Dubai has surprised the world with its outstanding feats of architecture. Known for its impressive skyscrapers, Dubai has many other historical monuments worth visiting. Deira Clock Tower, which is also known as Dubai clock Tower, is among the significant tourist attractions in Dubai. This clock tower building in Dubai is reminiscent of Dubai’s rapid commercial development.
Dubai Clock tower is one of the biggest clock towers in the world. Deira clock tower was also used as an iconic landmark in Dubai before the construction of Burj Khalifa and Burj Al Arab.
Clock Tower Location:
The clock tower is located in Deira, a commercial center for Dubai. Deira Clock Tower, a prominent landmark in Dubai, is located at the intersection of Umm Hurair Road and Al Maktoum Road (Route D89). The iconic clock tower building offers access to the famous Al Maktoum Bridge, separating Deira from Bur Dubai.
Deira Clock tower: History
The tower holds an essential place in Dubai’s history as it was also the first connecting point for major routes leading to Dubai before the Dubai-Abu Dhabi Road was constructed.
The clock tower building serves as the central point for visitors who cross their way to the desert through this roundabout as there wasn’t any alternative transportation route in the 1960s.
During the 19th and early 20th centuries, Dubai’s economy was largely dependent on the fishing and pearling trade. However, after the First world war, the pearling trade in the Emirates was heavily impacted. The economic depression of the 1920s and 1930s has resulted in significant setbacks for Dubai’s economy.
In the early 1930s, oil companies carried out preliminary surveys in the Gulf coast area. During this time, the rulers of Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai signed the first agreements for oil exploration in their regions. Dubai clock Tower was built to celebrate the city’s oil exports and trade agreements.
Step back in time with the Dubai Clock Tower:
A Pakistani expat, Atiq Ahmed, who came to Dubai in the 1970s, said every time he sees the clock tower, he feels as if he is travelling back in time. “The tower symbolises Dubai’s transformation into the world’s best city in no time, and we have witnessed that.” One must check Deira Clock Tower facts to learn how this city has evolved in the past 50 years.
The clock tower not only served as a timekeeper but was also used to guide the traffic at the most prominent roundabout of Dubai at that time. The clock tower, a gateway to Sharjah and Abu Dhabi, was visible from the Dubai Creek, offering a visual treat to the tourists.
Clock Tower Dubai Architecture:
Deira clock tower is a masterpiece in terms of exquisite architecture. The iconic monument was designed by Ziki Homsi, who believed that the tower should have an open form. The idea behind this thought is not to hinder the visibility of travellers coming from various quarters of the roundabout.
The local builder who constructed the tower used unwashed beach sand to make concrete. Beach sand contains salt that allows water to pass through the concrete and start to corrode the internal steel reinforcements. The lack of concrete in the structure has resulted in cracks in the tower. But, in 1972, the tower was reconstructed using concrete to prevent the building from corrosion and restore its strength.
The simple arched form of the tower is fully functional. The flowing arches on four sides converge to hold the clock without obstructing the traffic around the intersection. Basic fountains at the base of the structure surrounded by the beautiful palm trees will light up your evenings with a lovely experience.
Amazing facts about Deira Clock Tower:
Deira clock tower facts are as interesting as the the tower itself and it contributes to Dubai’s rich history:
- The clock faces have been replaced only once. It is a surprising fact, but the clock faces of this tower have been changed only once during this period, and it took place in November 2008. All clock faces have been replaced with Omega models that incorporate GPS devices for accuracy, avoiding the need to manually change the hands on the clock.
- The clock was a gift to Sheikh Rashid. Sheikh Rashid received the clock as a gift from his son-in-law, Sheikh Ahmed, to celebrate the country’s first oil exports. It was a relatively large and beautiful clock, and the Sheikh had no clue how to use it; later, he sought advice from Mr.Bulard, an Austrian Architect. Mr. Bulard, who was involved in building Zabeel Palace for the Sheikh, has designed the concept sketch for the clock tower.
- The tower is hailed as one of the 17 most beautiful towers globally.
- It has been over 50 years, and the tower still stands as a landmark for visitors and travellers.
- Dubai Municipality is registering the Clock Tower and other old buildings with UNESCO to obtain World Heritage Status.
Clock Tower Deira Directions:
If you plan to visit this historical place, many local transportation options are available in Dubai.
Al Rigga and Dubai City Center on the Red line are the nearest Dubai metro stations to the clock tower.
Alternatively, use RTA buses to reach this roundabout. The transit lines 27, 53, 11A, and X28 stop close to Deira Clocktower.
Conclusion:
A simple yet functional structure, Deira Clock Tower Building is Dubai’s one of the most distinctive and cherished architecture. Over 58 years since its unveiling, the tower has passed the test of time and still continues.
Dubai clock Tower is globally renowned for representing Dubai’s cultural heritage. The unique tower is a must-visit for engineering lovers and historians. Constructed to celebrate the Emirate’s first oil export, the Dubai clock represents the glowing history of Dubai.
