THE UAE’S TIMELESS TIMEKEEPERS

Deira Clock Tower

Built in 1963 and designed by Syrian architect Ziki Homsi, the Deira Clock Tower stands at the gateway to Maktoum Bridge in Dubai. It was intended to be the first significant structure visitors to Dubai would see and remains a major tourist attraction to this day. The clock face sits, almost precariously, at the centre of four pincer-like structures, while a fountain bubbles away below. In 2008, face and hands were replaced by Omega models.

Al Ain Clock

This beautiful blue and gold clock is the largest inclined clock in the world – and yet it sits, mostly unnoticed, at a busy junction in Al Ain. What a shame because, with a diameter of 13 metres, hands that measure eight metres, and thousands of tiny lights embedded in the clock face, it is a marvel. Built in the 1970s and designed by British clockmakers Smith of Derby, this stunning timepiece is inspired by an astrolabe, the ancient instrument used by astronomers to determine the altitude of objects in the night sky.

Sharjah Clock Tower

On Al Zahra square in Sharjah, this meticulously detailed clock tower emerges from a circle of gold, petal-like objects and shoots skywards, as if it has emerged, defiant, from beneath the ground. The clock face is not the most impressive but the tall column is covered in fine, red, gold and blue engravings – and it is these that make this clock tower one of the undoubted highlights of this underrated emirate.