On the storm-swept evening of November 19, 1937, Mohamed El-Bisatie emerged into the world amidst the fertile lands of the Nile Delta, specifically in the small enclave of el-Gamalia, Dakahlia in Egypt's Sharqiya Province. This region, with its rich tapestry of life and culture, would later serve as the backdrop for much of his literary canvas. In his memoir, Wa ya’ti al-Qitar (And the train comes, 1999), El-Bisatie recounts his birth on that tumultuous night—an event that his mother, Insaf Rustum, believed imbued him with a relentless curiosity and a mischievous streak. Such was his youthful exuberance that she resorted to tying him with a rope anchored in their yard to keep his spirited adventures in check.

Tragedy struck early in his life when a cholera epidemic swept through his village, claiming his father's life. Following this loss, El-Bisatie's grandfather took up residence with the family, providing guidance and support. As a testament to familial bonds, the young Mohamed often found himself tasked with helping his grandfather mount the family donkey for his excursions.

As he matured, El-Bisatie left his pastoral roots to pursue higher education at the University of Cairo, where he graduated in 1960 with a degree in commerce and accountancy. Despite the indelible mark the Nile Delta left on his soul, he chose not to return, preferring to preserve its memory through the vivid imagery in his writings. His translator, Johnson-Davies, captured this sentiment in Al-Ahram Weekly, noting that El-Bisatie painted such a vivid portrait of his birthplace that he feared reality might blur the strokes of his cherished imagination.

El-Bisatie embarked on his literary journey in the early 1960s, submitting his short stories to various publications. By 1968, his efforts culminated in his debut collection, Alkibar wa al-sighar (The old and the young). Over time, he enriched the literary world with further collections, such as A Last Glass of Tea translated by Johnson-Davies in 1994, including the notable story "A Conversation from the Third Floor." He ventured into novel writing as well, with Houses Behind the Trees being the sole work translated into English. El-Bisatie's contributions have not gone unnoticed in Egypt, where he is celebrated as part of the avant-garde literary circle known as Gallery 68.

Upon earning his degree, El-Bisatie commenced a lengthy career spanning thirty-six years as an auditor with the Government Auditor's Office in Egypt, concluding his professional endeavors with retirement in 1997. His career also saw him rise to the position of undersecretary of state for a three-year tenure from 1994 to 1997.

In the year 1970, El-Bisatie married Sanaa Abdel Aziz, and together they raised a family with three children, Rasha, Hisham, and Yasser. Today, they reside in the bustling heart of Cairo, a city teeming with life and stories untold.