8 destinations you must visit in 2018
Abu Dhabi, the UAE
After 10 years of planning and nearly $2 billion in costs, the Louvre Abu Dhabi celebrated its grand opening on Nov 11. Now, lovers of art and architecture are racing to the United Arab Emirates' capital to see its newest feat of modern design-the product of French architect, Jean Nouvel.
The Louvre Abu Dhabi's slogan, "see humanity in a new light", draws attention to the museum's mission to emphasize the commonalities and celebrate the differences between Eastern and Western art.
Throughout the museum's 12 galleries, visitors might encounter a Madonna and Child engraving next to a statue of Shiva, or a Japanese woodblock print next to an English pastel.
The Louvre Abu Dhabi is the first major installment of a larger cultural complex known as Saadiyat Island. The manmade island is the future home of the Zayed National Museum, the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and a performing arts center designed by Zaha Hadid.
While in Abu Dhabi, travelers can also check out the city's other notable architectural wonder-Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque-which was rated the world's second-best landmark in TripAdvisor's 2017 Travelers' Choice Awards.
