The 16th edition of NOMAD Abu Dhabi transformed the decommissioned Terminal 1 of Zayed International Airport into a stunning stage for collectible design, contemporary art, and innovative architecture. Held from 19 to 22 November 2025, the fair showcased a dynamic dialogue between design, culture, and modernist architecture, attracting collectors, artists, and enthusiasts from across the globe.
Designed by Paul Andreu, Terminal 1 — a modernist Gulf landmark inaugurated in 1982 — provided a breathtaking backdrop, while an outdoor installation at Jumeirah Saadiyat Island Resort celebrated regional artists, creating a seamless connection between heritage and contemporary creativity.
See Also: Discover NOMAD Abu Dhabi 2025: Galleries, Special Projects & Collectible Design
Top 10 Highlights of NOMAD Abu Dhabi 2025
1. We Gallery – Brazilian Design Meets the Gulf Desert
Debuting at NOMAD, We Gallery brought iconic Brazilian design to Abu Dhabi, featuring classics by Oscar Niemeyer alongside contemporary works. The exhibition infused a tropical warmth into the desert landscape, creating a vivid cultural dialogue.
2. A/P Room – Multidisciplinary Innovation
Dubai’s first A/P Room offered an experimental platform for materials and narratives. Iranian artist Roham Shamekh presented sculptural seating reflecting human experience, complemented by works from Aline Hazarian and other emerging talents.
3. Bottega Veneta – Intrecciato Reimagined
The luxury brand Bottega Veneta showcased eight designers from North Africa and the Middle East, each interpreting the iconic Intrecciato leather-weaving technique. The installation demonstrated the seamless fusion of tradition and contemporary creativity.
4. Le LAB Cairo – Noah’s Ark in Sculpture
Khaled Zaki’s “Noah’s Ark” captivated visitors with a poetic sculptural installation, including a dining table and chairs that explored universal themes of survival, renewal, and collective memory.
5. House of Artisans Design Competition – Celebrating Emirati Heritage
The Formada exhibition highlighted the living heritage of UAE craftsmanship through innovative contemporary designs. Artists, students, and designers presented works that bridged tradition and modernity.
6. Nilufar – Sculptural Glass Spectacle
Nilufar Gallery, one of the world’s leading collectible design spaces, transformed an airport gate into a dazzling runway of glass sculptures by Christian Pellizzari, with contributions from Osanna Visconti and Giò Ponti.
7. Gallery Fumi – Contemporary Mastery from London
London-based Gallery Fumi offered a visually stunning collection featuring sculptural works by Jeremy Anderson and intricate tapestries by Kustaa Saksi, blending texture, form, and space.
Gallery Fumi at NOMAD Abu Dhabi.Photo: Nikita Berezhnoy. Courtesy of NOMAD Circle
8. Vagujhelyi – Bronze Sculptures You Can Touch
Diego Villarreal Vagujhelyi presented interactive bronze objects, inviting visitors to touch, lift, and engage, transforming observation into a physical experience of design.
9. Etihad Airways – “Departures” Installation
Installed in the departure hall, “Departures” explored the concept of movement and transformation. Large-scale works from artists across the Middle East, Japan, and the U.S. reflected global perspectives in design and art.
10. Jumeirah Saadiyat Island Resort – Shifting Grounds
This satellite installation showcased five regional artists, highlighting the theme “Shifting Grounds”. The display emphasized innovative approaches, diverse materials, and the evolving creativity of the Gulf’s next generation of designers.
A Landmark Event for Collectible Design
NOMAD Abu Dhabi 2025 redefined the design fair experience, proving that architecture, art, and collectible design can converge in extraordinary spaces. From the historic modernist airport to luxury installations at Jumeirah Saadiyat Island Resort, the event highlighted the Middle East’s growing influence on global design trends.
You might like: 30 Best Interior Designers in The Middle East
