All you need to know about the Deira Clocktower

Above all else, Dubai has gained worldwide fame for its ingenious feats of architecture. There are numerous iconic buildings and structures in the city, that both residents and tourists flock to see. Deira Clocktower is one such significant monument that was built to celebrate the first oil exports from the UAE.

Deira Clocktower – An important monument of Dubai

Did you know that this important landmark was originally known as the Dubai Clocktower? There are many interesting but unknown facts about this unique clocktower in Dubai. Let’s delve a little deeper and learn more about the Deira Clocktower UAE:

Where is the Deira Clocktower located? 

Deira Clocktower is located at the centre of a prominent roundabout in Dubai, which is named after the monument, situated at the crossroads of Umm Hurrair Road and Al Maktoum Road (Route D89). A popular landmark in the city, the clocktower offers access to the popular Al Maktoum Bridge, which separates Deira from Bur Dubai. 

Why was the Deira Clocktower built?

During the 19th and early 20th centuries, Dubai’s economy was dependent on fishing and pearling trade. However, after the First World War, pearling trade across the region was impacted. Shortly after, the rulers of Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah signed agreements to undertake oil exploration in their respective cities. 

In 1962, this journey of exploration resulted in the first oil export from Abu Dhabi, which opened up a new set of trading opportunities from the UAE. And thus, the Deira Clocktower was built to mark this momentous occasion for the country. Built in 1963 in Al Rigga, a busy neighbourhood in Deira, this clock tower in Dubai is reminiscent of the turning point in the UAE’s history! 

The architecture of Deira Clocktower 

Deira Clocktower is an exquisite architectural marvel of the city. Built by Ziki Homsi, this iconic clocktower is a testament to Dubai’s most significant event in history.

One of Dubai’s oldest landmarks, the Deira Clocktower was originally made using steel reinforcements, which eventually started to corrode. It was reconstructed in 1989 using concrete to prevent further corrosion and keep the structure secure.

Which are the best Deira clock tower restaurants?

Aside from using the roundabout to access important parts of Dubai, residents also enjoy having a delicious meal at the many restaurants near Deira Clocktower. Visitors will find a selection of casual eateries and fine dining restaurants in hotels nearby. These include Denny’s, Illuzions Lounge, Yakitate, and Dampa Seafood Grill. At Denny’s, you can enjoy American cuisine while at Illuzions Lounge, you can get a taste of dishes from across the globe. Yakitate is ideal for tasty Japanese fare while Dampa Seafood Grill – as the name suggests – is for fresh and flavourful seafood.

Other than that, there are many Indian restaurants near Deira Clock Tower such as Mahec by Satish Arora, Maharaja Bhog, AB’s Absolute Barbecues, Bhai Kadai Biryani, and The Yellow Chilli by Sanjeev Kapoor.

There are also a couple of Chinese restaurants located nearby. The most popular Chinese restaurant Deira Clock Tower has in its vicinity is Little China.

How to get to Dubai Clocktower?

If you are planning to pay a visit to Dubai Clocktower, there are many transportation options for you to reach there. The closest Dubai Metro stations to Deira Clocktower is Al Rigga and Dubai City Centre on the Red Line. 

Another way to reach the clocktower is via RTA buses. There are many transit lines including 27, 53, 11A and X28 that stop close to Deira Clocktower.

Key facts about Clocktower Deira Dubai

•  Deira Clocktower has been listed amongst the most exquisite clock towers across the world by notable publications
• The Deira Clocktower is just five minutes away from the Dubai International Airport
• The clocks in the tower were replaced in 2008 with Omega models that make use of GPS devices for accuracy. 
• There is no need to manually change the clock hands as it is now all digital! 

And this brings an end to our review of Deira clocktower Dubai. After reading about the historic monument, if you feel you’ve developed an affinity for the area itself, you can think of renting an apartment in Deira. There are many areas for renting apartments in Deira that are famous among the tenants in the city.

Wondering is Deira Dubai safe? Read about the pros and cons of the Deira community.

Have a knack for history? Check out some of the most well-known historical places in Dubai. The places include the likes of Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House and the famous Al Ahmadiya School. And stay tuned to MyBayut for more articles on the landmarks in the UAE!