All about the Ramadan cannons in the UAE for 2024
One of the most familiar sounds associated with the holy month of Ramadan in the UAE is cannons firing at Iftar. But do you know the history of the booming sound that can be heard across the UAE? If not, join us as we explore this long-standing tradition and its significance within the country. We also reveal the locations of the Ramadan cannons across the UAE for 2024.
HISTORY OF IFTAR CANNONS
Authorities started the longstanding Ramadan cannon firing tradition to inform residents when to break their fast and start their iftar meal.
Some historians believe that the cannon-firing tradition during Ramadan originated in Egypt in the 10th Century. During the reign of one of the Fatimid caliphs, a cannon was placed on Cairo’s Muqatam Hill so that Muslims could break their fast at the sound of a cannon blast.
Another story suggests that the tradition was started by Ottoman ruler Khosh Qadam by coincidence when he tested a recently acquired cannon at sunset. The people of Cairo took it as a signal to break their fasts and loved the idea so much that they headed to the palace to pay their gratitude.
When Sultan’s daughter Haja Fatima learned about the masses’ appreciation for the cannon blast, she urged her father to make it a tradition for iftar. The king agreed, and ‘midfa al iftar’, a custom named after the nickname of Haja Fatima, was born.
Ramzan cannon firing has become a beloved tradition in many countries worldwide. In fact, it is one of the many global Ramadan traditions followed across Muslim countries.
SIGNIFICANCE OF RAMADAN CANNONS IN THE UAE
According to Ahmad Al Jafflah, a presenter at Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Centre for Cultural Understanding, cannon blasting during Ramadan started in Sharjah in the 1930s. Dubai followed the concept of Ramadan cannons in the 1960s, and Abu Dhabi introduced cannon firing in the 1970s.
Around 200 cartridges are fired nationwide from various Ramadan cannon locations during the holy month. Ramadan begins with two cannon fires, while iftar timing for each day of Ramadan is announced with a single boom.
Two shots are also fired to announce the start of Eid Al Fitr. On the day of Eid, two more shots are fired, marking the commencement of Eid prayers in the UAE.
The impressive Ramadan cannons in Dubai were built in 1945 in Britain and have since been used to announce prayer and iftar timings during the holy month in Dubai for decades. With a sound range of 170 decibels, residents can hear them as far as 10 km away.
RAMADAN CANNONS LOCATIONS 2024
Want to know the best places to see Ramadan cannons in 2024?
DUBAI
The Dubai Police recently announced the cannons locations to announce iftar during the holy month.
Here are the stationed Ramadan cannons locations in Dubai:
- Expo City Dubai
- Burj Khalifa
- Festival City
- Uptown
- Madinat Jumeriah
- DAMAC Hills
- Hatta Guest House
Plus, the mobile cannons will travel to different areas in Dubai, including:
- Al Satwa Big Mosque
- Al Ghaf Walk
- Umm Suqeim Majlis
- Zabeel Park
- Dubai Creek Harbour
- Hatta
- Al Khawaneej Majles
- Dubai Festival City
- Dubai International Financial Centre
The mobile cannon will be stationed for two days at each of the above-listed locations.
ABU DHABI AND AL AIN
Like Dubai, cannons will be placed across the UAE capital. Abu Dhabi cannon locations are Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Um Al Emarat Park in Al Mushrif, Qasr Al Hosn and Al Shahama City in Formula Parking.
In Al Ain, the areas for selected cannon firing are Zakher and Al Jahili Fort. Whereas, in Al Dhafra City, cannon fire for Ramadan will be placed in ADNOC Parks.
NORTHERN EMIRATES
In Sharjah, Ramadan Cannons will be placed in five places.
- Meteorological Front Square
- Fortress Square in the Central Region
- Clock Tower Square in Kalba City
- Khurfkan Runway Square
- Daba Al Hassan Center Square
You can also witness the event from the comfort of your home live on TV.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT ARE THE RAMADAN WORKING HOURS IN THE UAE?
To show respect and solidarity with Muslims observing fast, offices in the UAE’s public and private sectors will also observe reduced working hours. Check out our UAE Ramadan working hours guide for the latest updates.
WHERE CAN I FIND A RAMADAN PRAYER TIMING GUIDE?
Bookmark our Ramadan prayer timings guide to keep track of the timings for iftar and imsak in Dubai.
HOW DO PEOPLE PREPARE FOR RAMADAN IN THE UAE?
Here’s how you can prepare your home for Ramadan and welcome the blessed month.
Ramadan is truly a spiritual time to strengthen your bond with the Almighty. You can also celebrate the festivities with family and friends by opting for dine-in iftars in Dubai.
To get timely updates about Ramadan and other festivities in the UAE, stay tuned to MyBayut.
