Ramzan Iftar cannons return to Dubai’s key locations

Dubai Confirms Iftar Cannon Locations for Ramadan 2024

The places where Iftar cannons would be fired during the holy month of Ramadan 2024 have been formally confirmed by Dubai Police. The revelation was made on Monday, February 24, at a news conference held at Expo City Dubai, where officials described the locations of both mobile and permanent cannons throughout the emirate.

Continuing a tradition deeply rooted in Emirati heritage, the Iftar cannon, known as ‘madfa al iftar,’ serves as a symbolic and historical signal for the breaking of fast. Before the advent of modern timekeeping devices, the cannon blast was an essential auditory cue for Muslims to mark the end of their daily fast. Even today, despite the availability of digital clocks and prayer apps, the tradition remains an important part of Ramzan celebrations in Dubai.

To provide the locations and schedule for the cannon firings, senior authorities attended the conference, including Lieutenant Colonel Abdullah Taresh Al Ameemi and Major General Abdullah Ali Al Ghaithi, Assistant Commander-in-Chief for Operations. This year, a mobile cannon will travel to 17 various locations over the course of the month, while seven fixed cannons will be positioned in conspicuous places.

At key locations such Salt Camp (Kite Beach), Al Khawaneej Majlis, Expo City Dubai, Damac Hills, Uptown Mirdif, Burj Khalifa, Wasl Properties, and Hatta Fort Hotel, the stationary cannons will be positioned.
To guarantee that a large portion of the public may witness the customary cannon discharge at sunset, these locations have been carefully chosen.

To enable additional communities throughout the city to observe this age-old practice, the mobile cannon, often known as the “roaming cannon,” will be moved every two days in addition to the set positions.
It will stop at locations such as Al Satwa Grand Mosque, Al Marmoom, Zabeel Park, Festival City, Wasl 1 Community, Madinat Jumeirah, Al Barsha Park, and several other residential and public spaces, ensuring that the echoes of the 170-decibel blast reach different parts of the city.

To further highlight the cultural significance of the event, Dubai Police will add a historical flavour to this year’s proceedings by including two classic French cannons from the 1960s in the ceremonial firing.

By maintaining and nurturing this beloved tradition, Dubai is combining the energy of contemporary festivities with its rich cultural heritage, ensuring that locals and tourists can experience Ramadan in an authentic and meaningful way.