The clock tower’s position in Deira was selected because it was one of the busiest areas in Dubai in the 1960s. Wam
The clock tower’s position in Deira was selected because it was one of the busiest areas in Dubai in the 1960s. Wam
The clock tower’s position in Deira was selected because it was one of the busiest areas in Dubai in the 1960s. Wam
The clock tower’s position in Deira was selected because it was one of the busiest areas in Dubai in the 1960s. Wam

Culture

Timeframe: When Deira Clock Tower was Dubai's most recognisable structure

Even after all these years and further architectural triumphs, the humble structure keeps its distinct place in the city's visual identity

Razmig Bedirian
Razmig Bedirian

May 17, 2024

  • English
  • Arabic

The Deira Clock Tower was once the visual representation of Dubai.

This was before the World Trade Centre marked the beginning of the emirate’s southward expansion, away from the creek; before Burj Al Arab rose with the city’s booming reputation for luxury and hospitality; before Burj Khalifa loomed as Dubai’s symbol of a global business and tourist hub.

And yet, even after all these years and architectural triumphs, the humble clock tower remains distinct in its design and retains its significance – not merely as a landmark, but as a touchstone of Dubai's history and visual identity.

And it all began with the clock itself.

It came as a present in the 1960s to Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed, Ruler of Dubai, from his son-in-law, Sheikh Ahmad Al Thani, Ruler of Qatar.

The clock’s magnificence inspired Sheikh Rashid to commission a tower to display the timepiece in public. Behind the design was Zaki Al Homsi, a Syrian with Architecture Design Construction and who was later granted UAE citizenship.

The clock tower’s position in Deira was selected because it was one of the busiest areas in the emirate at the time. It marked the first major road that connected Bur Dubai and Deira at Al Maktoum Bridge. It would also be one of the first attractions greeting visitors arriving by ship to the creek, as well as the international airport.

The clock tower was built within a year, being officially completed in 1965. With its curved arches and pinpoint top, the design had several elements inspired by classical Arab design and yet, with a minimalist touch, it also was decidedly modern. In many ways, the clock tower represented Dubai’s mission of honouring tradition while being cutting edge.

Unsurprisingly, the monument has undergone plenty of maintenance work since it was built. There were restorative repairs to its concrete. The tower’s construction utilised beach sand and its high salt content had begun to deteriorate in the early 1970s. In the following decade, its condition worsened and the clock tower had to be rebuilt. As the traffic flow in Dubai increased, the tower was moved several metres to make room for a new underpass. The clock face was also refurbished, reportedly by Seiko.

The clock’s face is adorned with an eight-pointed star, which holds a special significance in Islam. Photo: Wam
The clock’s face is adorned with an eight-pointed star, which holds a special significance in Islam. Photo: Wam

In 2008, the clock was replaced entirely by a model from Omega. The brand’s name can be seen in red at the top. The clock’s face is adorned with an eight-pointed star, which holds special significance in Islam, having connotations of balance and harmony. Arabic numbers representing the hours of the day are featured round a ring encircling the octagram.

The clock tower roundabout underwent a Dh10 million ($2.7 million) restoration last year. Dubai Municipality led the project with the aim of enlivening the structure. It included the addition of more greenery, modern lighting, painting work and an upgrade to the water fountain. The restoration initiative was aimed at "breathing new life into the iconic landmark", the municipality said.

Read More

Timeframe: When the UAE dirham came into being in 1973

The clock tower is one of Dubai’s first architectural feats and much like the city itself, is keeping up with modern technology. A smart sensor has been installed in the upgraded fountain, to allow for water jets to respond to changes in wind speed.

The clock tower's significance in the emirate's history was emphasised when Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, announced this month that the site would be part of a project aimed at preserving the city's heritage.

The second phase of the scheme will focus on the preservation of 35 areas, sites and buildings dating from the 1960s to the 1990s. As well as the clock tower, sites include Jumeirah Zoo, Rashid Tower, the Dubai Petroleum building, Terminal 1 at Dubai International Airport, Dubai Municipality's main building, Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Palace - Za'abeel, the Dubai Land Department building and the Dubai Courts building.

"We have a responsibility to celebrate our history and protect our architectural treasures for future generations," Sheikh Hamdan said in a statement released by the Dubai Government Media Office.

"The heritage areas covered by the project hold the memory of decades of progress and symbolise the dawn of Dubai's renaissance. Located in the heart of modern Dubai, these sites bridge the past with the city's future aspirations."

Killing of Qassem Suleimani
More from this package
Plastic tipping points
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
Transgender report
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
The Indo-Pacific
Kareem Shaheen on Canada
More from Rashmee Roshan Lall
More from Neighbourhood Watch
Transgender report
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
More from this package
Kareem Shaheen on Canada
More on Quran memorisation:
Six large-scale objects on show
  • Concrete wall and windows from the now demolished Robin Hood Gardens housing estate in Poplar
  • The 17th Century Agra Colonnade, from the bathhouse of the fort of Agra in India
  • A stagecloth for The Ballet Russes that is 10m high – the largest Picasso in the world
  • Frank Lloyd Wright’s 1930s Kaufmann Office
  • A full-scale Frankfurt Kitchen designed by Margarete Schütte-Lihotzky, which transformed kitchen design in the 20th century
  • Torrijos Palace dome
Pox that threatens the Middle East's native species

Camelpox

Caused by a virus related to the one that causes human smallpox, camelpox typically causes fever, swelling of lymph nodes and skin lesions in camels aged over three, but the animal usually recovers after a month or so. Younger animals may develop a more acute form that causes internal lesions and diarrhoea, and is often fatal, especially when secondary infections result. It is found across the Middle East as well as in parts of Asia, Africa, Russia and India.

Falconpox

Falconpox can cause a variety of types of lesions, which can affect, for example, the eyelids, feet and the areas above and below the beak. It is a problem among captive falcons and is one of many types of avian pox or avipox diseases that together affect dozens of bird species across the world. Among the other forms are pigeonpox, turkeypox, starlingpox and canarypox. Avipox viruses are spread by mosquitoes and direct bird-to-bird contact.

Houbarapox

Houbarapox is, like falconpox, one of the many forms of avipox diseases. It exists in various forms, with a type that causes skin lesions being least likely to result in death. Other forms cause more severe lesions, including internal lesions, and are more likely to kill the bird, often because secondary infections develop. This summer the CVRL reported an outbreak of pox in houbaras after rains in spring led to an increase in mosquito numbers.

Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Why does a queen bee feast only on royal jelly?

Some facts about bees:

The queen bee eats only royal jelly, an extraordinary food created by worker bees so she lives much longer

The life cycle of a worker bee is from 40-60 days

A queen bee lives for 3-5 years

This allows her to lay millions of eggs and allows the continuity of the bee colony

About 20,000 honey bees and one queen populate each hive

Honey is packed with vital vitamins, minerals, enzymes, water and anti-oxidants.

Apart from honey, five other products are royal jelly, the special food bees feed their queen 

Pollen is their protein source, a super food that is nutritious, rich in amino acids

Beewax is used to construct the combs. Due to its anti-fungal, anti-bacterial elements, it is used in skin treatments

Propolis, a resin-like material produced by bees is used to make hives. It has natural antibiotic qualities so works to sterilize hive,  protects from disease, keeps their home free from germs. Also used to treat sores, infection, warts

Bee venom is used by bees to protect themselves. Has anti-inflammatory properties, sometimes used to relieve conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, nerve and muscle pain

Honey, royal jelly, pollen have health enhancing qualities

The other three products are used for therapeutic purposes

Is beekeeping dangerous?

As long as you deal with bees gently, you will be safe, says Mohammed Al Najeh, who has worked with bees since he was a boy.

“The biggest mistake people make is they panic when they see a bee. They are small but smart creatures. If you move your hand quickly to hit the bees, this is an aggressive action and bees will defend themselves. They can sense the adrenalin in our body. But if we are calm, they are move away.”

 

 

World Mental Health Day
Defence review at a glance

• Increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027 but given “turbulent times it may be necessary to go faster”

• Prioritise a shift towards working with AI and autonomous systems

• Invest in the resilience of military space systems.

• Number of active reserves should be increased by 20%

• More F-35 fighter jets required in the next decade

• New “hybrid Navy” with AUKUS submarines and autonomous vessels

The specs

Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo

Power: 178hp at 5,500rpm

Torque: 280Nm at 1,350-4,200rpm

Transmission: seven-speed dual-clutch auto

Price: from Dh209,000 

On sale: now

More from Neighbourhood Watch:
The%20Specs%20
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ELamborghini%20LM002%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%205.2-litre%20V12%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20450hp%20at%206%2C800rpm%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E500Nm%20at%204%2C500rpm%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFive-speed%20manual%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3E0-100kph%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%209%20seconds%20(approx)%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETop%20speed%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20210kph%20(approx)%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EYears%20built%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%201986-93%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETotal%20vehicles%20built%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20328%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EValue%20today%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%24300%2C000%2B%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Scoreline

Abu Dhabi Harlequins 17

Jebel Ali Dragons 20

Harlequins Tries: Kinivilliame, Stevenson; Cons: Stevenson 2; Pen: Stevenson

Dragons Tries: Naisau, Fourie; Cons: Love 2; Pens: Love 2

You might also like
Sholto Byrnes on Myanmar politics
Results

United States beat UAE by three wickets

United States beat Scotland by 35 runs

UAE v Scotland – no result

United States beat UAE by 98 runs

Scotland beat United States by four wickets

Fixtures

Sunday, 10am, ICC Academy, Dubai - UAE v Scotland

Admission is free

Five healthy carbs and how to eat them

Brown rice: consume an amount that fits in the palm of your hand

Non-starchy vegetables, such as broccoli: consume raw or at low temperatures, and don’t reheat  

Oatmeal: look out for pure whole oat grains or kernels, which are locally grown and packaged; avoid those that have travelled from afar

Fruit: a medium bowl a day and no more, and never fruit juices

Lentils and lentil pasta: soak these well and cook them at a low temperature; refrain from eating highly processed pasta variants

Courtesy Roma Megchiani, functional nutritionist at Dubai’s 77 Veggie Boutique

More coverage from the Future Forum
The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.

Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins

Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative 

Read part one: how cars came to the UAE

Recommended
World Mental Health Day
Our commentary on Brexit
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
War on waste
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
The specs

Engine: Four electric motors, one at each wheel

Power: 579hp

Torque: 859Nm

Transmission: Single-speed automatic

Price: From Dh825,900

On sale: Now

Zayed Sustainability Prize
While you're here
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
More on animal trafficking
While you're here
FROM%20THE%20ASHES
%3Cp%3EDirector%3A%20Khalid%20Fahad%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EStarring%3A%20Shaima%20Al%20Tayeb%2C%20Wafa%20Muhamad%2C%20Hamss%20Bandar%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3ERating%3A%203%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
While you're here
SOUTH%20KOREA%20SQUAD
%3Cp%3E%0D%3Cstrong%3EGoalkeepers%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EKim%20Seung-gyu%2C%20Jo%20Hyeon-woo%2C%20Song%20Bum-keun%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EDefenders%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EKim%20Young-gwon%2C%20Kim%20Min-jae%2C%20Jung%20Seung-hyun%2C%20Kim%20Ju-sung%2C%20Kim%20Ji-soo%2C%20Seol%20Young-woo%2C%20Kim%20Tae-hwan%2C%20Lee%20Ki-je%2C%20Kim%20Jin-su%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EMidfielders%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EPark%20Yong-woo%2C%20Hwang%20In-beom%2C%20Hong%20Hyun-seok%2C%20Lee%20Soon-min%2C%20Lee%20Jae-sung%2C%20Lee%20Kang-in%2C%20Son%20Heung-min%20(captain)%2C%20Jeong%20Woo-yeong%2C%20Moon%20Seon-min%2C%20Park%20Jin-seob%2C%20Yang%20Hyun-jun%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStrikers%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EHwang%20Hee-chan%2C%20Cho%20Gue-sung%2C%20Oh%20Hyeon-gyu%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
More on Quran memorisation:
School uniforms report
More on this story
RECORD%20BREAKER
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EYoungest%20debutant%20for%20Barcelona%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2015%20years%20and%20290%20days%20v%20Real%20Betis%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EYoungest%20La%20Liga%20starter%20in%20the%2021st%20century%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E16%20years%20and%2038%20days%20v%20Cadiz%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EYoungest%20player%20to%20register%20an%20assist%20in%20La%20Liga%20in%20the%2021st%20century%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E16%20years%20and%2045%20days%20v%20Villarreal%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EYoungest%20debutant%20for%20Spain%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2016%20years%20and%2057%20days%20v%20Georgia%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EYoungest%20goalscorer%20for%20Spain%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2016%20years%20and%2057%20days%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EYoungest%20player%20to%20score%20in%20a%20Euro%20qualifier%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2016%20years%20and%2057%20days%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
More coverage from the Future Forum
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Specs

Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric

Range: Up to 610km

Power: 905hp

Torque: 985Nm

Price: From Dh439,000

Available: Now

Transgender report
Our family matters legal consultant

Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais

Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.

Tomorrow 2021
More on Quran memorisation:
More on Afghanistan
Whiile you're here
MATCH INFO

Alaves 1 (Perez 65' pen)

Real Madrid 2 (Ramos 52', Carvajal 69')

Towering concerns
Zayed Sustainability Prize
More from this package
ONCE UPON A TIME IN GAZA

Starring: Nader Abd Alhay, Majd Eid, Ramzi Maqdisi

Directors: Tarzan and Arab Nasser

Rating: 4.5/5

The national orchestra
On Women's Day
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
Plastic tipping points
Wicked
Director: Jon M Chu
Stars: Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey
Rating: 4/5
Zayed Sustainability Prize
Read more about the coronavirus
The five pillars of Islam
More on animal trafficking
THE BIO

Ambition: To create awareness among young about people with disabilities and make the world a more inclusive place

Job Title: Human resources administrator, Expo 2020 Dubai

First jobs: Co-ordinator with Magrudy Enterprises; HR coordinator at Jumeirah Group

Entrepreneur: Started his own graphic design business

Favourite singer: Avril Lavigne

Favourite travel destination: Germany and Saudi Arabia

Family: Six sisters

E-cigarette report
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
 
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
 
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
 
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
 
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
In numbers

1,000 tonnes of waste collected daily:

  • 800 tonnes converted into alternative fuel
  • 150 tonnes to landfill
  • 50 tonnes sold as scrap metal

800 tonnes of RDF replaces 500 tonnes of coal

Two conveyor lines treat more than 350,000 tonnes of waste per year

25 staff on site

 

Tomorrow 2021
Country-size land deals

US interest in purchasing territory is not as outlandish as it sounds. Here's a look at some big land transactions between nations:

Louisiana Purchase

If Donald Trump is one who aims to broker "a deal of the century", then this was the "deal of the 19th Century". In 1803, the US nearly doubled in size when it bought 2,140,000 square kilometres from France for $15 million.

Florida Purchase Treaty

The US courted Spain for Florida for years. Spain eventually realised its burden in holding on to the territory and in 1819 effectively ceded it to America in a wider border treaty. 

Alaska purchase

America's spending spree continued in 1867 when it acquired 1,518,800 km2 of  Alaskan land from Russia for $7.2m. Critics panned the government for buying "useless land".

The Philippines

At the end of the Spanish-American War, a provision in the 1898 Treaty of Paris saw Spain surrender the Philippines for a payment of $20 million. 

US Virgin Islands

It's not like a US president has never reached a deal with Denmark before. In 1917 the US purchased the Danish West Indies for $25m and renamed them the US Virgin Islands.

Gwadar

The most recent sovereign land purchase was in 1958 when Pakistan bought the southwestern port of Gwadar from Oman for 5.5bn Pakistan rupees. 

On Women's Day
While you're here
While you're here
MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – FINAL RECKONING

Director: Christopher McQuarrie

Starring: Tom Cruise, Hayley Atwell, Simon Pegg

Rating: 4/5

The specs

AT4 Ultimate, as tested

Engine: 6.2-litre V8

Power: 420hp

Torque: 623Nm

Transmission: 10-speed automatic

Price: From Dh330,800 (Elevation: Dh236,400; AT4: Dh286,800; Denali: Dh345,800)

On sale: Now

Quick%20facts
%3Cul%3E%0A%3Cli%3EStorstockholms%20Lokaltrafik%20(SL)%20offers%20free%20guided%20tours%20of%20art%20in%20the%20metro%20and%20at%20the%20stations%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EThe%20tours%20are%20free%20of%20charge%3B%20all%20you%20need%20is%20a%20valid%20SL%20ticket%2C%20for%20which%20a%20single%20journey%20(valid%20for%2075%20minutes)%20costs%2039%20Swedish%20krone%20(%243.75)%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3ETravel%20cards%20for%20unlimited%20journeys%20are%20priced%20at%20165%20Swedish%20krone%20for%2024%20hours%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EAvoid%20rush%20hour%20%E2%80%93%20between%209.30%20am%20and%204.30%20pm%20%E2%80%93%20to%20explore%20the%20artwork%20at%20leisure%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3C%2Ful%3E%0A
Tomorrow 2021
War on waste
Updated: May 17, 2024, 6:02 PM`
DubaiHistoryDeira

Arabic word of the weekHow ‘Akhtaboot’ spread its semantic tentacles from Greece

TimeframeWhen Paris Hilton came to Dubai to find a best friend

UAE gigs and shows guide, from Elyanna to Metallica

Oman's memory-themed pavilion wins award at London Design Biennale

Cartoon for June 7, 2025

Eid Al Adha fireworks light up UAE holiday celebrations

My Dubai Salary: ‘I use my Dh140,000 monthly salary to support children’s charities’

Rain expected for UAE Eid Al Adha staycations

Donald Trump 'disappointed' in Elon Musk as rift between former allies grows

Donald Trump 'disappointed' in Elon Musk as rift between former allies grows

Israeli air strikes hit Beirut in latest breach of ceasefire

Israeli air strikes hit Beirut in latest breach of ceasefire

UAE President performs Eid Al Adha prayers in Abu Dhabi

UAE President performs Eid Al Adha prayers in Abu Dhabi

Pilgrims gather on Mount Arafat to offer Hajj prayers

Pilgrims gather on Mount Arafat to offer Hajj prayers