The Louvre comes to Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi : His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa yesterday attended the opening of the Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum in the Island of Saadiyat in the UAE capital.

The opening ceremony celebrates the completion of the museum ten years after the signing of an 30-year agreement between the UAE and France initially reported to be worth $1.1 billion. 

“The museum, inspired by the Arab architecture, has become a new destination that mingles the global historical heritage with contemporary creations, thus reflecting the UAE openness to all cultures and civilisations and keenness on building bridges of science and knowledge with all peoples in the world,” said HM the King in his address. 

HM the King congratulated the United Arab Emirates, led by UAE President Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, Vice President, Prime Minister and Dubai Ruler Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and UAE Armed Forces Deputy Supreme Commander Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, on the opening of the cultural milestone, the first world-standard museum in the Arab region and the Middle East.

HM, the King hailed deep-rooted fraternal relations binding the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates, lauding advanced cooperation on all levels, particularly culture, arts and museums.

Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum and French President Emmanuel Macron addressed the grand opening ceremony. 

Earlier, HM the King was received at the museum by UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Dubai Ruler His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and UAE Armed Forces Deputy Supreme Commander HH Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Executive Council Deputy Chairman HH Shaikh Hazza bin Zayed Al-Nahyan and other senior officials.

HM, the King and other senior attendees toured different sections of the museum which showcases artworks and artefacts reflecting past and contemporary world human heritage.

HM, the King also saw a collection of acquisitions and rare religious manuscripts which date back to old historical civilizations. 

King Hamad also held cordial talks with heads of state, who  attended the opening of the Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum, focusing on Bahrain’s relations with their countries.