It has been a little quiet on our side when it comes to music for some time. But just before summer properly sets in, it feels like the right moment to get back into it. And we have a very good excuse: Sandbox Festival is just days away.

If the name doesn’t immediately ring a bell, chances are you aren't deep into electronic music. Because for those who are, Sandbox is a staple — a yearly gathering on the Red Sea that brings together a carefully curated mix of house and techno.

What makes it stand out isn't just the lineup, but the overall experience. Three days of music, good food, a touch of wellness, and a setting that leans more into atmosphere than spectacle. So, what is actually there? Who shouldn’t you miss? And what can you expect from it — straight from the DJs themselves? All below.

Do you know how many years this festival has been around? Take a guess — you will probably get it wrong. This year marks its 14th edition.

What is interesting is the scale. Around 5,000 people come together each year, with six stages running simultaneously — small by international festival standards, but still significant, especially given how strongly the regional crowd shows up.

And then there is the vibe. The festival takes place in El Gouna — a private resort town on Egypt’s Red Sea coast, known for its lagoons, marina and beaches. So the atmosphere naturally leans into that setting: easy, warm, and very much like a long summer day.

Even if electronic music isn’t entirely your thing (or you have been dragged along), there is more than enough to get into — from the setting itself to everything happening around the music.

The line-up brings together more than 70 artists — and easily moves closer to 100 once you factor in b2b sets, micro-stage names, and smaller slots. So yes, going through everyone would be a challenge. But we will make the accents, of course!

The biggest names not to miss:

Dixon is the Berlin-based DJ, and by now a familiar name across the electronic scene. His sets are immersive and often feel almost spiritual — carefully built, rarely repeating tracks, even though he is constantly on the road. It is what is earned him a place at major festivals like Burning Man and Tomorrowland.

Behind the name sits not one, but two artists — Tamer Malki and Rami Abousabe — both of Palestinian background, shaped by strong international influences.

For anyone drawn to Arabic rhythms and flows, this is one not to miss. Bedouin treat music as a kind of cultural language, weaving Middle Eastern textures into deep, melodic electronic sets in a way that feels both rooted and global.

It is precisely this balance that has taken them from the region to stages around the world — from Burning Man to Coachella — while still sounding entirely their own.

Another duo, but quite different in direction. Where the previous acts lean into Middle Eastern influences, Âme are firmly rooted in the German electronic scene.

Known as pioneers of melodic techno and deep house, their sound is defined by emotion and structure. Expect something layered and slowly unfolding — less about instant impact, more about building a feeling over time.

If the previous artists move between house and techno, Floorplan leans more decisively into techno — specifically Detroit techno.

Led by Robert Hood, and more recently joined by his daughter Lyric Hood, the project brings a strong sense of origin and history to the lineup.

What makes it stand out is the addition of gospel influences — a style rooted in African-American church traditions — which introduces a sense of warmth and uplift.

The cool artists worth discovering:

If you are heading to an Egyptian festival, local artists are a must to discover — and this is where Hisham Zahran stands out as one of the key names to know. He is often described as a very patient DJ — not someone who rushes from track to track, but someone who builds a set with real intention.

His approach is less about individual moments and more about the overall journey: carefully placed accents, gradual peaks, and softer comedowns that keep the flow intact.

Chiati is an emerging electronic artist who sits firmly on the more underground side of the scene. Working across the space between house and techno, they also lean into hypnotic techno — built on repetition, subtle shifts, and atmosphere.

It is the kind of sound that doesn’t push for attention, but gradually pulls you in, letting you settle into the rhythm and move with it rather than react to it.

Another duo you really should know. Partly because Sandbox feels like their natural home — they are Cairo-based and return year after year. But also simply because of the music itself.

If you are new to electronic music, they are a great place to start. Their sound feels thoughtful and well-crafted, but still very accessible — cool without being intimidating, and easy to settle into.

Festivals like this are already set up for you to have a good time — but a few small things can genuinely elevate the whole experience. This little checklist of must-do’s comes together with a few artists playing this year.