The question asks about the first universal museum in the Arab world, which opened in November 2017, and the intergovernmental agreement behind its establishment. This significant cultural institution is the Louvre Abu Dhabi.

Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum Overview

The Louvre Abu Dhabi is a prominent art and civilization museum located in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. It is celebrated as the first universal museum in the Arab world. A "universal museum" aims to cover all cultures and all eras of art history, promoting cross-cultural understanding through its collections.

This museum was a landmark project, signifying a major cultural collaboration on an international scale. Its opening in November 2017 marked a new era for cultural exchange in the region, bringing global art and artifacts to a wider audience.

Agreement Details

The establishment of the Louvre Abu Dhabi was made possible through a unique intergovernmental agreement signed between two nations. This agreement involved the United Arab Emirates and France. Under this agreement, France provides its expertise, lends artworks from various French museums (including the original Louvre in Paris), and allows the use of the Louvre name for a period of 30 years and 6 months. The partnership is a testament to cultural diplomacy and collaboration, aiming to create a bridge between Eastern and Western art and culture.

• The agreement was signed in 2007.
• The museum officially opened its doors to the public in November 2017.
• It is located on Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi.

Key Partners and Significance

The partnership between the United Arab Emirates and France for the Louvre Abu Dhabi is crucial because it represents a long-term commitment to cultural development and education. It allows for the display of a diverse collection that narrates the shared history of humanity, transcending geographical and cultural boundaries. The museum's design, by renowned architect Jean Nouvel, also reflects this philosophy, with its iconic dome inspired by traditional Arab architecture.

Why Other Options are Incorrect

• Bahrain and Malaysia: There is no record of an intergovernmental agreement between Bahrain and Malaysia for the establishment of the Louvre Abu Dhabi.
• Saudi Arabia and USA: While Saudi Arabia and the USA have various diplomatic and economic ties, they were not the partners in the intergovernmental agreement for the Louvre Abu Dhabi.
• Qatar and Singapore: Qatar and Singapore are not involved in the intergovernmental agreement that led to the creation of the Louvre Abu Dhabi. Qatar, for instance, has its own significant cultural institutions, such as the Museum of Islamic Art.

Therefore, based on the historical facts and the nature of the intergovernmental agreement for the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the correct partners were the United Arab Emirates and France.