'All these are coming home with us': Bookworms spoilt for choice at world's biggest book fair

Hundreds flock to Dubai event to take advantage of low prices - and they should find something of their liking out of the three million books on offer

There's three million books to choose from at the Big Bad Wolf book sale in Dubai. Reem Mohammed/The National

Literature lovers descended on the world's biggest book fair on Friday to snap up thousands of bargains.

Hundreds of bookworms from across the UAE headed to the event to take advantage of the huge volume of titles on offer.

One Instagram user posted a photo of their grinning son apparently mesmerised by the sheer number of books to be read.

““OH MY GOODNESS” he said. All these books are coming home with us,”" posted redheadmomdubai, saying that some titles cost just Dh10.

“A tower of knowledge, fun and games…, the prices are amazing for kids. 10,15, 20, 25 are the most common prices, some art boxes or story with toys are Dh30-40.”

Another visitor posted a video on Instagram showing the huge selection of comic books available, from Marvel to DC. Prices varied between Dh30 and Dh365.

“A huge selection of novels from Marvel to DC, including some really REALLY rare ones starting from Dh30 to Dh365,” posted k1kzthecreator.

The huge event, called The Big Bad Wolf Book Sale, claims to offer more than three million books at rock-bottom prices.

It was first held in 2009 and has since travelled far and wide, including to Jakarta in Indonesia, Bangkok in Thailand, Cebu in the Philippines, and Taiwan.

This year is the first time the event has been staged in the Middle East. It opened its doors on Thursday at the Sound Stage Venue in Dubai Studio City and will run until October 28.

Open 24-hours a day, it is being held in partnership with The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF), the National Media Council (NMC) and Dubai Production City.

Visitor Glaiza Seguia-Godinez said she found fantastic pop-up storybooks, fiction and non-fiction at the show.

“Don't be afraid of the Big Bad Wolf! We found lovely pop-up story books...and excited readers too. Yes to promoting culture and reading through affordable books,” she posted on Instagram.

On Friday, a British mother of two who visited the fair told The National she was staggered by the number of books on offer.

“There’s a fantastic selection of books, especially children’s books," said Mehjabeen Hajwane, 34. "Incredible prices, really cheerful helpful staff, and great background music. I went on Thursday morning, the day it opened, at about 9am.

"There were a lot of people arriving at the same time but it didn’t feel crowded. It was very easy to move around."

Ms Hajwane came out with 25 books for Dh475.

"I went alone this time but I will definitely take my children to have a look around and choose some of their own books. 
"I love to read books. To me, books are a window to the world, helping you to see things you may never have an opportunity to see in real life.

"I truly believe reading is one of the most important things you can do to understand the world."

She also posted a photo on her Instagram page showing off her new buys.