The writer described his disappearance as a misunderstanding and announced his return to Germany without explaining the circumstances of the incident.

Yemeni novelist and cardiologist Marwan Al-Ghafouri resurfaced in the United Arab Emirates on Friday, November 13, following the loss of contact with his family a day earlier, and publicly apologized for his previous criticism of the UAE leadership, people, and policies.

In a video posted on X, Al-Ghafouri praised the UAE and expressed a desire to live there. In a subsequent Facebook statement, he said the incident had been a misunderstanding that was resolved professionally and respectfully.

His appearance followed an appeal by his wife, Sarah Yassin, to the Ruler of Sharjah after Al-Ghafouri failed to board his scheduled flight from Dubai to Düsseldorf, Germany, following his participation in the Sharjah International Book Fair.

Al-Ghafouri did not disclose the circumstances of his disappearance, whether he had been formally detained, or which authorities were involved.

His statements confirmed that he was safe and preparing to leave the UAE, but left questions about the incident unanswered.