Deira Clocktower Dubai

The year 1965 marked the naissance of the Deira Clocktower, which was strategically positioned at the junction of the main roads that once led to the city of Dubai. Umm Hurair Road and Al Maktoum Road (Route D89) were among them. The clock tower, which takes its place in Deira’s Al Rigga district, was the creative output of architect Ziki Homsi (ADC). 

The clock tower, with its imposing size, initially, was the city’s trade, transport and oil export symbol. The structure was built at the point where all the major routes met, close to the time of its construction. Thus, it became one of the oldest modern landmarks of Dubai, and it is still the most beautiful clock tower by many.

• Historical Significance – Many factors contributed to building the tower at the major travel routes' crossroads, and this location became a landmark in Dubai's development.
• Iconic Architecture – The flowing concrete design, plus the four-sided clock face, renders it an immediately recognisable and camera-friendly structure. 
• Night Visuals & Fountain Feature – The night lighting, coupled with the palm trees' brilliance, does create stunning impressions.
• Strategic Location – The very centre of Deira is where it is; therefore, it is an ideal place for all those who are shopping, eating, exploring the city, and generally doing the same. 
• Free Public Access – No ticket is required; those who come can see and take pictures of the tower from the nearby sidewalks and lookout points. 

The Deora Clocktower gives a small but valuable experience in the middle of Dubai’s old-and-new area, whether one is just passing by or planning a half-day heritage walk.

Read more: Dubai Travel Guide 

• Location: Roundabout of Umm Hurair Road & Route D89 (Al Maktoum Road), Deira, Dubai, UAE 
• Opening Hours (2026): Open 24 hours (public monument)
• Suggested Duration: 15-60 minutes (ideal for a quick photo-stop or part of a heritage walk)

• Gold Souk & Spice Souk (Deira Markets) – A short walk across Dubai Creek for an authentic market experience. 
• Dubai Creek & Abra Ride – Experience the historic waterway connection between Deira and Bur Dubai.
• City Centre Deira Shopping Mall – Modern retail destination just nearby. 
• Baniyas Square & Al Rigga District – Bustling local streets, cafes and budget-friendly dining.

Day-Trip Tip: If you arrive in the late afternoon, visit the Deira Clocktower first, then walk through the surrounding Deira neighbourhood into the souks and finish by the Creek for sunset views. Comfortable, compact and memorable.

The Deira Clocktower and its surroundings can be extraordinarily photographable, mainly during the golden hour and summer early evenings. The roundabout and tower create a dramatic contrast of movement and stillness; cars swirl below the immobile monument.

Take the monument as a point of departure and go into Al Rigga, Naif, and the shuq. Immerse yourself in street life, traditional architecture, and Dubai's historic quarter's evolving skyline.

Even though the tower has no restaurant, there are many local and international eateries on the streets nearby. Have a light meal in the early evening and then come back to see the tower lit up.

Roundabouts and towers are the symbols of the transportation system in Dubai, and they demonstrate how the city once gave priority to vehicles over other modes of transport. This will be your experience as you sit there and watch the different traffic streams meeting beneath the tower.

Late-night hours bring out the city lights and turn the Deira Clocktower into a radiant centrepiece of the neighbourhood. The light and the atmosphere give a different experience than during the day.

Read more: Top Things to Do in Dubai - Activities & Experiences

A variety of reasonably priced cafes, Middle-Eastern restaurants, and relaxed dining places will surround the memorial. Indian thalis, Pakistani grills, original Emirati food, and global fast-food are some of the most favoured choices. The malls in the neighbourhood, such as City Centre Deira, are giving more up-market dining if you are in the mood for a nice sit-down.

The tower sits in a dense commercial district:

• Small local stores (electronics, textiles, souvenirs)
• City Centre Deira, a major retail mall close by
• Traditional market streets (souks) are within a short ride away

Pro Tip: Use this stop as part of a broader shopping + heritage outing. Visit the tower, then head into the souks or the mall, depending on your interests.

• Nearest metro stations: Al Rigga or City Centre Deira on the Red Line.
• Bus routes: Several RTA buses (e.g., 27, 53, C26) stop near the tower.

• The monument sits at a major intersection (Umm Hurair Road & D89) — clearly signposted.
• Parking nearby in commercial streets; for the best views, it’s easiest to arrive early.

If you are in the Dubai Mall / Downtown area, it’s a 10–15 minute taxi or short metro ride away.

• Try to get there around the afternoon or evening, as the best lighting is available and there will be fewer crowds. 
• Keep to the sidewalks and utilise the pedestrian crossings since the roundabout is constantly busy and the traffic is very fast. 
• Wear modest and respectful clothes because you are in a traditional commercial area. 
• Join your visit with nearby attractions (souks, creek ride) for the greatest value. 
• Go with a camera or smartphone for the big shots that take in the tower and the sky. 
• The tower is an open-air attraction, no tickets required.

• Afternoon (4 PM): Arrive at the tower, take photographs from various angles, and soak in the surrounding street scene.
• Evening (5–7 PM): Walk to nearby cafés or head into City Centre Deira mall for light dining.
• Night (7–8 PM): Return to the tower area for night lights, then continue walking through Deira’s souk lanes or take an abra ride across Dubai Creek.

• It is a small and no-cost point of interest that documents a crucial event in Dubai's modern history.
• It lies in Deira's very centre and opens the way to both traditional and modern shopping areas.
• Perfect for those who want to mix the city’s old and new sides in just a quick stop.
• Also, it’s great for photography lovers, seekers of architectural beauty, and anyone inquisitive about Dubai’s transformation.

Regardless of whether you can spare only 30 minutes or extend it to half a day, the Deira Clocktower is a great place to get a deep understanding of the city’s layers, which is why it deserves a spot on your 2026 Dubai itinerary.

The Deira Clocktower, while not a massive theme park or a skyscraper immersive experience, has its own nicely different appeal: a piece of Dubai’s contemporary heritage, a gorgeous landmark cool for taking Instagram pictures, and a link from yesterday to today. It is very accessible to get there, no cost is involved, and there is a lot of information, so it will be an intelligent stop for tourists wanting to see the hidden parts of the city. If you're browsing or booking a Dubai tour package, make sure to include the Deira Clocktower in your Dubai trip. Give yourself a moment here to pause, reflect, and capture one of Dubai’s most enduring symbols.