Sharjah has announced it has obtained the exclusive rights to operate and manage Malaysian BookXcess libraries across the Middle East and Africa, in a move that reinforces the emirate's position as a global hub for the publishing industry and expands its role in leading international initiatives aimed at promoting reading and facilitating access to knowledge.
The announcement came during a visit by a delegation from the Sharjah Book Authority, led by Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority, to The Sunway Library (Big Bad Wolf Books) in Malaysia, where Big Bad Wolf Sharjah — an entity affiliated with the Authority — signed a memorandum of understanding with BookXcess Malaysia.
Her Highness witnessed the signing of the MoU at the Big Bad Wolf Sunway Library. The agreement was signed by Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of the Sharjah Book Authority, and Andrew Yap, co-founder and CEO of the Big Bad Wolf fair, representing BookXcess Malaysia.
Under the terms of the MoU, Big Bad Wolf Sharjah will take responsibility for developing, operating, managing and marketing BookXcess libraries in the Middle East and African markets, covering operational, marketing and regulatory aspects, as well as expanding into new markets with promising growth opportunities.
This builds on the standing that Sharjah has cemented over recent decades as one of the world's foremost capitals for the publishing industry, serving as a nexus connecting publishers, distributors and readers at both regional and international levels.
BookXcess is one of Malaysia's most prominent bookstore chains, founded with the aim of making books and knowledge accessible to all by providing millions of new books at affordable prices.
The brand has redefined the traditional bookstore experience through an innovative concept that combines distinctive architectural design, interactive cultural spaces and modern reading experiences, turning its branches into cultural destinations that attract both book lovers and general visitors alike.
BookXcess continues to expand its presence through its network of bookstores in Malaysia and Singapore, and has reinforced its global mission with the launch of the Big Bad Wolf fair in 2009, which has become the world's largest travelling book fair, delivering millions of books to readers in dozens of cities across multiple continents, affirming its commitment to spreading knowledge and entrenching a culture of reading worldwide.
Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri said: "Sharjah's acquisition of the exclusive rights to develop and operate BookXcess libraries in the Middle East and African markets represents a new achievement added to the cultural and civilisational project led by His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah.
"This project has cemented the emirate's standing as a global centre for books, knowledge and the publishing industry. This step also reflects the level of trust that Sharjah has earned among the world's leading cultural institutions and the global publishing industry, as a partner capable of leading international initiatives, developing them and expanding their impact in service of reading and knowledge."
He added: "Under the leadership of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority, the Authority will build on the global success achieved by BookXcess libraries and the Big Bad Wolf fair, and lend it a new dimension that strengthens its presence in the Middle East and African markets through expanded outreach, the forging of strategic partnerships, and the development of a model that opens broader horizons for publishers and brings books closer to millions of readers."
For his part, Andrew Yap, founder of the Big Bad Wolf book fair, said: "We are proud of our partnership with the Sharjah Book Authority to launch the BookXcess experience in the Middle East and Africa. Sharjah has established itself as a global cultural capital through its unwavering commitment to books, knowledge and education, making it the ideal destination for this partnership."
He added: "At BookXcess, we believe that bookstores must go beyond being mere retail spaces to become vibrant cultural destinations that inspire discovery, bring communities together and nurture a lifelong passion for reading. In collaboration with the Sharjah Book Authority, we look forward to creating a world-class destination that contributes to Sharjah's vision of expanding access to knowledge and culture for future generations."