Abu Dhabi Recreates French Muse with the Louvre

Louvre Abu Dhabi set for a 2015 opening

With much debate surrounding the depletion of oil in the UAE, the emirates is tapping into the next best money making prospect—tourism.

The city of Abu Dhabi is aggressively working on four projects—the Guggenheim museum, the Louvre, the Maritime museum, and the Zayed National Museum.

Controversially in the spotlight is the Abu Dhabi Louvre, all set for a 2015 opening, three years behind schedule.

Not only did Abu Dhabi front $1.3 billion to use the French landmark’s name and exchange artwork for 30 years, but Arabtec Holding, which is building the Louvre is being funded with $654 million (around Rs 3,600 crore), through a tendered contract.

That's a lot of money for a deal that’s already receiving bad press, what with the French locals and creative snobs unwilling to part with their precious artwork. Damage and improper handling are the grouse that have tagged the whole venture a ‘soul sell-out’.

Hopefully if this stir is only all talk, no action, we will soon see architect Jean Nouvel’s Abu Dhabi rendition of the Louvre, which will sprawl across a sizeable 64,000 sq m.