The Big Bad Wolf Online Book Sale UAE, organised in partnership with Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), and held exclusively on noon.com between January 23 – 31, has concluded with the sale of 80,000 books. This was the initiative’s first online book sale for the UAE as a response to the challenges imposed by the COVID-19 outbreak, ensuring readers could continue accessing thousands of books in a safe manner.

Taking place online for the very first time, the sale featured titles in diverse genres attracting book lovers of all age groups who enjoyed up to 90 per cent off retail price.

Ahmed Bin Rakkad Al Ameri, Chairman of SBA, said that innovative technology-based business solutions have helped bring people from all community segments closer to books during the pandemic. He stated that the Big Bad Wolf Sale was in line with SBA’s goals to nurture and promote society’s fondness for books and reading and support their intellectual development.

“The UAE’s love for reading is evident from the impressive sale of books during the first edition of the virtual book sale. The success of the event also highlights the importance of collaborating with international institutions like BBW that have set notable track records in organising events that support and strengthen the publishing sector. We are looking forward to expanding this event across the Middle East and Africa, including in Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Morocco,” he added.

By hosting the online book sale, SBA reiterated its support to the global publishing industry and successfully diversified its efforts to enable a broader segment of readers worldwide access to affordable reads.

The success of the Big Bad Wolf Online Book Sale UAE has been attributed to the availability of a wide selection of titles, and delivery of orders in the UAE in less than 24 hours. The e-commerce platform also offered several secure and convenient payment options.

Established in December 2014, SBA is dedicated to encouraging investment in creative industries and offering a platform for knowledge and intellectual exchange between people from different civilisations and cultures. SBA is tasked with highlighting the significant role of writers and their influence in promoting community awareness in view of the technological advancements and diversity of knowledge sources nowadays.

It also aims to attract relevant bodies and figures operating in the cultural sector in general, and the publishing, printing, translation, documentation and children’s books in particular.

Known as the World’s Biggest Book Sale, the Big Bad Wolf Book Sale specialises in providing the widest selection of books possible at the lowest possible prices.