Time will soon be moving again in Al Ain.
A huge digital clock is being built at one of the city's busiest intersections. It is also where the city's old clock tower, the oldest landmark in Al Ain, once stood.
The clock is part of the new plan to give a modern look to the city, which promotes itself both regionally and internationally as a cultural and family-oriented destination.
Erected on the north corner of the newly redesigned intersection on Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Road (the Main Street), the clock will face the city centre.
Though the intersection was reopened to traffic in July 2003, construction work has yet to be completed.
The old clock tower was in the middle of the roundabout and was similar to the ones built in Abu Dhabi City and Dubai when the country was making the move to a modern state in the 1970s.
Demolition of the old clock tower was part of the plan as was the new intersection, all done to reflect the modern look of the changing city, according to the municipality and the Town Planning Department.
Construction costs will total Dh20 million.
The Faculty of Engineering at UAE University has also lent support and technical help in the design, a source at the municipality said.
"The work on the project is being done at a fast pace and we hope that it will be completed soon," he said. The city is growing and is trying to reshape itself as a modern place.
The municipality has already constructed many pedestrian crossings, bridges and roundabouts.
A network of new roads has also improved the city's traffic flow.
