Nomad design fair returns to Abu Dhabi's old airport terminal

Abu Dhabi's decommissioned airport terminal will welcome designers, collectors and cultural institutions this month as the Nomad collectable design fair returns for its 19th global edition.

Running from 18 to 22 November, the fair takes over the former Terminal 1 at Abu Dhabi's old airport. Organisers say more than 50 exhibitors will participate – a record for the boutique event – with galleries and designers from Europe, the US, Africa, India and Korea joining regional names.

The former departure hall will host a dedicated space for cultural institutions and design initiatives. Abu Dhabi's House of Artisans presents a project developed with the Institut du Monde Arabe in Paris, while Dubai's Tashkeel shows a retrospective of commissions spanning 14 years. Designers and craftspeople from Uzbekistan, India and Jordan also take part, with the Jordanian group drawing inspiration from artefacts at the Petra Museum.

A playful passport office invites visitors to collect a Nomad passport and have it stamped, echoing the fair's itinerant identity and the airport setting. In the main terminal, contemporary art, an expanded jewellery section and a collector's lounge are planned, alongside a pop-up by the Michelin-starred Erth restaurant.

Founder Nicolas Bellavance-Lecompte describes the edition as the most diverse yet, noting that the fair has kept its identity thanks to supportive but non-controlling government backing in Abu Dhabi. He adds that all activations aim to give back to the local community and collaborate with regional designers.

The venue itself is part of the appeal. Designed by French architect Paul Andreu, the circular terminal was chosen for its architectural character and emotional resonance. Nomad previously used the space for its 2025 Abu Dhabi edition, which included Bottega Veneta's award-winning Destinations project with regional designers.