The key facts
- The new women's tower is being built opposite the existing 60-metre clock tower opened on 17 March 2022
- The complex on the Khor Fakkan road will include two homes for the elderly, physiotherapy centres, a women's protection centre and 390 parking spaces
- The opening dates and architectural details of the new tower have not yet been disclosed
A second clock tower — for women
The Ruler of Sharjah, Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, has announced the construction of a new clock tower in Kalba, intended for women. According to him, the existing tower is designated for men, while the second one is being built on the opposite side of the university grounds. Construction is already underway, and the architectural designs have been prepared by the project engineer. The emirate's ruler made the announcement on the daily radio and TV programme Direct Line, reports The National.
Where it is located and what is nearby
The new tower will be built near the University of Kalba, opposite the existing tower at the intersection of Al Wahda and Al Corniche streets. The university will adjoin it on the west, and on the east there will be a cooperative society, the Kalba lagoon and an island. Behind it will be a spacious public park extending to the cemetery wall, featuring a large air-conditioned indoor hall equipped with play areas. Sheikh Sultan called the park the first of its kind in Kalba and a gift to its residents, adding that similar parks are planned for other areas. The site for the tower was chosen so as to preserve the privacy of residents of nearby houses. The purpose of the new tower is to give women an enclosed and comfortable space for relaxation and gatherings.
The existing tower: what has already been built
The existing tower was opened by Sheikh Sultan on 17 March 2022. It is 60 metres tall with seven floors, its architecture is in the Islamic style, and its top is crowned by five-metre clocks and a dome with gilded mosaic. Around the tower there are 12 main fountains — one for each hour — and 60 smaller ones marking the minutes. There are two viewing decks, including a restaurant, with panoramic views of the Kalba lake, the university, the mangrove reserve and the surrounding mountains.
The care complex on the Khor Fakkan road
In addition to the tower, the Ruler of Sharjah has approved the creation of a comprehensive care centre for men and women on the Khor Fakkan road. It will include two homes for the elderly, physiotherapy centres, two counselling centres, two orphanages, a women's protection centre, a community centre and 390 parking spaces for visitors, residents and staff. The complex is intended to become a single space for care, rehabilitation, family support and community events; it will also house gardens, a mosque and an event plaza.
What remains unknown
The announcement did not reveal the architectural features of the new women's tower, its fittings or the expected opening date. It is only known that construction has begun and the design documentation is ready; according to the Ruler of Sharjah, he hopes the new tower will bring people joy.
