One of the UAE's most popular events for bookworms, the Big Bad Wolf Book Sale, opened its doors on Friday.
The event was inaugurated by Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed, chairwoman of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, who met organisers and toured the space to see the range of titles on offer.
“The exhibition embodies the visionary spirit of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, who has long recognised the vital role of culture and knowledge in driving sustainable development and empowering individuals and communities to unlock their full potential,” Sheikha Latifa said.
“By promoting a culture of reading and intellectual exchange, the exhibition helps realise the vision of His Highness, which is centred on building a society that is inclusive, dynamic and full of possibilities for all.”
Running until April 16 at Sound Stages in Dubai Studio City, visitors are spoilt for choice with more than one million books on sale. Starting as low as Dh2 and with discounts of more than 75 per cent, the venue is filled with tables stacked with books catering to a variety of tastes.
Books on sale include best-sellers in genres such as fiction, non-fiction, comics, cookbooks and self-help, as well as a wide range of children’s books. On the event's opening day, the venue was filled with families.
The Big Bad Wolf Book Sale, which first came to the UAE in 2018, has become a staple event in the literary calendar. Taking place for the fourth time in Ramadan, the sale helps visitors discover new titles or collect different editions of classics.
It was first launched in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in 2009, with a mission to make reading accessible, affordable and enjoyable to a new generation of readers around the world.
Since then, Big Bad Wolf has visited more than 37 cities in 14 countries including Pakistan, the Philippines and Thailand. The events have welcomed more than 6.5 million visitors and sold more than 31 million books.
While entry is free, visitors must register prior to entering the hall by scanning a QR code on-site and filling out a form. Registering automatically enters visitors into a raffle where they can win a number of prizes.
Open daily 10am-2am until April 16, Sounds Stages, Dubai Studio City
Paatal Lok season two
Directors: Avinash Arun, Prosit Roy
Stars: Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, Lc Sekhose, Merenla Imsong
Rating: 4.5/5
How to keep control of your emotions
If your investment decisions are being dictated by emotions such as fear, greed, hope, frustration and boredom, it is time for a rethink, Chris Beauchamp, chief market analyst at online trading platform IG, says.
Greed
Greedy investors trade beyond their means, open more positions than usual or hold on to positions too long to chase an even greater gain. “All too often, they incur a heavy loss and may even wipe out the profit already made.
Tip: Ignore the short-term hype, noise and froth and invest for the long-term plan, based on sound fundamentals.
Fear
The risk of making a loss can cloud decision-making. “This can cause you to close out a position too early, or miss out on a profit by being too afraid to open a trade,” he says.
Tip: Start with a plan, and stick to it. For added security, consider placing stops to reduce any losses and limits to lock in profits.
Hope
While all traders need hope to start trading, excessive optimism can backfire. Too many traders hold on to a losing trade because they believe that it will reverse its trend and become profitable.
Tip: Set realistic goals. Be happy with what you have earned, rather than frustrated by what you could have earned.
Frustration
Traders can get annoyed when the markets have behaved in unexpected ways and generates losses or fails to deliver anticipated gains.
Tip: Accept in advance that asset price movements are completely unpredictable and you will suffer losses at some point. These can be managed, say, by attaching stops and limits to your trades.
Boredom
Too many investors buy and sell because they want something to do. They are trading as entertainment, rather than in the hope of making money. As well as making bad decisions, the extra dealing charges eat into returns.
Tip: Open an online demo account and get your thrills without risking real money.
Our legal consultants
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Red flags
- Promises of high, fixed or 'guaranteed' returns.
- Unregulated structured products or complex investments often used to bypass traditional safeguards.
- Lack of clear information, vague language, no access to audited financials.
- Overseas companies targeting investors in other jurisdictions - this can make legal recovery difficult.
- Hard-selling tactics - creating urgency, offering 'exclusive' deals.
Courtesy: Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching
Martin Sabbagh profile
Job: CEO JCDecaux Middle East
In the role: Since January 2015
Lives: In the UAE
Background: M&A, investment banking
Studied: Corporate finance
