Moments of excitement for Emiratis

This museum represents the vision of the UAE, which is to bring everyone together.

With just one day until the opening of the Louvre Abu Dhabi, one can truly feel the sense of excitement in town, as the universal museum makes its last minute preparations for the grand opening on Saturday. 
Emiratis are particularly ecstatic, highlighting that the Louvre Abu Dhabi's opening date marks a huge milestone for the UAE, and more importantly, highlighting the fact that this museum will become the "teacher" for the future generations to come.
Emirati businessman Mohammed Al Fahim told Khaleej Times that like the Louvre in Paris, the Louvre Abu Dhabi has too become an iconic landmark.
"Every city has that one iconic building that is a true symbol and representation of it, and with the opening of this larger-than-life museum, we now see the Louvre Abu Dhabi as an iconic landmark of our hometown."
He said he is counting down the hours of the opening, and is excited to see some of his favourite artworks and sculptures.
"I have always been a great fan of Van Gogh, so having one of his self-portraits right here in Abu Dhabi is a gift itself," said the 30-year-old.
Al Fahim pointed out that he can already feel the universal spirit, before even stepping a foot in the museum. 
"Just the fact that this museum is a cross-cultural collaboration between the UAE and France to develop the first universal museum in the Arab world, speaks for itself as to how far our nation has come," he added.
"I am proud of this great achievement, it's an achievement that will lighten the hearts and minds of our children, and our children's children."
Fatima Al Qimzi, an analyst working in the public sector, said she is also looking forward to visiting the museum next week. Her sister Shamsa Al Qimzi, also a government employee, said she was lucky enough to have an early glimpse around Louvre Abu Dhabi, with delegates on Friday.
"It's surreal, having some of the greatest masterpieces of all time - right here at our door step," said Fatima.
"What I love about this museum is the major shift in perspective that it has created, which I don't think other museums have created."
She said Leonardo da Vinci is one of her favourite artists of all time, which is why she is particularly excited to see his incredible, La Belle Ferronniere.
"There is something about his artworks that speak loudly to audiences, despite how subtle, warm and simple they may appear." 
Al Qimzi pointed out that the idea of the Western and Arab world becoming "one," has definitely been achieved.
"The Louvre Abu Dhabi reveals how cultures, eras, religions and civilisations can be brought together as one - it's this whole sense of unity that we are witnessing." 
Khalifa Al Shamsi, another Emirati, said the birth of the Louvre Abu Dhabi marks a historic moment for the UAE. 
"I'm equally excited to see the inside architecture of the museum, as I am about the artworks and pieces." 
"I saw videos of the inauguration and the architecture itself looks like a work of art - it is unique and unlike anything we have seen here."
As grand and powerful as the building is, there is a great sense of calmness and protection that it gives out, explained Al Shamsi. 
"This museum represents the vision of the UAE, which is to bring everyone together, to educate the minds about the past and present, and to open our hearts to different cultures and identities," said the 28-year-old. 
"I think this museum shows that although we come from different backgrounds, we all still share the same roots, and that's beautiful."
jasmine@khaleejtimes.com