The holy month of Ramadan is once again being marked by the distinctive boom of ceremonial cannons echoing across Dubai at sunset. This tradition, known locally as “midfa al iftar,” signals to Muslims throughout the city that it’s time to break their daily fast.
Ramadan, the ninth month in the Islamic lunar calendar, is a period when Muslims worldwide fast from sunrise to sunset for 30 days. This practice represents one of the five pillars of Islam, serving both as an exercise in spiritual discipline and as a reminder to cultivate compassion for those less fortunate.
The tradition of cannon firing is believed to have originated in 10th-century Egypt as a practical method to announce iftar time. In Dubai, the practice dates back to the 1960s, when it served as an essential community service before modern loudspeaker systems were installed in mosques.
The iftar cannon is an essential part of the UAE’s culture and traditions, still observed in many parts of the country. In Dubai, the iftar cannon is fired from Burj Khalifa, using a replica of the original antique cannon that signaled the end of fast in earlier times.
Beyond its practical purpose, the iftar cannon serves as a unifying force for Dubai’s diverse population. It brings together people from different walks of life, regardless of nationality or religion, to celebrate the holy month. The cannon firing has become a moment of collective celebration, with communities gathering across the city to break their fast together.
Dubai Police now oversee this ceremonial firing at several locations throughout the emirate, including near the Burj Khalifa and at prayer grounds in Al Mankhool and Al Baraha.
The protocol follows specific traditions: two consecutive cannon fires announce the beginning of Ramadan, while a single shot marks iftar each evening. When Ramadan concludes with Eid Al Fitr, cannons are fired twice to announce the festival’s beginning and twice again on Eid morning.
Despite technological advances that have made the cannon unnecessary as a timekeeping device – with mosques now using modern speaker systems for the call to prayer, or “adhan” – this beloved tradition continues to thrive as a cultural touchstone connecting Dubai’s rapid modernization with its rich heritage.
