Photos: Ramadan cannons in the UAE, a resounding tradition

The boom of cannon fire that announces iftar is a Ramadan tradition that has not lost its appeal with the passage of time. Above, Dubai police personnel firing cannon to announce Iftar time at Burj park in Dubai.

In Sharjah, the Ramadan cannon is being fired at Al Majaz Waterfront. Ramadan cannons in Sharjah began in 1930 followed by Dubai in 1960 and Abu Dhabi in 1970.

The cannon fires a blank cartridge that only contains black powder. These impressive Ramadan cannons in Dubai were built in 1945 in Britain and have since then been used to announce prayer and iftar timings during the holy month in Dubai for decades. With a sound range of 170 decibels, they can be heard as far as 10 km away.

Dubai Police strives to keep the tradition alive as the shooting of cannons reminds people of the time they could end their fasts. Above, Canon fired at the Atlantis Hotel on Palm Jumeirah, Dubai.

In Abu Dhabi, the cannon is fired from the Shaikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

Residents waiting for Dubai police personnel to fire at Burj park in Dubai.

This year, the world’s largest fountain at The Pointe, Palm Jumeirah, is offering an alternative to the cannon firing that signals iftar. A Ramadan-themed display runs daily at the fountain signalling to visitors that they can end their fast. After the sun sets, The Palm Fountain will stage a show every 30 minutes swaying to different songs, including iconic Emirati songs.

There are restrictions on people gathering to watch the display due to Covid precautionary measures.

A resident taking photo of Dubai police personnel getting ready to fire a cannon.

In Dubai, the cannons have been placed at Burj Khalifa, Atlantis the Palm, Al Salam Masjid in Al Barsha, Burj Khalifa, Al Mamzar Beach, Al Habbai Mosque in Al Khawaneej, and the prayer ground in Al Mankhool.

Residents get a photograph clicked in front of the Dubai Police cannon at Burj park.