Returning to the capital from 18 to 22 November, the international collectible design fair takes over the former Abu Dhabi airport terminal.
Abu Dhabi’s former airport terminal is preparing for an unusual second life this November. NOMAD, the travelling art and collectible design fair, returns to the capital for its second edition, transforming Terminal 1 of the old Abu Dhabi International Airport into a temporary destination for contemporary design, art and craftsmanship.
Taking place from 18 to 22 November 2026, in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, the fair brings together more than 50 international and regional exhibitors. This year’s programme extends further into the building, with four former private gates transformed into dedicated gallery spaces, alongside installations, exhibitions and commissions throughout the departure halls and corridors.
Designed by French architect Paul Andreu and opened in 1982, Terminal 1 is an interesting setting in its own right. Its distinctive architecture provides a striking contrast to the contemporary works on display, while offering visitors an opportunity to rediscover a building that played an important role in the capital’s history.
International Galleries Take Over the Terminal
Four international galleries, A2Z, Nilufar, Gallery FUMI and Galerie Gastou, will each take over a former private gate, creating individual exhibition environments within the airport.
Elsewhere, the programme introduces several new exhibitors, including Mumbai-based ÆQUŌ, which works closely with Indian artisans to produce contemporary furniture and objects using traditional techniques such as repoussé metalwork, embroidery, lost-wax casting and mother-of-pearl.
Maison Intègre, based in Burkina Faso, will present bronze furniture and decorative objects made using ancestral casting techniques, alongside two monumental woven tapestries. Seoul’s Gallery Vein will bring together Korean artists and craftspeople working with lacquer, mother-of-pearl and traditional furniture-making techniques.
Warsaw’s Craftica Gallery also makes its debut, presenting collectible design in wood, brass, clay, silver and straw marquetry, offering an introduction to a new generation of Polish designers.
Emirati Craft in Contemporary Design
Some of the most interesting projects this year explore the relationship between traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design.
Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council has collaborated with SUPER LOOP on Al Taif Collection – Al Thini Edition, a series of five furniture and functional design pieces inspired by Emirati Talli weaving. Traditional and experimental weaving techniques are combined with pearl inlay, translating the intricate patterns of the craft into contemporary forms.
Another significant commission brings together Abu Dhabi’s House of Artisans and Paris’ Institut du Monde Arabe. Designer Abdel El Tayeb has worked with Emirati master artisans on a site-specific installation developed especially for NOMAD, exploring the exchange of techniques and materials between different creative traditions.
The Design Commission Abu Dhabi will also participate for the first time, joining an expanded institutional programme in the Departure Hall.
Jewellery, Art and Collectible Objects
Jewellery has a particularly interesting presence at this year’s fair, with presentations that explore its relationship with art, heritage and design.
Bahraini jewellery house MATTAR will present Woven in Us, a project developed with local weavers and designers that draws on more than 180 years of family expertise in natural pearls. The collection explores the connections between pearls, textiles and Bahrain’s cultural heritage.
Mumbai-based Studio Renn returns with [Prime]al, a contemporary jewellery collection informed by Indian Indigenous artistic traditions.
Meanwhile, Boghossian and Ars Belga will present Light into Colour, placing high jewellery alongside paintings by artists including Piero Dorazio, Charles Pollock, Salvo and Lorenzato. The exhibition considers the relationship between gemstones, colour and abstract art.
Another presentation, Objects of Desire by LEVUMA and JCRD Design, brings exceptional diamonds and high jewellery into conversation with historic Brazilian collectible design.
Unexpected Collaborations
Beyond the traditional gallery presentations, NOMAD introduces several projects that bring together different creative disciplines.
Chinese automotive brand YANGWANG has collaborated with Dubai-based artist and designer Ibrahim Zaki on a special installation featuring the U9 electric hypercar. Known for his work with Arabic calligraphy and typography, Zaki brings his distinctive visual approach to the relationship between automotive technology and contemporary art.
The ELITE Lounge by Chalhoub Group will also make an appearance, bringing together Max Mara, Repossi, De Beers, Laggar and Lalique in a presentation exploring fashion, jewellery and decorative design.
Public Art Abu Dhabi is another collaborator, with South African artist Robin Rhode creating a progressive wall drawing and performance throughout the fair.
Beyond the Fair
NOMAD’s programme extends beyond Terminal 1 through a new partnership with ERTH Abu Dhabi, which will become the official NOMAD Hub.
The hotel will host cultural gatherings and conversations during the week, while also bringing its approach to Emirati hospitality to the airport through a dedicated pop-up restaurant.
Visitors can also explore a programme of talks and workshops featuring architects, artists and designers, including Sumayya Vally, Afra AlDhaheri and Nour Hage. Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council will host workshops dedicated to regional craftsmanship, while Abu Dhabi-based design store FOUNT will curate a retail presentation featuring objects, books and pieces from participating galleries.
With an expanded programme, an impressive selection of international exhibitors and several thoughtful collaborations with regional creatives, NOMAD Abu Dhabi offers plenty to discover this November. The opportunity to experience the former airport terminal in an entirely different context makes this edition particularly interesting.
NOMAD Abu Dhabi 2026 takes place at Terminal 1, Old Abu Dhabi Airport, from 18 to 22 November. The invitation-only preview is on 18 November, with public opening hours from 1pm to 9pm on 19–21 November and 1pm to 8pm on 22 November.
