Abu dhabi: H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, has visited the NOMAD Abu Dhabi art and design fair, which is being held in the decommissioned Abu Dhabi International Airport Terminal 1 building until 22nd November 2025. The venue has been transformed into a space that offers a platform for showcasing local and international art and creative exhibitions.
According to Emirates News Agency, the international art and design fair is organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi in partnership with NOMAD. During his visit, H.H. Sheikh Khaled toured the fair and explored the artistic experiences on display, which include a range of works and designs that reflect the intersection of art and architecture. He was briefed by the organisers on the conversion of the historic terminal into a cultural venue and the event's role in enriching the artistic landscape and reinforcing Abu Dhabi as a global hub for creativity.
H.H. Sheikh Khaled emphasised that repurposing the former Abu Dhabi International Airport's Terminal 1 into an open cultural and artistic hub aligns with Abu Dhabi's vision to preserve and reuse its historic buildings innovatively and sustainably. This initiative enhances the emirate's creative infrastructure, providing spaces that support artistic expression while enabling the community to engage with both traditional and contemporary art forms.
During the visit, H.H. Sheikh Khaled was accompanied by Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi; Saif Saeed Ghobash, Secretary-General of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council and Chairman of the Office of the Crown Prince; and Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Undersecretary of the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi.
NOMAD Abu Dhabi is the first initiative of its kind in the Middle East. The event marks the transformation of Terminal 1, a registered modern heritage site and architectural landmark, into a space for artistic dialogue, reflecting Abu Dhabi's commitment to heritage preservation and fostering international cultural cooperation.
Highlights of the art and design fair include the Rotunda satellite building, the circular departure hall, and several architectural spaces within the terminal. The event underscores the emirate's ongoing initiatives to protect its modern heritage, promote cultural exchange, and celebrate creativity as a cornerstone of future development.
The launch of NOMAD Abu Dhabi at the repurposed Terminal 1 ushers in a new chapter in the emirate's cultural season, further showcasing Abu Dhabi's leadership in heritage, the arts, and urban culture, and reinforcing its dedication to enabling cultural collaboration and artistic dialogue.