reading for readers of all ages, across cultures and borders.
Event Details – Big Bad Wolf Books Dubai 2026
Venue: Dubai Studio City
Dates: Thursday, February 26 – Sunday, March 8, 2026
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM to 2:00 AM
Entry: Free admission
Book Prices: Starting from AED 2