NOMAD, the roaming fair known for staging collectible design in unconventional locations, has opened its latest edition inside the historic Terminal 1 at Zayed International Airport. Since debuting in 2017, the fair has travelled from Karl Lagerfeld’s former residence to the Palais Bulles in Cannes. This time, it brings its distinctive curatorial approach to a landmark of Gulf modernism designed by architect Paul Andreu.
The fair now occupies the terminal’s circular lounge and sweeping arched walkways. As visitors move through the space, they encounter international names such as Gallery FUMI and Nilufar, positioned alongside regional galleries and emerging creatives. The range reflects NOMAD’s strategy of bridging global voices with talent from the Middle East.
Regional Talent and Cross-Cultural Collaborations Take Center Stage
Several collaborations highlight the fair’s emphasis on cultural exchange. Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council has teamed up with Mexican artist and designer Ricardo Rendón to reinterpret Emirati craft traditions through a contemporary lens. Meanwhile, The AP Room is presenting “The Roots,” a project by Dubai-based Iranian artist Roham Shamekh that explores identity and heritage.
The programme also includes a major new installation titled “Departures.” Positioned inside the departure hall, the piece showcases monumental, site-specific works and expands the fair’s presence beyond the main exhibition area. Additionally, Bottega Veneta is hosting “Destinations,” a curated presentation featuring eight designers from North Africa and the Middle East. Maison Perrier-Jouët is contributing with “Cohabitare,” an installation created by Formafantasma.
“Encompassing categories and themes that thoughtfully and intuitively engage with a range of creative practices (that is, a broad spectrum of artists and designers, art forms, periods, and geographical origin) NOMAD Abu Dhabi unveils a distinctive, multi-faceted perspective,” said founding director Nicolas Bellavance-Lecompte.
A Cultural Dialogue Rooted in Heritage and Future Ambitions
The fair continues to position Abu Dhabi as a global meeting point for art, craft and design. As Bellavance-Lecompte notes, “Like NOMAD itself, Abu Dhabi balances deep respect for heritage with bold, forward-looking ambitions.” He added that the city’s cultural landscape, shaped by the Saadiyat Cultural District and institutions such as Louvre Abu Dhabi, “provides a vibrant setting for dialogue between local traditions, Islamic aesthetics, and cutting-edge art and design from around the world.”
NOMAD Abu Dhabi runs from November 19 to 22, offering visitors a chance to explore collectible design in a setting rarely associated with art exhibitions. For more information, the fair encourages visitors to check the official website.