Eagle-eyed observers will have noticed that over the past few weeks, the flower clock by the Sheraton hotel on Abu Dhabi’s Corniche has been removed. Inaugurated in 2002, the clock was a gift from Switzerland and a replica of the famous botanical timepiece in Geneva.
This photograph from 2010 shows its fountains, plants, flowers and rocks. Under the hour and second hands ran the letters “Abu Dhabi – Geneva”. A Wam report from the opening in April 2002 noted the ceremony was attended by Sheikh Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, the Ruler’s Representative in the Western Region, and Manuel Tornare, mayor of Geneva.
It is unclear why the clock was removed but roadworks are taking place nearby and in the adjacent Al Zahiyah neighbourhood, formerly the Tourist Club Area.
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