Hotels near Louvre Abu Dhabi

Louvre Abu Dhabi opened in 2017 as the result of a 30-year partnership between Abu Dhabi and France - the first universal museum in the Arab world. Designed by Jean Nouvel, the building consists of 55 small buildings clustered under an 180-metre geodesic dome that filters sunlight into the famous rain of light effect. The collection spans 12 chronologically-organised galleries from prehistoric tools through to contemporary art.

Standout works: Leonardo da Vinci's La Belle Ferronniere, a 9th-century Quran, ancient Greek and Roman sculpture, Mondrian, Rothko, and Cy Twombly modern works. The Louvre's permanent collection rotates with loans from 13 French museums (a 30-year loan arrangement). Adult ticket 65 AED. Open Tuesday-Sunday 10:00-18:30 (Saturday until 20:30); closed Mondays. Allow 3 hours minimum.

Pro Tip: Book online and choose the 16:00 entry slot - school groups have left by then and the natural rain of light effect through the dome is most dramatic between 16:00-17:30. The cafe on the museum's plaza has the best Persian Gulf view in Abu Dhabi.