Locations of cannons installed throughout the emirate of Dubai have been announced by Dubai Police. During Ramadan 2023, one mobile and seven fixed cannons will fire at sunset at the beginning of Iftar, which is a meal at the end of the day which breaks the fast.

These cannons have become a signature part of Ramadan since the early 1960’s, as every day during the holy month, a single shot will announce the end of fasting. Two shots will be used to mark the beginning of Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr, which is celebrated the first three days of Shawwal. Four officers should be present at each firing. Two of them give orders and play the role of guardians, while the other two are responsible for manning the cannon.

Major General Abdullah Ali Al Ghaithi, Assistant Commander-in-Chief for Operations Affairs, stated that a representative in every chosen place had been formed. Thus, in Ramadan 2023, cannons will be located in seven fixed locations throughout the emirate of Dubai including the Burj Khalifa, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai Expo City, Festival City, Uptown, Damac and Hatta Inn. According to Major General Al-Ghaithi, the main cannon will be located in Expo City Dubai for the first time and will be part of the strong and continuous partnership between the two parties.

The eighth cannon will be mobile and will change location throughout fifteen areas across the emirate, including mosques such as the Satwa Grand Mosque, the Grand Mosque in Zabeel, Al-Awir Grand Mosque, Al-Habab Mosque, Al-Habai Mosque in Al-Khawaneej, Bin Dafoos Mosque in Al-Twar, Al-Salam Mosque in Al-Barsha, Nad Al Sheba Mosque and the Eid prayer hall in Mankhool. Other famous sights such as Dubai International Financial Centre, Ain Dubai, Kite Beach in Jumeirah, Al-Nahda School for Girls in Lusaili, Al-Quoz 4 ‘Al-Khail Heights’ area and Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum City will also take a turn at housing the cannon.

As Butti Al Falasi, Director of the Security Awareness Department in the General Department of Community Happiness, said the Dubai Police is quite interested in the Ramadan cannon, as it is one of the key symbols of the holy month, symbolizing the traditions and culture of the country.

During the Iftar period, the cannon launch will be broadcast on Dubai TV to strengthen the atmosphere of the holy month, which is the perfect time for practicing forgiveness, doing charity work, spending time with family members and close ones, as well as reflecting and building strong relationships with Allah.

Major Abdullah Tarish Al Amimi, Commander and Commander of the Iftar Cannons in the month of Ramadan, said that two old French cannons, which were used in the 1960’s and were placed in the Dubai Police Museum, would be used during the Iftar activities in 2023.

The cannons, which mark the beginning of Iftar, will also be located in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Al Dhafra, Umm Al Quwain and Ras Al Khaimah. In the Emirati capital, they are placed in iconic places such as Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Qasr Al Hosn, Formula One car park in the Al Shahama area and Mother of the Nation Park. Shots from the cannons can be heard from kilometres away, so everyone should have a chance at hearing them at least once throughout the time of Ramadan.

Visiting the UAE during Ramadan can be an unforgettable experience. It’s advisable to learn more about working hours of the private sector, public sector, federal entities and ministries in advance, as they are reduced during the holy month.