Sharjah has secured the exclusive rights to operate and manage the Malaysian BookXcess library chain across the Middle East and Africa, in a move that further strengthens the emirate’s position as a global hub for publishing and expands its role in international efforts to promote reading and widen access to knowledge.
The announcement came during a visit by a delegation from the Sharjah Book Authority, led by Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority, to The Sunway Library, part of Big Bad Wolf. During the visit, Big Bad Wolf Sharjah, التابعة للهيئة, signed a memorandum of understanding with BookXcess Malaysia.
Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi witnessed the signing at The Sunway Library, where the agreement was signed by Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of the Sharjah Book Authority, and Andrew Yap, Co-founder and CEO of Big Bad Wolf, representing BookXcess Malaysia.
Exclusive mandate across two regions
Under the memorandum, Big Bad Wolf Sharjah will develop, operate, manage and market BookXcess libraries in markets across the Middle East and Africa, covering operational, marketing and organisational aspects. The agreement also opens the door to expansion into new markets with promising growth potential, drawing on the standing Sharjah has built over recent decades as one of the world’s leading publishing capitals and a link connecting publishers, distributors and readers at regional and international levels.
BookXcess is regarded as one of Malaysia’s leading library chains, established with the aim of making books and knowledge accessible to all by offering millions of new books at affordable prices.
A step forward for Sharjah’s cultural project
Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri said Sharjah’s acquisition of the exclusive rights to develop and operate BookXcess libraries in the Middle East and Africa represents another achievement in the cultural and civilisational project led by His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, who has established the emirate as a global centre for books, knowledge and publishing.
He added: “Under the leadership of Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority, the authority will build on the global success achieved by BookXcess and Big Bad Wolf, and give them a new dimension that enhances their presence in the Middle East and African markets.”
Partnership welcomed in Malaysia
For his part, Andrew Yap expressed his pride in partnering with the Sharjah Book Authority to launch the BookXcess experience in the Middle East and Africa, noting that Sharjah has cemented its place as a global cultural capital thanks to its firm commitment to books, knowledge and education, making it the ideal destination for such a partnership.