Private Developer Revives Dubai’s ‘Big Ben’ Tower — Without the Clock
Dubai’s iconic “Big Ben” tower — once known for its resemblance to London’s famous clock tower — is being revived under new ownership and a fresh identity. AHS Group, led by Abbas Sajwani, has announced plans to reopen the 70-storey structure as AHS Tower in the first quarter of 2027, without the signature clock that gave the building its nickname.
“We bought this building last July from the Commercial Bank of Dubai for approximately $120 million (Dh440.4 million),” said Abbas Sajwani, founder and CEO of AHS Group, and board member of Damac Group. “At the time, there was no freehold law on Sheikh Zayed Road, so our initial plan was to convert it into offices and retain it for leasing. However, with new regulations allowing freehold ownership, we decided to sell units as off-plan strata sales — and the response has been phenomenal. We sold out 95% of the building within weeks.”
A New Identity for a Landmark
The tower, located along Dubai’s prime Sheikh Zayed Road, offers panoramic views of the DIFC, Museum of the Future, Burj Khalifa, and the Arabian Gulf. While the structure remains over 200 metres tall, AHS Group confirmed that the new design will remove the clock feature, replacing it with a modern glass façade to reflect the building’s new identity.
“We are removing the clock as part of a full façade redesign,” Sajwani explained. “This project represents a new chapter — one that blends modern design, business functionality, and luxury amenities.”
Addressing Dubai’s Grade A Office Shortage
Sajwani emphasized that AHS Tower will help fill the gap in Dubai’s Grade A office space market. The development will feature a private members’ club, business centre, two-floor spa, cigar room, indoor pool, garden, gym, and triple-height lobby, creating one of the city’s most sophisticated commercial environments.
“Dubai currently faces a shortage of premium office towers,” he noted. “AHS Tower will set new standards for corporate spaces, combining functionality with luxury to meet the evolving needs of global businesses.”
According to Skyscraper Center, the UAE already boasts more than 100 towers exceeding 230 metres in height, and AHS Tower is expected to reinforce the city’s reputation for architectural ambition.
Looking ahead, Sajwani revealed that AHS Group has multiple new developments in the pipeline, with a gross development value exceeding $12 billion (Dh44 billion) by the end of 2026.
