The UAE Iftar Cannon is a long-standing tradition during the holy month of Ramadan. It is a daily event that signals the end of the day’s fast and the time for Iftar, the breaking of the fast.
The Iftar Cannon is usually fired at sunset, and it is a spectacle for tourists and residents in the country. The cannon is fired once, and the sound echoes across the city, signalling to those fasting that it is time to break their fast. This is followed by the call to prayer from the local mosques, and people start to gather to break their fast together.
The cannon is usually placed in a prominent location, such as a mosque or a public square.
Iftar cannon locations for Ramadan 2023
These locations will fire the Iftar cannon for two days in a row each, until April 21.
- DIFC
- Zabeel Grand Mosque
- Al Nahda National School for Girls
- Lahbab Mosque 1
- Al Aweer Grand Mosque
- Ahmed Al Habbai Mosque in Al Khawaneej
- Bin Dafoos Mosque in Al Twar
- Al Mankhool
- Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum City
- Ain Dubai
- Al Salam Mosque in Al Barsha
- Kite Beach in Jumeirah
- Nad Al Sheba Mosque
- The Pointe at Palm Jumeirah
Additionally, there are locations from where the cannon will be fired every day during the holy month.
- Dubai Festival City
- Damac Hills
- Expo City
- Burj Khalifa
- Hatta Guest House
- Uptown Mirdiff
- Madinat Jumeirah
Iftar cannon timings
| DAY/DATE | IMSAK | MAGHRIB |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday, March 28 | 4:47 AM | 6:37 PM |
| Wednesday, March 29 | 4:46 AM | 6:37 PM |
| Thursday, March 30 | 4:45 AM | 6:38 PM |
| Friday, March 31 | 4:44 AM | 6:38 PM |
| Saturday, April 1 | 4:42 AM | 6:39 PM |
| Sunday, April 2 | 4:41 AM | 6:39 PM |
| Monday, April 3 | 4:40 AM | 6:39 PM |
| Tuesday, April 4 | 4:39 AM | 6:40 PM |
| Wednesday, April 5 | 4:38 AM | 6:40 PM |
| Thursday, April 6 | 4:37 AM | 6:41 PM |
| Friday, April 7 | 4:36 AM | 6:41 PM |
| Saturday, April 8 | 4:35 AM | 6:42 PM |
| Sunday, April 9 | 4:33 AM | 6:42 PM |
| Monday, April 10 | 4:32 AM | 6:43 PM |
| Tuesday, April 11 | 4:31 AM | 6:43 PM |
| Wednesday, April 12 | 4:30 AM | 6:43 PM |
| Thursday, April 13 | 4:29 AM | 6:44 PM |
| Friday, April 14 | 4:28 AM | 6:44 PM |
| Saturday, April 15 | 4:27 AM | 6:45 PM |
| Sunday, April 16 | 4:26 AM | 6:45 PM |
| Monday, April 17 | 4:25 AM | 6:46 PM |
| Tuesday, April 18 | 4:23 AM | 6:46 PM |
| Wednesday, April 19 | 4:22 AM | 6:47 PM |
| Thursday, April 20 | 4:21 AM | 6:47 PM |
To mark the start of Ramadan, an 1894 French cannon was fired in Dubai.
When firing cannons during Ramadan, four officers should be present at each firing. Two officers must prepare the cannon, as one passes a blank cartridge, whereas the other loads it. Two officers will be guardians of the cannon and give orders.
The French cannon was used in two world wars before and was used for the first time in over 50 years, this Ramadan. The cannons, titled midfa al iftar, are usually located at the Dubai Police Museum.
The tradition dates back to the early 19th century and was originally used as a means of alerting people to the end of the day’s fast before the advent of modern technology.
The Iftar Cannon is not just a means of signalling the end of the fast, but it is also a symbol of the country’s cultural heritage. It is a testament to the UAE’s commitment to preserving its traditions and promoting them to future generations. The tradition is cherished by Emiratis and expatriates alike, and it has become an integral part of the country’s Ramadan celebrations.
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