The Holy Month of Ramadan is nearing, and Dubai Police has revealed the locations of their traditional Ramadan cannons across the emirate. To ensure extensive coverage, these cannons will be stationed at seven fixed locations, with an extra mobile cannon visiting 13 different areas. Dubai Police made this announcement during a press conference held on 7 March at Expo City Dubai.
His Excellency Major General Abdullah Ali Al Ghaithi stated that the police force, in collaboration with strategic partners, has established specialised teams to oversee the placement of Ramadan cannons at designated sites.
These cannons, categorised as 'Stationary Cannons,' will be installed across seven prominent areas in the emirate, such as Expo Dubai, Damac Hills, Vida Creek Harbour, Burj Khalifa, Mirdif Downtown, Festival City, and Hatta Guest House.
Mobile Cannon Locations
His Excellency Major General Abdullah Ali Al Ghaithi explained the schedule of the mobile cannon, noting that it will spend two days at each of the 13 designated locations. The journey will commence at Al Satwa Big Mosque and include stops at prominent locations such as Burj Khalifa, Nad Al Sheba, Al Ghaf Walk, Umm Suqeim Majlis, Zabeel Park, with another visit to Nad Al Sheba. It will then proceed to Dubai Creek Harbour, Hatta, followed by another visit to Nad Al Sheba. The mobile cannon will also visit Al Khawaneej Majlis, Festival City, and conclude its journey at Dubai International Financial Centre.
More About Canons Used For Ramadan
Every cannon will be fired twice consecutively to signal the start of Ramadan, once daily at Iftar time, twice consecutively to announce Eid Al Fitr, and again twice following Eid prayers.
Weighing 25 pounds and capable of producing a powerful sound reaching up to 170 decibels, the cannon boasts an impressive range of up to 10km. Dubai TV will broadcast live cannon launching events during Iftar time, consistently enhancing the spiritual ambience, promoting social values, fostering unity, and strengthening familial bonds.
Importance Of Canon Firing During Ramadan
The Iftar cannon, known as 'madfa al iftar', serves as a historical tradition, literally translating to the cannon for breaking fast. Before the prevalence of clocks and modern timekeeping technology, the loud cannon blast was a practical way to alert the public when to break their fast.
Originating in the 1960s in the UAE, this tradition predates the widespread use of speaker systems in mosques. While modern methods like the adhan (the first Islamic call to prayer) from neighbourhood mosques or television broadcasts now inform individuals of iftar time, many still await the firing of the cannon during Ramadan. As per protocol, four police officers must be present at each cannon firing.