When we arrived in the UAE, in 2009, the concept of the Louvre Abu Dhabi had been approved, but its opening seemed remote. Distant in time.

Well, not anymore.

The Louvre, one of the world’s great art museums, tomorrow will open the Birth of a Museum exhibition in Paris — featuring art works that have been acquired ahead of the opening of the Louvre Abu Dhabi next year.

The museum in Abu Dhabi is technically not part of the Louvre in Paris, but the two are linked by a 30-year branding and training agreement.

The Guggenheim, a U.S. museum, also will have a branch in Abu Dhabi, on Saadiyat Island, same as the Louvre Abu Dhabi.

Also, a more local/regional museum, the Zayed Museum, will be opened on Saadiyat in the coming years.

Saadiyat’s museums are meant to make it a tourist and cultural center for the capital. Which explains why high-end hotels are opening on the island at a rapid pace.

This photo gallery shows some of the art heading to the UAE for the Louvre Abu Dhabi. No, the Mona Lisa is not moving down here, but some serious stuff will be.

Seems much more palpable then it did last week.