NOMAD Abu Dhabi Returns for Second Edition at Iconic Terminal 1
The celebrated design fair makes its triumphant return to the modernist landmark of the Old Abu Dhabi International Airport, bringing together an expanded roster of international galleries, regional artisans and transformative cultural commissions.
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi has announced the return of NOMAD Abu Dhabi for its second edition, taking place from 18 to 22 November 2026. Building upon the remarkable success of its inaugural year, this edition promises an expanded selection of galleries, deepened institutional partnerships and ambitious site-specific commissions that further establish the fair’s pre-eminent position within contemporary design and cultural exchange.
Housed within Paul Andreu’s iconic Terminal 1 at the Old Abu Dhabi International Airport, a seminal expression of Arabian modernism, the 2026 edition continues to foster relationships cultivated during the inaugural fair. This verdant approach to heritage preservation transforms a decommissioned architectural treasure into a vibrant venue for contemporary cultural dialogue, reflecting the Department’s steadfast commitment to safeguarding built heritage whilst reimagining such structures for the Emirate’s flourishing creative economy.
As an itinerant fair that evolves in response to each host city, NOMAD Abu Dhabi operates in service of the Department’s mission to protect, preserve and promote the Emirate’s rich cultural legacy. This philosophy creates unprecedented relationships between contemporary design practice and the region’s venerable traditions of craftsmanship and material mastery.
The 2026 edition expands its international presence considerably, welcoming galleries making their debut appearance. Maison Intègre from Burkina Faso presents its accomplished contemporary bronze furniture and objects in the Emirates for the first time, whilst Vein, an emerging Seoul-based gallery, makes its NOMAD debut. ÆQUŌ Gallery from Mumbai joins the roster, recognised for commissioning contemporary designers in profound dialogue with India’s exceptional artisanal traditions.
Anchoring the fair within the UAE’s vibrant craft landscape, new projects by House of Artisans and Irthi, together with the inaugural presentation of Design Commission Abu Dhabi, celebrate the convergence of traditional expertise and contemporary design sensibility. These are joined by distinguished international galleries including Nilufar, Gallery FUMI, Carpenters Workshop Gallery, Galerie Gastou, Galerie BSL and Rossana Orlandi, alongside returning exhibitors The AP Room and Iwan Maktabi + Don Tanani.
A transformative initiative for 2026 emerges through collaboration between the Institut du Monde Arabe in Paris and House of Artisans, launching an annual programme dedicated to dialogue between contemporary design and Emirati craftsmanship. The inaugural commission features Abdel Al Tayeb, recipient of the 2026 IMA Design Award, who will collaborate with Emirati master artisans to create an ambitious site-specific installation.
Throughout the fair week, ERTH Abu Dhabi becomes the NOMAD Hub, welcoming guests through a carefully curated programme of gatherings and cultural discourse. The hotel, designed by celebrated French architect Roger Taillibert and home to the UAE’s first Michelin-starred Emirati restaurant, will also host a major installation of the Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial, extending the fair’s cultural reach across the city’s landscape.
Source: WAM