NOMAD Fair Opens in Abu Dhabi's Decommissioned Airport Terminal, Featuring Boutique Design Showcase

NOMAD Abu Dhabi launches this week at the former Terminal 1 of Zayed International Airport, a modernist structure designed by architect Paul Andreu. Founder Nicolas Bellavance-Lecompte selected this location after extensive research with Abu Dhabi's Department of Culture and Tourism, which provided access to its building catalog. The fair runs from November 19 to 22, featuring approximately 40-50 galleries in a boutique format that emphasizes intimate visitor experiences. NOMAD has organized 16 previous editions across four countries, with the UAE marking its fifth national destination and another event planned for June in the Hamptons. Bellavance-Lecompte notes the region's mature design and art collecting platform, with two established fairs operating for over two decades. A new Departure section in the original departure hall will showcase large-scale artworks, supported by Etihad Airways to highlight artists from the airline's destinations. The terminal's mosaic roof and historical significance as a travel hub for forty years create what Bellavance-Lecompte describes as a magical context for cultural exchange. He anticipates strong response from collectors, interior designers, and architects attending from worldwide destinations.