Macron opened a branch of the Louvre in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi - French President Emmanuel Macron spoke yesterday at the ceremonial opening of the Paris Louvre branch in Abu Dhabi about the interconnectedness of civilizations and condemned those who claim that Islam is strengthened by the destruction of other monotheistic religions. This was reported by the AFP agency. The new museum, built on an artificially created island, was designed by French architect Jean Nouvel. For the right to use the name Louvre until 2037, the United Arab Emirates will pay the Paris "mother" 400 million euros. The museum will open to the public on Saturday.

"Our civilization and religions are forever interconnected," Macron said during his ceremonial speech at the museum, which was attended by a number of influential representatives from Middle Eastern countries.

"Those who try to convince you that Islam is based on the destruction of other monotheistic religions are liars who want to betray you," Macron said, adding that the new museum is "a point of balance between Europe, Africa, and Asia."

The artists whose works are exhibited in the museum were described by Macron as "rebellious souls." These artists, according to him, "hated stupidity" and "believed that rationality must prevail over obscure doctrine." The French president also spoke about the necessity to fight against hate speech. "Here begins the struggle of one generation for the next," he added.

The new museum has a large dome-shaped roof with a diameter of 180 meters. The roof is covered with 7,850 metal geometric shapes that together create a lattice pattern through which light permeates the building. The building is located on the artificially created Saadiyat Island, where the so-called cultural district is situated. In addition to the Paris Louvre branch, several other galleries will be built in the area, such as a branch of the New York Guggenheim Museum.

Macron will soon meet with French soldiers in the country and subsequently visit Dubai, where he will speak at an economic forum.