What's Happening?
Nomad Abu Dhabi, an invite-only collectible art and design event, is set to host its second edition from November 18 to 22. The event will take place under the mosaic ceiling of Terminal 1 at the Old Abu Dhabi Airport. This year's showcase will feature
a new collaboration with Chalhoub Group, the Middle East's largest luxury retail group, aiming for a more ambitious presentation than its inaugural year. The Chalhoub Group will present the Elite Lounge, operating under 'The Art of Living' concept, bringing together brands such as Max Mara, De Beers, Repossi, Laggar, and Lalique. The event seeks to cater to the growing demand for collectible design in the region by bringing together international galleries and regional talent within the historic terminal, which was designed by French architect Paul Andreu and opened in 1982.
Why It's Important?
The expansion of Nomad Abu Dhabi, particularly through its collaboration with Chalhoub Group, signifies a growing appetite for collectible art and design within the Middle East. This partnership highlights the region's increasing influence in the global luxury market and its potential as a hub for high-end design and art. For U.S. and international luxury brands, this event offers a significant platform to engage with a discerning and affluent clientele in a rapidly developing market. The involvement of major luxury retail groups like Chalhoub indicates a strategic move to integrate art and design into broader luxury lifestyle offerings, potentially setting new trends in retail and cultural consumption. The event's success could encourage more international galleries and artists to focus on the Middle Eastern market, fostering cultural exchange and economic opportunities.
What's Next?
The upcoming Nomad Abu Dhabi event will feature over 50 exhibitors across various categories, including collectible design, contemporary art, jewelry, and craft. These exhibitors will occupy private gates, departure halls, and corridors of the retired airport, with a particular focus on new voices from Africa, India, South Korea, and the wider Middle East, alongside established international galleries. A special project will be presented by Chinese luxury electric car brand Yangwang, developed with Dubai-based multidisciplinary artist and designer Ibrahim Zaki, featuring the Yangwang U9 electric hypercar. Following the success of its 2025 edition, which attracted double the typical visitor numbers for Nomad's first editions in Europe, the organizers anticipate continued growth and increased layering of the event with commissions, architecture, and site-specific interventions that connect with the region's history and material culture.
Beyond the Headlines
The choice of the Old Abu Dhabi Airport's Terminal 1 as the venue for Nomad Abu Dhabi carries deeper symbolic meaning. This historic terminal, opened in 1982 by UAE founder Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, represents a blend of architectural heritage and a forward-looking vision for the region. By repurposing such a significant structure for a contemporary art and design event, Nomad Abu Dhabi is not only showcasing luxury goods but also engaging in a form of cultural preservation and reinterpretation. This approach highlights a broader trend in the art world where historical spaces are transformed into dynamic cultural venues, creating unique experiences that bridge the past and the present. The event's emphasis on regional talent alongside international galleries also fosters a dialogue about global and local aesthetics, contributing to the evolving identity of the Middle Eastern art and design scene.
