NOMAD Abu Dhabi Returns with an Expanded Vision of Design, Craft and Cultural Exchange

The celebrated design fair expands its ambitions for a second edition, transforming the storied Terminal 1 into a layered exploration of contemporary art, traditional craftsmanship and architectural heritage.

The Old Abu Dhabi Airport’s Terminal 1, an architectural landmark that has stood since 1982, is about to become something rather extraordinary. In November, the distinctive space will host NOMAD Abu Dhabi’s second edition, a design fair that has evolved considerably since its inaugural gathering last year. More than 50 exhibitors from across the globe will converge within its distinctive walls, presenting collectable design, contemporary art, jewellery and craft alongside carefully considered site-specific commissions that speak to the terminal’s own story and character.

Presented in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, the fair represents a deliberate effort to weave cultural vitality into spaces that embody the emirate’s architectural identity. Four private gates have been transformed into exhibition spaces by galleries including A2Z, Nilufar, Gallery FUMI and Galerie Gastou, each bringing together contemporary design with the refined techniques of traditional craftsmanship. The curatorial approach speaks to a broader vision: as we reported when the fair returned for its second edition, the event has positioned itself as a platform where heritage and innovation converse.

The institutional programme, centred in the Departure Hall, brings together the House of Artisans, Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council, Design Commission Abu Dhabi and the Institut du Monde Arabe. This constellation of creative organisations will illuminate the relationship between tradition and contemporary vision. A particularly noteworthy collaboration sees the House of Artisans working with the Paris-based Institut du Monde Arabe on a site-specific installation, while Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council partners with SUPER LOOP to present contemporary designs inspired by traditional Emirati Talli weaving—a beautiful dialogue between past and present.

The fair extends beyond the airport’s boundaries through new partnerships that amplify its cultural reach. ERTH Abu Dhabi will host cultural gatherings for artists, designers and collectors, whilst Public Art Abu Dhabi contributes artistic installations and performances throughout the event. Nicolas Bellavance-Lecompte, NOMAD’s Co-founder and Director, describes the second edition’s ambition as one of greater layering and depth, where the building’s architectural spaces become active participants in the experience through thoughtful interventions rooted in the region’s history and material culture.

A programme of talks, panel discussions and specialised workshops will thread through the fair, bringing together artists, designers and architects from the UAE and beyond to examine the intricate relationships between design, architecture, craftsmanship and contemporary creativity. The event, running from 18th to 22nd November, exemplifies the kind of cultural infrastructure that supports Abu Dhabi’s extraordinary season of cultural and sporting celebration throughout 2026.

What it means for Abu Dhabi

NOMAD Abu Dhabi’s expansion reflects a thoughtful approach to cultural stewardship: the revitalisation of historic sites and their transformation into living spaces for artistic and creative exchange. By anchoring the fair within Terminal 1, the Department of Culture and Tourism acknowledges that Abu Dhabi’s architectural heritage holds contemporary relevance and cultural resonance for a global audience.

The fair’s emphasis on traditional craftsmanship, particularly through collaborations highlighting Emirati Talli weaving and the work of the House of Artisans, reinforces the emirate’s commitment to preserving and celebrating its material culture. For collectors, artists and designers from around the world, NOMAD Abu Dhabi positions the emirate as a centre for meaningful cultural and creative exchange, where heritage, contemporary practice and global perspectives meet with intentionality and refinement.

Source: WAM