TOURISM Development and Investment Company (TDIC), master developer of major tourism, cultural and residential destinations in Abu Dhabi, has awarded the construction of the Louvre Abu Dhabi to leading contractor Arabtec following a competitive tendering process. The contract, valued at AED2.4 billion ($653.06 million), signifies a major milestone in the progress of the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Middle East's first universal museum set to open on Saadiyat in 2015. Hasan Ismaik, Managing Director of Arabtec, said: “Indeed this project will be a challenge, but a challenge that we cannot wait to conquer. To be involved in such a renowned and highly innovative development was always a dream of our founder, and we look forward to continuing to help mirror and realize the incredible vision of the UAE.” The Louvre Abu Dhabi will become one of the premier cultural institutions located in the heart of the Saadiyat Cultural District, alongside the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi which will open in 2017, and the Zayed National Museum, set to open in 2016. The world-class cultural platforms all add to the appeal of Saadiyat which exudes an exclusive lifestyle through the island's high-end residential, leisure, cultural and tourism facilities. Arabtec and its partners will begin construction works immediately, with the museum's concrete frame set to be completed by the first quarter of 2014. Work on the geometric lace dome, will be completed by the end of 2014. The final stage of the mega project includes marine works and removal of temporary land platforms which will be completed in 2015 when this world-class building transforms into an island of its own. Designed by Pritzker-prize winning architect Jean Nouvel, and with a built up area of 64,000 square metres, Louvre Abu Dhabi will comprise a complex of pavilions, plazas, alleyways and canals, evoking the image of a city floating on the sea. Hovering over the complex will be a vast shallow dome - some 180 meters in diameter - inspired by traditional Arabic architecture and perforated with interlaced patterns allowing diffused light to filter through. Arabtec said it had won the contract in a competitive bidding process with joint venture partners Constructora San Jose SA and Oger Abu Dhabi LLC. — SG
