The opening of the Louvre branch in Abu Dhabi is postponed until next year

Abu Dhabi (UAE) - The opening of the Louvre gallery branch in the emirate of Abu Dhabi has been postponed to next year, as all construction work has not yet been completed. The museum was originally scheduled to begin operations in 2012. The later plan anticipated that the branch of the prestigious Paris gallery would welcome its first visitors this year. Authorities now expect to open it at the end of 2016, said Ali Majid Mansouri, chairman of the state-owned tourism development and investment company (TDIC), to Reuters.
    The planned branch of the Louvre in Abu Dhabi falls under broader plans of this wealthy oil emirate to enhance its reputation among tourists.
    TDIC is building a cultural complex in Abu Dhabi, which will include not only the Louvre branch but also a branch of the Guggenheim Museum and the Zayed National Museum. According to current plans, the Guggenheim Museum branch is expected to open in 2017 and the national museum in 2016. Mansouri did not state whether these plans are still valid.
    Mansouri did not disclose the reasons for the delays of the project of the emirate's Louvre branch, which costs 650 million dollars. However, Reuters pointed out the difficulties caused by the rapid development of construction activity in the United Arab Emirates. Some companies are currently finding it difficult to obtain workers, materials, and finance to complete a backlog of projects.