NOMAD Returns to Abu Dhabi, Taking Over the City's Former Airport With Art, Design and Craft

From collectible design and contemporary jewellery to Emirati craftsmanship and international gallery debuts, NOMAD's second Abu Dhabi edition promises an ambitious programme inside the city's historic Terminal 1.

NOMAD is returning to Abu Dhabi from November 18 to 22, 2026, transforming the former Terminal 1 of Abu Dhabi Airport into a meeting point for contemporary art, collectible design, jewellery and craftsmanship. Presented in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, the fair's second edition brings together more than 50 exhibitors from across the world, with new commissions, installations and collaborations taking over previously unexplored areas of the airport.

Designed by French architect Paul Andreu and opened in 1982, the former terminal is an integral part of the experience. Rather than adopting the familiar layout of an art fair, NOMAD makes use of the building's original architecture, transforming private boarding gates, departure halls and corridors into individual exhibition spaces. This year, international galleries A2Z, Nilufar, Gallery FUMI and Galerie Gastou will each take over one of the airport's four private gates, creating large-scale presentations conceived around their surroundings.

For NOMAD co-founder and director Nicolas Bellavance-Lecompte, the return offers an opportunity to explore the building more thoroughly. Following last year's inaugural edition, the fair is expanding its programme with a greater emphasis on site-specific interventions, material experimentation and the relationship between contemporary design and the region's cultural heritage.

Among the international newcomers is Mumbai-based gallery ÆQUŌ, presenting works that explore traditional Indian craftsmanship through techniques including repoussé metalwork, embroidery, lost-wax casting and mother-of-pearl. Maison Intègre, meanwhile, will bring bronze furniture and objects handcrafted in Burkina Faso, alongside monumental tapestries from its Tree of Life series. Seoul's Gallery Vein will introduce Korean artists and makers working with lacquer, furniture and decorative traditions, while Warsaw-based Craftica Gallery will showcase contemporary Polish collectible design.

Regional creativity occupies an equally important place in the programme. Beirut-based PIK'D makes its NOMAD debut with a selection of ceramics, glass and collectible objects, while Bahrain's MATTAR presents Woven in Us, a project drawing on more than 180 years of family knowledge of natural pearls. The presentation brings together Bahraini weavers and designers, exploring the relationship between pearls, textiles and inherited craftsmanship.

One of the edition's most interesting collaborations sees Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council join forces with SUPER LOOP on Al Taif Collection – Al Thini Edition. Inspired by traditional Emirati Talli weaving, the collection features five pieces of furniture and functional design incorporating experimental weaving techniques and pearl inlay. Elsewhere, Abu Dhabi's House of Artisans partners with Paris' Institut du Monde Arabe on a special installation bringing designer Abdel El Tayeb together with Emirati master artisans.

Jewellery also takes centre stage, with presentations by Boghossian and Ars Belga, Studio Renn, and LEVUMA with JCRD Design. From contemporary Indian jewellery to exceptional gemstones displayed alongside postwar painting and Brazilian collectible design, the programme considers jewellery as both an artistic medium and an expression of craftsmanship.

Beyond the gallery presentations, visitors can expect an expanded programme of conversations and workshops developed with BGRE, featuring creatives including architect Sumayya Vally, designer Cristiano Pelizzari and Djiby Kebe of Paris-based cultural collective Air Afrique. Dubai-based artist Ibrahim Zaki will also collaborate with automotive brand YANGWANG on an installation connecting Arabic calligraphy, design and technology.

The experience will extend beyond the airport through a new partnership with ERTH Abu Dhabi, which will serve as the fair's cultural and social hub throughout the week. Public Art Abu Dhabi will also contribute to the programme, including a developing wall drawing and performance by South African artist Robin Rhode.

With its combination of international galleries, regional craftsmanship and architectural experimentation, NOMAD's second Abu Dhabi edition offers a different way of experiencing contemporary design, one that places equal importance on the objects, the people who make them and the spaces in which they are presented.

NOMAD Abu Dhabi takes place from November 18 to 22, 2026, at Terminal 1 of the Old Abu Dhabi Airport. Public opening dates are November 19 to 22. More information at nomad-circle.com.