Renowned Egyptian journalist and author Gamal Al-Ghitani has passed away. Al-Ghitani authored several acclaimed short story collections and over 12 novels, including the classic novel Zayni Barakat.

Al-Ghitani attended the inaugural Emirates Airline Festival of Literature in 2009, where he debated whether an Arab Novel could exist despite cross-cultural influences.

The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature team extend their condolences to his family.