SHARJAH, United Arab Emirates — Sharjah has secured exclusive rights to develop and operate Malaysia’s BookXcess bookstore brand across the Middle East and Africa, expanding the emirate’s growing footprint in books and publishing.
The agreement was signed during a visit by a Sharjah Book Authority delegation led by Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi to the BookXcess flagship store at Sunway in Kuala Lumpur.
Under the memorandum of understanding, Big Bad Wolf Sharjah, a subsidiary of the Sharjah Book Authority, will oversee the development, management, marketing and operation of the BookXcess retail concept across the two regions. The partnership also opens the door to expansion into new markets.
Sheikha Bodour witnessed the signing between Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, chief executive of the Sharjah Book Authority, and Andrew Yap, founder of Big Bad Wolf Books and BookXcess Malaysia.
During the visit, the delegation toured the bookstore and reviewed its approach to turning retail space into a cultural experience. BookXcess is known for combining books with architecture, public space and community programming.
The company has built its reputation around affordable reading by offering large collections of discounted titles. It has expanded in Malaysia and Singapore and is also connected to Big Bad Wolf Books, which is widely described as one of the world’s largest traveling book sales.
Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri said the partnership reflects Sharjah’s long-term cultural strategy and its ambition to remain a global center for books and knowledge. He said the emirate sees room to grow the BookXcess and Big Bad Wolf models across the Middle East and Africa.
Andrew Yap said Sharjah’s commitment to books and learning made it a natural partner for the expansion. He said the goal is to build bookstores that function as community spaces and encourage lifelong reading.
The deal adds another layer to Sharjah’s effort to strengthen its role in the international publishing scene. Further plans for regional rollout are expected as the partnership moves into the next phase.
