Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), officially inaugurated this year’s edition of ‘Big Bad Wolf – Sharjah,’ the world’s largest book sale. The event, hosted at the Expo Centre Sharjah, runs from December 19 to January 7.
After the opening ceremony, Sheikha Bodour toured the exhibition, engaging with publishers and exhibitors while exploring a diverse array of showcased publications.
Emphasizing cultural values and respect, Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi spoke about the event’s cultural significance, stating, “Strengthening cultural diversity and enriching Arab culture with knowledge and creative works from different cultures is a central mission of Sharjah’s cultural project as well as SBA’s directive.”
She added, “Under the patronage and guidance of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and the Ruler of Sharjah, this event embodies the emirate’s dedication to becoming a focal point for human culture. We aim to commemorate intellectual creativity that contributes to the well-being of communities, enhancing the imagination and refining the taste of individuals at every conceivable opportunity.”
With an expansive area of 4,000 sqm, the market offers over 1 million books across genres, available at discounts of up to 85%, making literature more accessible. Established in 2019 through the partnership between SBA and Big Bad Wolf Ventures Sdn. Bhd., the event reflects the authority’s commitment to supporting publishers and providing diverse reading choices.
Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of SBA, emphasized the event’s role in elevating reading standards globally and regionally, stating, “This event contributes to the advancement of publishers, contributing to and revitalizing the book industry on both local and global scales.”
The ‘Big Bad Wolf’ book fair, launched in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in 2009, aims to promote reading habits and enhance writing skills globally. Since its inception, the fair has expanded to 37 cities in 14 countries and introduced online book sales in 2020.
