France struck a blow in the battle for influence in the Middle East today as it unveiled the Louvre’s €1 billion outpost in Abu Dhabi.
The project, which will open to the public on November 11, is being hailed as the Arab world’s first universal museum and an instrument of French soft power.
Under the deal, the Louvre agreed to lend its brand and expertise to the museum that has been built as part of plans by Abu Dhabi to create an upmarket hub for tourism and research.
France is expected to get €1 billion in return, including €400 million for allowing the museum to use the Louvre in its title until 2037.
The 8,600 square metre Louvre of the sands, as it is known,