Nomad Design Fair Transforms Abu Dhabi's Historic Airport Terminal into a Global Design Hub

The Nomad design fair, a unique blend of exhibition, cultural encounter, and architectural exploration, is set to return to Abu Dhabi from November 18 to 22. Known for showcasing exceptional collectable design in unconventional settings, this year's edition promises to be the most ambitious yet, with international and regional exhibitors converging at the former Terminal 1 of Abu Dhabi’s old airport. Nicolas Bellavance-Lecompte, Nomad's founder and co-director, described it as the fair's most diverse and richest edition, featuring a record number of over 50 exhibitors in its signature boutique format. The fair will expand into the former departure hall, dedicating a space to cultural institutions, foundations, and design initiatives. Notable participants include Abu Dhabi’s House of Artisans, collaborating with the Institut du Monde Arabe in Paris, and Dubai’s Tashkeel, presenting a 14-year retrospective of its commissions. The event will also host designers and craftspeople from Uzbekistan, India, and Jordan, with the latter showcasing works inspired by artefacts from the Petra Museum. A key objective of Nomad is to foster dialogue between traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design. In a playful nod to its itinerant nature and the venue, a 'Nomad passport office' will invite visitors to collect and stamp their passports. The main terminal will feature established international galleries alongside regional exhibitors, contemporary art, and an expanded jewellery section, which saw significant interest last year. Bellavance-Lecompte is committed to maintaining the fair’s eclectic 'cabinet of curiosities' character, featuring jewellery, design, and art projects. Lebanese designer Nada Debs will unveil new works from her collaboration with Studio Lel, while a collector’s lounge and a pop-up by Michelin-starred Erth restaurant will enhance the visitor experience. Exhibitors hail from Europe, the US, Africa, India, and Korea, underscoring Bellavance-Lecompte’s dedication to providing a platform for less-represented markets. His deep connection to the Middle East began long before Nomad's arrival in Abu Dhabi; he opened Beirut’s first collectable design gallery in 2011, connecting international designers with local craftspeople. This led to curatorial projects across Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, Tunisia, Algeria, Rwanda, and Togo, uniting artists, designers, and traditional makers. Bellavance-Lecompte expressed his fascination with 'new destinations, new talents and changing dialogues,' prioritizing the 'Global South' in his work. These experiences solidified his belief in developing design beyond traditional European centres, focusing on empowering local talent in regions like Beirut and North Africa to cultivate their unique design languages and reach broader audiences. Having previously held editions in France, Italy, and Switzerland, Nomad's upcoming fair in Abu Dhabi marks its 19th global event. Bellavance-Lecompte found Abu Dhabi to be an ideal confluence of elements, citing its architectural heritage, scale, and supportive yet non-intrusive government backing. He emphasized that the fair retains its identity. Nurturing emerging talent is central to Nomad's ethos, with all activations designed to have cultural relevance and benefit the local community, encouraging collaborations between Nomad ecosystem companies and regional designers. An example of this is Bottega Veneta’s award-winning Destinations project at the 2025 edition, which successfully elevated original design by bringing together regional designers Abdalla Almulla, Amine Asselman, Nader Gammas, and Zein Daouk. The choice of venue was crucial. Bellavance-Lecompte sought a location reflecting Abu Dhabi’s architectural heritage, rejecting conventional exhibition halls. Upon learning the former airport terminal was available, he immediately agreed, recognizing its potential. Designed by French architect Paul Andreu, the decommissioned terminal, with its circular plan, intimate scale, and distinctive features, offered a unique exhibition space with emotional resonance. Bellavance-Lecompte shared a personal connection to the terminal, having used it for over 30 years. He observed visitors rediscovering architectural details they had missed while rushing for flights, transforming the airport into a destination rather than just a transit point. The initial edition also challenged perceptions of the region’s collecting market, with galleries reporting stronger-than-anticipated sales, which has encouraged increased participation this year. Bellavance-Lecompte views this as a testament to the growing confidence in both the design industry and the region, stating, 'It's developing at light speed, and it’s what we want for the region.'