Abu Dhabi seeks bidders for Louvre branch

State-owned development company invited tenders for the first of several planned high-profile projects in the emirate. The developer of a branch of the Louvre in Abu Dhabi has launched its search for a contractor to build the museum following a series of delays. The state-owned Tourism Development and Investment Company placed an ad in local newspapers Sunday seeking bidders to carry out the main construction work on the arm of the French art institution. The Louvre is the first of several high-profile projects, including a branch of the Guggenheim, planned for the Emirati capital's multibillion dollar Saadiyat Island development. Its future was called into question when TDIC scrapped a major construction contract in October. The company said in January it now aims to open the Louvre branch in 2015, years later than previously planned. From: Ahram online