Aldau Development's subsidiary ADD Art, kicked-off the first edition of Aldau International Art Festival. The festival's theme is inspired by the red sea's historical role in international trade, exploration, and research expeditions. The festival's concept also draws on the knowledge that Alda (Al Dhow) was a traditional Arabian sailing vessel that served in trade and achieved cross-cultural exchange. Not only was the sailing vessel used to transport materials for the creation of historical landmarks and cultural production, it was also mentioned in regional cultural narratives and legends such as 1001 nights Even the manufacturing of Al Dhow is now considered as a valuable and rare traditional craft. In reference to this context, AIAF invited 40 artists from Egypt and all over the world to Hurghada, to work side by side for a week by the red sea, creating artworks, exploring ideas and renewing this cross-cultural dialogue. New bridges and thoughts were sparked in this exchange. The artists' itinerary was designed to set a nurturing environment to achieve this. The artists’ production was then displayed for locals as well as international hotel guests to appreciate, and then became part of Aldau corporate art collection.

Participating artists: