Iconic Saadiyat museums to be ready in next five years

Abu Dhabi: The Tourism Development and Investment Company (TDIC) of Abu Dhabi has set new dates for the completion of three major museum projects on Saadiyat Island.

The delayed projects, which include the Louvre, the Zayed National Museum and Guggenheim, will open in 2015, 2016 and 2017 respectively, TDIC revealed yesterday.

In a statement, TDIC said that "substantial work" has already been completed.

"Detailed architectural designs have been finalised, as well as foundation and piling work," it said, adding that the delay has been due to the "immense magnitude of the Saadiyat Cultural District."

Analysts who spoke to Gulf News yesterday welcomed the news, saying that the Abu Dhabi Executive Council's revised timeline is a sign of the government's commitment to promote the emirate as a tourism destination.

"It's a very positive move for the government of Abu Dhabi because over the past 18 months many projects have been stalled or on hold," said David Dudley, regional director at Jones Lang LaSalle Middle East and North Africa.

"While the rest of the market is being expanded with new hotels and golf courses, they're starting to build up a proper tourism model which will be appealing to people," said Matthew Green, head of research and consultancy in the UAE at CB Richard Ellis Middle East.

"These developments in Abu Dhabi are also expected to boost the economy and create more jobs."