Photo ' 2011 Marcus Lam Once speeding ahead with major projects, Abu Dhabi has slowed development in recent months. Related Links: While Dubai Stumbles, Abu Dhabi Marches On Saadiyat Island Projects Finally Moving Forward KPF Tapped for Abu Dhabi Airport Expansion Masdar Institute by Foster + Partners Yas Hotel by Asymptote Architecture Eighteen months ago, Ross Ensor at Leo A Daly described the business climate in Abu Dhabi as “a bit like the California Gold Rush.” Backed by oil prices at relatively high levels, the capital of the United Arab Emirates had embarked on an ambitious program of new developments,
After delays attributed to the global economic recession, construction has begun on two of Abu Dhabi’s five planned cultural buildings—the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi museums. The five facilities will form an emerging cultural district on Saadiyat Island, located 500 meters from the city of Abu Dhabi, which serves as the capital of the United Arab Emirates. Officials at Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Development and Investment Co. (TDIC), which is developing the island, say they are using the recession to take advantage of reduced prices in construction materials and equipment. Saadiyat Island is envisioned as the home to