SHARJAH – 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 the Sharjah Book Authority’s (SBA) directive, said Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, the Chairperson of the SBA.
Launching this year’s “Big Bad Wolf – Sharjah,” the largest book sale in the world, she said, “Our annual event agenda is packed with international activities that attract content creators and writers from around the world. This stems from our belief that cultural exchange between nations is the most effective way to promote dialogue, understanding, and respect for shared human values.”
The event, held in collaboration with Big Bad Wolf Ventures Sdn. Bhd., is taking place at the Expo Centre Sharjah from December 19 to January 7.
Following the opening ceremony, attended by Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of SBA; Andrew Yap, the co-founder and managing director of Big Bad Wolf; Marwa Al Aqroubi, Executive Director of the House of Wisdom; Mansour Al Hassani, Director of Publisher Services at the SBA and Acting Director of SPC Free Zone (SPCFZ); Khoula Al Mujaini, Director of Fairs and Festivals at SBA; Eman Bushlaibi, Director of Sharjah Public Libraries; Mariam Al-Obaidli, Managing Director of Kalimat Group; Tamer Said, Director of the Sharjah Literary Agency; and other notable figures, Sheikha Bodour toured the exhibition where she met with publishers and exhibitors, exploring the wide variety of publications on display.
“Under the patronage and guidance of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and 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. Boasting a collection of over a million books, this event brings a wealth of ideas, visions, and aspirations to readers in Sharjah and the wider UAE, establishing the exchange of ideas as a gateway to shared life experiences and the promotion of cherished values,” Sheikha Bodour added.
Covering an immersive area of 4,000 sq ft, the market features over 1 million books across various genres, from children’s literature to science, history, and philosophy. The major literary event offers these books at discounts of up to 85 percent, making literature more accessible and affordable to all.
This event, established in 2019, is the result of a partnership between the SBA and Big Bad Wolf Ventures Sdn. Bhd. Through such partnerships, the authority reinforces its commitment to supporting publishers and offering diverse reading choices in Sharjah, the UAE, and the region.
Speaking at the event, Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of SBA, said, “Enabling readers to readily access sources of knowledge and learning aligns with the vision of H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and the Ruler of Sharjah, for the emirate to serve as a nurturing ground for the Arab cultural project and a gateway to global cultures. The hosting of “Big Bad Wolf” in Sharjah is part of SBA’s central role in championing initiatives aimed at elevating reading standards regionally and globally. This event contributes to the advancement of publishers, contributing to, and revitalizing the book industry on both local and global scales.”
He added, “Sharjah has become a focal point and a source of aspiration for readers and those working in the book industry worldwide. Today, we offer them an opportunity to explore the latest and most important global releases, enriching their libraries and minds and strengthening their knowledge, which forms the bonds of relationship between them and their communities. This exhibition is among the most important global book fairs specialized in selling books at discounted prices, and our partnership reflects the significant role of the SBA in elevating the global cultural landscape and, at the same time, strengthening the authority’s status as a window and destination for Arab culture.”