Saving Souq Sharq’s Famous Water Clock

# What happened

A notable question during the redevelopment was whether the mall's famous water clock would be preserved or removed. The clock is by French physicist and artist Bernard Gitton and has been a central feature of Souq Sharq since the mall opened.

# What URC decided

URC confirmed the water clock will be saved. Because the clock is fragile and sensitive, moving it posed a significant risk of damage. To avoid that, construction teams have kept the clock in place and erected a protective structure around it while the rest of the mall is renovated.

# What the author observed

The article's author visited Souq Sharq during the renovation and noted the mall felt surreal and unrecognizable in parts, such as the cinema area. The water clock itself remains on site and intact within the temporary protective enclosure. The author took photographs during that visit.

# Why this matters locally

The water clock is a distinctive piece of public art tied to Souq Sharq's identity. The decision to preserve it keeps a familiar element of the mall for residents who associate the site with personal and community memories.

# What remains unresolved

URC has not confirmed the clock's final location within the redeveloped project. The project team is in talks with Bernard Gitton about whether the clock will stay where it is or be moved to another part of the mall.

# Short practical takeaways

• The water clock is saved and remains on site in a protective structure.
• Final placement will be decided after discussions between URC and the artist.

# Visuals mentioned

The article includes photographs taken by the author of the water clock in its protective enclosure and of construction areas inside the vacant mall.

# Bottom line

Souq Sharq's Bernard Gitton water clock was not dismantled or destroyed during the mall's refurbishment. URC chose to protect it in place while continuing renovation work, with final decisions on its permanent placement pending consultation with the artist.