The Deira Clock Tower is a 1960s heritage landmark standing in the middle of the Clock Tower Roundabout, where Al Maktoum Road meets Umm Hurair Road in Al Rigga, Deira, Dubai. Designed from a sketch by Otto Bulard and developed by architect Ziki Homsi, it marks the entrance to Deira from Al Maktoum Bridge, the first land crossing over Dubai Creek. It is free to see at any time, sits close to Al Rigga and City Centre Deira metro stations on the Red Line, and was given a fresh look by Dubai Municipality in 2023 with new greenery, a new fountain and colourful night lighting.
Planning your Next trip? Let White Sky handle it.
We book your flights and transfers, with the option to pay later with Tabby, Tamara or UAE credit card monthly instalments.
Visiting Dubai and want to see the old side of the city? White Sky Travel and Tourism can book your flights, a hotel near the Clock Tower and airport transfers, with easy payment through Tabby, Tamara and UAE credit card installments up to 12 months.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- The Deira Clock Tower sits at the junction of Al Maktoum Road and Umm Hurair Road in Al Rigga, Deira, right by Al Maktoum Bridge.
- The nearest Dubai Metro stops are Al Rigga and City Centre Deira on the Red Line.
- There is no ticket or entry fee. The monument is in an open roundabout and can be seen day and night.
- Dubai Municipality completed a Dh10 million makeover of the roundabout in 2023, adding greenery, lights and a new fountain.
- White Sky offers flexible payment plans through Tabby, Tamara and UAE credit cards for up to 12 months installments.
- Message White Sky on WhatsApp at +971 4 220 2133 for flights, hotels and transfers in Dubai.
What Is the Deira Clock Tower?
The Deira Clock Tower, first known as the Dubai Clock Tower, is one of the oldest modern landmarks in the city. The idea came from a large clock that was given as a gift to Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum in the early 1960s. Builder Otto Bulard sketched a tower to hold it, and architect Ziki Homsi of Architecture Design Construction (ADC) developed the design and built it. Most sources date its completion to around 1965.
The design is simple and modern. Four slim arches rise and meet at the top to hold the four clock faces, and the open base lets drivers see right through it as they circle the roundabout. The tower was first made from hand mixed concrete, so it was rebuilt in 1970 using the same material with newer methods. Since 2010 the clock has run on a GPS controlled system operated by Omega.
Today the UAE Ministry of Culture lists the Clock Tower as part of the country’s modern heritage, describing it as a place of collective memory that tells travellers they have crossed the creek and arrived in Deira.
Where Is the Deira Clock Tower Located?
The Deira Clock Tower is located at the Clock Tower Roundabout, at the junction of Al Maktoum Road and Umm Hurair Road, Al Rigga, Deira, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The roundabout links Al Maktoum Bridge with the busy streets of Deira, so traffic between Bur Dubai, the old souks and Dubai International Airport passes close by. Almost every taxi driver in the city knows it simply as “Clock Tower”.
To learn more about the wider area, read our guide to Deira District Dubai, the historic heart of the city.
Nearby Landmarks
- Al Maktoum Bridge and the Dubai Creek waterfront
- Al Rigga Street with its cafes and restaurants
- Al Ghurair Centre shopping mall
- Deira City Centre mall
- Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club
How Do You Get to the Deira Clock Tower?
Public transport is the easiest way to reach the Clock Tower roundabout. According to the RTA Dubai Metro network, Al Rigga and City Centre Deira stations on the Red Line are the closest stops, each a short walk from the monument. Many visitors also combine the trip with other Dubai tourist places near metro stations.
- By metro: Red Line to Al Rigga or City Centre Deira, then walk.
- By taxi: ask for “Clock Tower, Deira”. It is around fifteen minutes by road from Dubai International Airport in normal traffic.
- By private transfer: White Sky can arrange a private transfer from the airport or your hotel.
Best Time to Visit the Deira Clock Tower
The monument stands outdoors in an open traffic circle, so you can see it at any hour. The safest way to enjoy it is from the surrounding sidewalks and pedestrian crossings, or from a passing car.
| Time of Day | Traffic Level | Viewing Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Early morning (6 AM to 8 AM) | Light | Clear views and cooler weather |
| Midday (11 AM to 3 PM) | Heavy | Bright sunlight, busy sidewalks |
| Evening (7 PM to 10 PM) | Moderate | Coloured lights, fountain and lively streets |
Pro Tip: Visit after sunset. Since the 2023 makeover the tower and fountain are lit in changing colours, which makes it one of the best free photo spots in Deira.
Safety note: Never cross the roundabout lanes on foot to reach the base of the tower. Always use the marked pedestrian crossings.
The Deira Clock Tower Renovation
In May 2023 Dubai Municipality began a major overhaul of the Clock Tower and its roundabout as part of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan. The work was finished in late summer 2023 at a cost of about Dh10 million. The project kept the original tower but added fresh landscaping, a redesigned fountain and modern lighting, so the landmark looks brighter than ever while keeping its heritage character.
Hotels and Resorts Near the Deira Clock Tower
Staying near the Clock Tower puts you close to the metro, the creek and the old souks. Popular choices in the area include:
- Concorde Deira Hotel, almost next to the roundabout
- Hyatt Place Dubai Al Rigga, close to Al Rigga metro station
- Al Bandar Rotana Dubai Creek, on the creek waterfront
- Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek and Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel, both with creek views
- Park Hyatt Dubai, a resort style stay at Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club
White Sky handles Dubai hotel booking for all budgets, from simple city stays in Deira to creekside resorts.
Things to Do Near the Deira Clock Tower
Once you have seen the monument, the streets around it are full of shopping, food and heritage. Head toward the water to find spice traders, gold shops and traditional abra boats crossing the creek.
| Place | Approx. Distance | Why Go |
|---|---|---|
| Al Rigga Street | Under 1 km | Cafes, shawarma spots and evening strolls |
| Al Ghurair Centre | About 1 km | Shopping and food court |
| Deira City Centre | About 2 km | Large mall and cinema |
| Gold Souk and Spice Souk | About 3 km | Traditional markets by the creek |
| Waterfront Market | About 5 km | Fresh fish, fruit and vegetables |
| Al Mamzar Beach Park | About 8 km | Beaches and green lawns |
| Khor Al Mamzar Beach | About 8 km | Free beach with a night beach open 24/7 |
Other easy add ons include an evening dhow cruise in Dubai on the creek, a walk along Al Seef, a picnic at Dubai Creek Park and a trip across Al Maktoum Bridge to the Dubai Frame. For fresh seafood and local produce, the Waterfront Market Dubai is a short drive north.
Plan Your Dubai Trip with White Sky
The Clock Tower is a free public landmark, so you do not need a ticket or booking to see it. White Sky Travel and Tourism can take care of the rest of your trip, including flights to Dubai, hotels in Deira and private airport transfers. For more ideas on what to see, read our guide to sightseeing tours in Dubai.
Flexible Payment Options
Split the cost of your flights, hotel or transfers with Tabby and Tamara, or spread payments with UAE credit cards for up to 12 months installments. See all our flexible payment options.
| Payment Method | Installment Duration | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
| Tabby | Up to 4 months | Flights and short city breaks |
| Tamara | Up to 4 months | Family trips and group bookings |
| UAE Credit Cards | Up to 12 months | Hotel stays and holiday packages |
Prices for flights, hotels and transfers may change and T&C apply. The final price is confirmed during booking.
Related Articles
Keep exploring Dubai with these guides:
- Deira District Dubai: Top Attractions and Hidden Gems
- Dubai Tourist Places Near Metro
- Waterfront Market Dubai: Timings, Sections, Parking and Tips
- Al Bandar Rotana Dubai Creek: Luxury Stay in Heart of Dubai
- Best Place to Visit in Dubai at Night
- Sightseeing Tours in Dubai: Unforgettable Adventures Await
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Deira Clock Tower located?
The Deira Clock Tower is at the Clock Tower Roundabout, at the junction of Al Maktoum Road and Umm Hurair Road, Al Rigga, Deira, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, right by Al Maktoum Bridge.
When was the Deira Clock Tower built?
The tower was built in the 1960s and is most often dated to around 1965. It was rebuilt in 1970 because the original hand mixed concrete had started to wear.
Who designed the Deira Clock Tower?
Otto Bulard drew the first sketch, and architect Ziki Homsi of Architecture Design Construction (ADC) developed the design and built it. The idea came from a large clock gifted to Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum.
Is there an entrance fee to see the Deira Clock Tower?
No. The Clock Tower stands in an open public roundabout, so there are no tickets or fees. You can see it from the sidewalks or from a car at any time of day.
Which metro station is closest to the Deira Clock Tower?
Al Rigga and City Centre Deira stations on the Dubai Metro Red Line are the closest, each a short walk from the roundabout.
Was the Deira Clock Tower renovated?
Yes. Dubai Municipality started a makeover of the Clock Tower roundabout in May 2023 and finished it later that summer at a cost of about Dh10 million, adding greenery, a new fountain and colourful lighting.
What is the best time to visit the Deira Clock Tower?
Early morning is quiet with clear views, while the evening is best for photos because the tower and fountain are lit in changing colours.
Which hotels are near the Deira Clock Tower?
Nearby hotels include Concorde Deira Hotel, Hyatt Place Dubai Al Rigga, Al Bandar Rotana Dubai Creek, Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Deira Creek, Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel and Park Hyatt Dubai.
Can White Sky help me plan a visit to the Deira Clock Tower?
Yes. The Clock Tower is free to see, and White Sky Travel and Tourism can book your flights, hotels near the Clock Tower and airport transfers. Message us on WhatsApp at +971 4 220 2133 and pay with Tabby, Tamara or UAE credit cards for up to 12 months installments.
Conclusion
The Deira Clock Tower is a small monument with a big story. Built in the 1960s around a gift to Sheikh Rashid, it has welcomed people into Deira for decades, and its 2023 makeover keeps it bright and photo ready. It is free to see, easy to reach on the Red Line, and surrounded by souks, creekside walks, malls and great value hotels.
Planning your visit? Message White Sky Travel and Tourism on WhatsApp at +971 4 220 2133 for flights, hotels near the Clock Tower and airport transfers, with easy payment through Tabby, Tamara or UAE credit cards for up to 12 months installments.
Enjoying our content? Make us a preferred source on Google.
Add us as a Preferred Source on Google
