Dubai Police have reinstated the traditional Ramadan cannon firing, a more than 60-year-old custom that signals the start of the holy month and daily iftar across the emirate. The main cannon will be stationed in Nazwa, with six additional fixed locations and a mobile cannon touring communities throughout Ramadan.
The initiative is coordinated with official moon-sighting authorities, preserving a long-standing Emirati tradition while bringing families together to mark crescent sighting and sunset fasting times. Stationary cannons have been set up at key residential and tourist areas, including Jumeirah Beach Residence, Burj Khalifa, Damac Hills, Al Wasl Plaza in Expo City Dubai, Dubai Festival City, and Vida Creek Harbour Hotel.
Seventeen stops have been prepared for the mobile cannon, starting at Dubai Gardens and moving through locations such as One&Only One Za’abeel, Umm Suqeim Majlis, Bab Al Shams Hotel, Atlantis Hotel, Global Village, Mirdif, Lehbab, Al Khawaneej Majlis, and Al Barsha Park.
The Ramadan cannon has been carefully preserved and modernised to engage communities during the holy month. Each cannon will fire 35 rounds throughout Ramadan and Eid, including:
- Two rounds to confirm the Ramadan crescent sighting
- One daily round at sunset to signal iftar
- One round for the first day of Eid Al Fitr
- Two celebratory rounds after the Eid prayer
Dubai Police say the ceremonies strengthen community engagement, revive Arab and Islamic customs, and share the joy of Ramadan with residents and visitors alike.
