Dubai's Design Disruptors - Roundabouts
Hear from some of the designers who are disrupting Dubai's design landscape.
Deira Clocktower with city view, designed by Otto Bullard and Ziki Homsi by Dubai CultureDubai Culture & Arts Authority
The integration of art into public spaces greatly enhances the cultural, aesthetic, and economic vibrancy of a community. For decades, public art has been integral to the cultural landscape of the Emirates.
It has manifested in diverse forms – from sculptures of coffee pots beautifying roundabouts to intricate drawings of camels and falcons crafted by local residents.
During its 50-year history, Dubai has had different focus points.
Fish Roundabout aerial view by Mir Ismaili, Dubai by Dubai CultureDubai Culture & Arts Authority
Its beginnings came into life on either shore of the creek, as a trading centre, with developments where Al Fahidi Neighbourhood can now be found, with several spaces dedicated to the creative arts and an annual showcase, Sikka Art Fair.
Deira Clocktower with City daylight view, designed by Otto Bullard and Ziki Homsi, Dubai by Dubai CultureDubai Culture & Arts Authority
On the other side of the Creek, Deira developed as an important business hub. The Deira Clocktower, located on a roundabout, is one of Dubai's oldest landmarks.
It was designed by Otto Bullard and Ziki Homsi and built in 1965, before the unification of the UAE. Conceived in 1963 to celebrate the Emirates first oil exports, it was originally made using steel reinforcements, which eventually started to corrode.
Deira Clocktower, designed by Otto Bullard and Ziki Homsi by Dubai CultureDubai Culture & Arts Authority
It was reconstructed in 1989 using concrete to prevent further corrosion and keep the structure secure. When it was built, the location was the only entry point for visitors arriving in Dubai from Sharjah, built at the gateway of Maktoum Bridge, which officially opened in 1963.
The clock was a gift from Shaikh Ahmed of Qatar (Shaikh Rashid’s son-in-law). The 4 clock faces were replaced in 1989 with Omega models, incorporating GPS.
Fish Roundabout side view day light by Mir Ismaili, Dubai by Dubai cultureDubai Culture & Arts Authority
Close by Al Ghurair Mall on route to Al Muraqqabat, Al Rigga and Al Muteena is the Fish Roundabout - which celebrates the most important economic trades of Dubai in the 19th and early 20th century, of fishing and pearl diving.
Fish Roundabout by Mir Ismaili Dubai, by Dubai CultureDubai Culture & Arts Authority
The fish sculpture was made by the Iranian artist Mir Ismaili, who studied architecture in Paris and has several other sculptures displayed on roundabouts across France. It is set inside a water fountain.
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