Sharjah has secured exclusive BookXcess Middle East Africa operating rights, allowing the emirate to develop and manage the Malaysian bookstore brand across the region while expanding access to books, reading and cultural experiences.
KUALA LUMPUR/SHARJAH: Sharjah has taken another significant step in expanding its global publishing influence after securing the exclusive rights to operate BookXcess bookstores across the Middle East and Africa. The agreement strengthens the emirate’s position as a leading centre for books, publishing and knowledge while opening new opportunities to promote reading across two major regions.
The agreement was announced during a visit by a delegation from the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), led by Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of SBA, to the flagship BookXcess store at Sunway in Kuala Lumpur. During the visit, Big Bad Wolf Sharjah, a subsidiary of SBA, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with BookXcess Malaysia.
What does the agreement mean?
The partnership gives Big Bad Wolf Sharjah the responsibility to develop, operate, market and manage the BookXcess retail concept throughout the Middle East and Africa. It also enables the organisation to explore new markets, establish strategic partnerships and introduce the bookstore brand to millions of potential readers across the two regions.
The agreement represents a major milestone in Sharjah’s long-term strategy to strengthen its publishing ecosystem and make books more accessible to diverse communities.
Why is BookXcess significant?
Founded in Malaysia, BookXcess has built its reputation by making millions of new books available at affordable prices. The brand has transformed the traditional bookstore model by combining innovative architecture, interactive spaces and community-focused programmes that encourage lifelong learning.
Its parent initiative, Big Bad Wolf Books, launched in 2009 and has since grown into the world’s largest travelling book sale, bringing discounted books to readers in dozens of cities across multiple continents. The concept has become widely recognised for improving access to quality books while encouraging reading among all age groups.
During the visit, the Sharjah delegation toured the Sunway bookstore and received an overview of its operating model, which blends bookselling with cultural events, public engagement and educational activities.
Speaking after the signing ceremony, H.E. Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, Chief Executive Officer of SBA, said the partnership reflects the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to position the emirate as a global centre for books, publishing and knowledge.
He added that, under the leadership of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, SBA aims to build on the international success of both BookXcess and Big Bad Wolf Books by expanding their presence throughout the Middle East and Africa while creating new opportunities for publishers to connect with wider audiences.
Andrew Yap, Co-founder and Managing Director of Big Bad Wolf and BookXcess Malaysia, described Sharjah as an ideal partner because of its long-standing commitment to books, education and culture. He said the collaboration will help create world-class cultural destinations that complement the emirate’s broader vision of expanding access to knowledge for future generations.
The partnership highlights a shared commitment by both organisations to making books more affordable, strengthening the publishing industry and encouraging more people across the Middle East and Africa to discover the joy of reading.
