Clock Tower
General Description
The Deira Clock tower, also known as Dubai clock tower, is situated in the Deira locality of Dubai in a roundabout right across the Al Maktoum Bridge. Two prominent architects of the region were involved in the making of the tower; the concept sketch was created by Otto Bulard and the design was later developed by Ziki Homsi of Architecture Design Construction (ADC), who also built the tower. The idea behind the tower originated from a clock that was gifted to His Highness Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum. The design of the tower is a minimal structure, devoid of any form of ornamentation, made up of arches that act as buttresses converging to hold the four faces of the clock at the top. The design therefore allows for visual continuum for the traffic around the roundabout. The clock-tower was originally made from concrete which was mixed by hand at the time. This led to the deterioration of the structure due to the corrosion of the material which resulted in the major rebuilding of the tower in 1970 in the same material, but using newer technologies. The original clock itself also has been retrofitted with a High-tech GPS clock that is under the supervision and operation of Omega since 2010
Criteria
01
Demonstrates a meaningful association with individuals, communities or events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of the UAE’s development.
02
Embodies the distinctive aesthetic, physical, or architectural attributes characteristic of the political, social, and economic trends of a particular period.
03
Demonstrates an approach to and/or a lasting influence on urban planning or architectural, urban and/or landscape design that can be characterized as significant in the UAE or globally
04
Demonstrates the use of innovative technology to solve challenges for its time.
05
Contributes to the community’s sense of identity and enrichment of the UAE’s diversity, or is recognized as a place of collective memory for the UAE.
Statement of Significance
The clock tower in Dubai is a notable landmark amidst the city’s continuous evolution. Its design reflects the principles of modernism, both in architectural and urban contexts. At the city level, the clock tower symbolized Dubai's transformation into a global city as it embodied the ideas of the City Beautiful Movement, introducing beautification and monumental grandeur in cities. The structure's modernist essence is evident in the simplicity of its design, using minimal gestures to create a significant effect. The arches supporting the tower are indicative of regional modernism prevalent at the time.
Additionally, the tower exemplifies the ideals of “form follows function” as its hollow shape at the bottom allows visual continuity for traffic around the roundabout while maintaining visibility of the clock.
Another reason this landmark has remained unchanged over the years is due to its cultural significance and historical narrative associated with the clock on the tower. The original clock was given as a gift to His Highness Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum by his son-in-law, and it was suggested by the architects to create a landmark centered around this object. The location of the tower and its design created a space for gathering, which continues to this day due to the landscaped area beneath the tower. Additionally, the tower became a landmark indicating that one has crossed the creek and entered Deira, functioning as such to this day. The clock tower connected major roads and other landmarks of the city such as the Al Maktoum Bridge, Dubai Municipality, and the port. Hence, the tower became an integral part of Dubai’s urban fabric and collective memory. The clock tower also served as a city marker for visitors from other cities, as it was associated in people's memories with the entrance to Dubai’s Deira town.
