UAE

Heritage

Dubai completes Dh10m renovation of Deira's historic Clock Tower roundabout

The 1960s-era landmark has been upgraded with modern technology in three-month project

The National

September 01, 2023

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Deira's historic Clock Tower roundabout is moving with the times after the Dubai authorities completed a Dh10 million ($2.7 million) revamp.

A major renovation project led by Dubai Municipality began in May with the aim of sprucing up the treasured attraction.

The initiative included the addition of more greenery, modern lighting, painting work and an upgrade to the water fountain.

The restoration scheme - aimed at "breathing new life into the iconic landmark" - is now finished, the municipality said on Thursday.

"We completed the development of the Clock Tower roundabout in Deira, one of the most prominent engineering and architectural landmarks in Dubai on schedule, giving it a new facade with modern designs that are aligned with the nation’s cultural and historical character and the city’s status as a vibrant creative hub," said Dawoud Al Hajri, director general of Dubai Municipality.

Three tiers of wildflowers have been planted at the roundabout to brighten its appearance.

A smart sensor has been installed in the upgraded fountain, to allow for water jets to respond to changes in wind speeds.

Deira Clock Tower in the early 1970s. Peter Alvis
Deira Clock Tower in the early 1970s. Peter Alvis

Beloved landmark

The Clock Tower dates back to the 1960s and in the years before Burj Khalifa it was one of Dubai’s most recognisable sights.

It was designed by Syrian architect Zaki Al Homsi, completed in the mid-1960s and is known for its swooping arches.

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UAE then and now: before Burj Khalifa, Deira's Clock Tower was the famed symbol of Dubai

Deira was the centre of the city at the time and the Clock Tower was one of the first landmarks seen by visitors arriving by boat or at the international airport in Al Garhoud.

The Clock Tower also marked the first major road that connected Bur Dubai and Deira at Al Maktoum Bridge.

Deira through the years - in pictures

Dubai Creek in the early 1960s, with Deira on the left. Across the Creek at the top of the photo is Bur Dubai, with Shindagha on the right.
Dubai Creek in the early 1960s, with Deira on the left. Across the Creek at the top of the photo is Bur Dubai, with Shindagha on the right.
The Clock Tower dominates its surroundings in the 1970s.
The Clock Tower dominates its surroundings in the 1970s.
Deira is one of Dubai's oldest neighbourhoods. The Omar Ali bin Haider mosque – with its striking minaret and white dome – has welcomed worshippers since 1952.
Deira is one of Dubai's oldest neighbourhoods. The Omar Ali bin Haider mosque – with its striking minaret and white dome – has welcomed worshippers since 1952.
Deira is also home to striking buildings with distinctive architecture, like Deira Tower.
Deira is also home to striking buildings with distinctive architecture, like Deira Tower.
The neighbourhood's famed gold souq attracts tourists from across the world.
The neighbourhood's famed gold souq attracts tourists from across the world.
Shoppers in a jewellery shop at the Gold Souq in Deira
Shoppers in a jewellery shop at the Gold Souq in Deira
The neighbourhood is also home to small shops and repair services such as Khan shoe shop.
The neighbourhood is also home to small shops and repair services such as Khan shoe shop.
The Deira Clock Tower has remained a much-loved feature of the area through the years.
The Deira Clock Tower has remained a much-loved feature of the area through the years.
Deira is one of Dubai's most densely packed neighbourhoods. Authorities imposed a lockdown in April 2020 to curb the spread of Covid-19 and its normally busy roads fell quiet.
Deira is one of Dubai's most densely packed neighbourhoods. Authorities imposed a lockdown in April 2020 to curb the spread of Covid-19 and its normally busy roads fell quiet.
The roundabout at Deira Clock Tower was eerily empty during the stay-at-home order in April, 2020.
The roundabout at Deira Clock Tower was eerily empty during the stay-at-home order in April, 2020.
Health volunteers pass through a sterilisation chamber installed to disinfect residents entering and leaving the Naif area in Dubai's Deira during the Covid-19 outbreak, on April 15, 2020.
Health volunteers pass through a sterilisation chamber installed to disinfect residents entering and leaving the Naif area in Dubai's Deira during the Covid-19 outbreak, on April 15, 2020.
But now life is returning to normal in Naif. Trader Fawaz Bello said in April 2021 that the situation had improved.
But now life is returning to normal in Naif. Trader Fawaz Bello said in April 2021 that the situation had improved.
Major development now lines the Deira side of Dubai Creek with the distinctive circular top of Deira Tower visible at centre right.
Major development now lines the Deira side of Dubai Creek with the distinctive circular top of Deira Tower visible at centre right.
But the past is never far behind, as this shot of an old water tank in Deira shows.
But the past is never far behind, as this shot of an old water tank in Deira shows.
The Deira Clock Tower reminds Dubai of its past as it looks to the future.
The Deira Clock Tower reminds Dubai of its past as it looks to the future.
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