Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, is promoting the major cultural institutions of the nation. We went to visit the Louvre Museum franchise, known for its vast sun-screening dome. The building was big on architecture and a bit light on museum artifacts. Also under construction nearby was another Guggenheim Museum franchise. When we were there it was a series of steel frame boxes soon to enveloped in Frank Gehry's trademark tin-foil facade. Next door was the Zeyad National Museum by another international starchitect under construction with soaring lattice shells.

We also toured the Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque - a monumental tourist attraction. There is no entrance fee, but the way to the mosque requires traversing a vast underground mall where pilgrims may purchase luxury goods and cosplay attire.