Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC) has extended the bid deadline for the main construction contract on its $1bn Louvre museum by two weeks to 14 November.

The previous deadline was 30 October (MEED 2:8:10).

TDIC originally planned to build the museum under a design and build contract for the entire scheme, but subsequently decided to issue tenders for a series of lump-sum construction packages, including the substructure, piling, loading bays and the main construction works.

Designed by French architect Jean Nouvel, the Louvre Abu Dhabi is part of the capital’s 18-square-kilometre Saadiyat Island Cultural District, which will include the new Sheikh Zayed National Museum.