The cool and calm galleries and libraries at the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage belie the oil-rich emirate’s image as simply a haven for shopping addicts and camel jockeys.

The large complex, built around a courtyard housing sculptures, was opened in the 1980s. However, only in the past year – following high-profile deals with the Louvre and Guggenheim museums – has attention started to focus on Abu Dhabi’s cultural ambitions.