London mayor Boris Johnson has declared himself “impressed and fascinated” by Abu Dhabi’s cultural vision after touring Saadiyat Island – where the Cultural District could be home to the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Zayed National Museum and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi.
During the tour the mayor also met HE Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahoon Al Nahyan, chairman of Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority.
Johnson, who showed particular interest in a model of the Zayed National Museum designed by Lord Norman Foster, said he believed the architecture of the museums, combined with the museums’ collection and narrative and Saadiyat’s surroundings would present a compelling visitor proposition.
“To my mind you’re making a cluster of true world beaters,” he told Sheikh Sultan.
The mayor was on a fact-finding visit to Abu Dhabi to forge links between the region and London.
He highlighted many areas of past, present and future collaboration. Opportunities for cultural projects in London include the realm in and across the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford.
Ambitious regeneration plans are in place to make the realm a global class sporting, entertainment and cultural centre as a legacy of the London 2012 Olympic & Paralympic Games.
“London and Abu Dhabi share a rich history of cultural exchange.
“This is something i would like to encourage. i’ve been hugely impressed by Abu Dhabi’s scale of ambition in relation to developing an international class cultural offer.
“I am keen we explore ways for further future collaboration not least in London’s growth areas corresponding to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park within the east of the town which hosted last year’s Olympic and Paralympic Games.” he said.
Mayor Johnson said the activation of East London into London’s tourism appeal would also benefit the Abu Dhabi-owned ExCel London – which last year hosted more Olympic events than another venue.
“There is far we will learn from London and masses we will share,” said Sheikh Sultan.
“The British capital did a superior job in hosting the 2012 Olympics and that i need to congratulate you on it.”