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


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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.

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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Founded in 1985 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, the Central Veterinary Research Laboratory (CVRL) is a government diagnostic centre that provides testing and research facilities to the UAE and neighbouring countries.

One of its main goals is to provide permanent treatment solutions for veterinary related diseases. 

The taxidermy centre was established 12 years ago and is headed by Dr Ulrich Wernery. 

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Credit Score explained

What is a credit score?

In the UAE your credit score is a number generated by the Al Etihad Credit Bureau (AECB), which represents your credit worthiness – in other words, your risk of defaulting on any debt repayments. In this country, the number is between 300 and 900. A low score indicates a higher risk of default, while a high score indicates you are a lower risk.

Why is it important?

Financial institutions will use it to decide whether or not you are a credit risk. Those with better scores may also receive preferential interest rates or terms on products such as loans, credit cards and mortgages.

How is it calculated?

The AECB collects information on your payment behaviour from banks as well as utilitiy and telecoms providers.

How can I improve my score?

By paying your bills on time and not missing any repayments, particularly your loan, credit card and mortgage payments. It is also wise to limit the number of credit card and loan applications you make and to reduce your outstanding balances.

How do I know if my score is low or high?

By checking it. Visit one of AECB’s Customer Happiness Centres with an original and valid Emirates ID, passport copy and valid email address. Liv. customers can also access the score directly from the banking app.

How much does it cost?

A credit report costs Dh100 while a report with the score included costs Dh150. Those only wanting the credit score pay Dh60. VAT is payable on top.

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if you go

The flights

Air Astana flies direct from Dubai to Almaty from Dh2,440 per person return, and to Astana (via Almaty) from Dh2,930 return, both including taxes. 

The hotels

Rooms at the Ritz-Carlton Almaty cost from Dh1,944 per night including taxes; and in Astana the new Ritz-Carlton Astana (www.marriott) costs from Dh1,325; alternatively, the new St Regis Astana costs from Dh1,458 per night including taxes. 

When to visit

March-May and September-November

Visas

Citizens of many countries, including the UAE do not need a visa to enter Kazakhstan for up to 30 days. Contact the nearest Kazakhstan embassy or consulate.

Scorline

Iraq 1-0 UAE

Iraq Hussein 28’

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Five hymns the crowds can join in

Papal Mass will begin at 10.30am at the Zayed Sports City Stadium on Tuesday

Some 17 hymns will be sung by a 120-strong UAE choir

Five hymns will be rehearsed with crowds on Tuesday morning before the Pope arrives at stadium

‘Christ be our Light’ as the entrance song

‘All that I am’ for the offertory or during the symbolic offering of gifts at the altar

‘Make me a Channel of your Peace’ and ‘Soul of my Saviour’ for the communion

‘Tell out my Soul’ as the final hymn after the blessings from the Pope

The choir will also sing the hymn ‘Legions of Heaven’ in Arabic as ‘Assakiroo Sama’

There are 15 Arabic speakers from Syria, Lebanon and Jordan in the choir that comprises residents from the Philippines, India, France, Italy, America, Netherlands, Armenia and Indonesia

The choir will be accompanied by a brass ensemble and an organ

They will practice for the first time at the stadium on the eve of the public mass on Monday evening 

Updated: September 04, 2023, 12:20 PM