Construction work is to begin on Abu Dhabi Louvre, the first Louvre museum outside Paris, at the beginning of 2013.

Ahmad Al Fahim, executive director of marketing at Tourism Development and Investment Company (TDIC), told the Gulf News that a construction company would be announced at the end of December.

The museum is to be located on the Saadiyat Island's Cultural District complex, which will also feature a Frank Gehry-designed Guggenheim Museum; a performing arts centre by architect Zaha Hadid; the Zayed National Museum by London-based architects Foster & Partners and a number of luxury hotels.

A joint venture between the governments of Abu Dhabi and France, the Louvre Abu Dhabi will display art, manuscripts and objects of historical, cultural and sociological significance.

French architect Jean Nouvel has designed the landmark project. Nouvel’s previous work includes the Institut du Monde Arabe and the Musee de Quay Branly, both in Paris.

The items on display will originate from societies and cultures all over the world, but universal themes and common influences will be highlighted to illustrate similarities.

Construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2015 with the final cost of the project estimated to be around 180m euro (£146m, US$233m).