Alaa Al Aswany is a prominent Egyptian writer and novelist known for his critical and engaging portrayal of modern Egyptian society. Notably, Al Aswany is also recognized as a founding member of the political movement Kefaya. His career extends beyond literature as he was trained as a dentist, both in Egypt and in Chicago. It took him nine years to earn his degree from Chicago National University, where he spent a considerable seventeen years of his life.

Al Aswany has made significant contributions to Egyptian newspapers through his articles on literature, politics, and social issues. His second novel, The Yacoubian Building, stands out as an ironic depiction of contemporary Egyptian society and has gained considerable attention in Egypt and across the Middle East. The novel's popularity led to its translation into multiple languages and adaptations into a film in 2006 and a television series.