Dubai- UAE: Dubai Police have formally announced that the traditional Ramadan cannon will be fired in seven major locations around the emirate as part of an old-standing cultural tradition to both announce the sighting of the crescent moon and the start of the Holy Month of Ramadan. The announcement emphasizes the careful planning of the process which has been done to make sure that this symbolic ritual is preserved and is one of the most treasured Ramadan traditions in the UAE.

The Ramadan Cannon And its Symbolism And Sighting Of The Crescent

The shooting of the Ramadan cannon can be viewed as a sound proclamation of sighting the crescent moon, the official start of Ramadan. Over the decades, this tradition has been a spiritual and communal landmark that brings people together, whether they live there or visit it, in the hope of a month of reflection, discipline and charity.

In addition to its ritual role, the Ramadan cannon represents the tradition of the Emirati people. The roaring noise during sunset has a historical background since it connects current Dubai to the practices that were practiced in the past by previous generations within the region.

This year, the Dubai Police has selected seven strategically chosen locations where the Ramadan cannon will be, so the wide population of the city can access it. The selected sites will be:

Burj Khalifa
Jumeirah Beach Residence
Expo City Dubai (Al Wasl Plaza)
Dubai Festival City
Vida Creek Harbour Hotel
Damac Hills
Nazwa

The places were chosen as they were prominent, accessible, and high residential and tourist density. Placing the Ramadan cannon at the key cities of the country, the authorities want to increase the active involvement of people in the tradition as well as the presence of the custom in the city.

Launching Of Mobile Ramadan Cannon

Besides the fixed installations, the Dubai Police will also have mobile Ramadan cannon that will go round the emirate in 17 destinations. It is an initiative that represents an attempt to bring the tradition of the Ramadan cannon to the areas beyond the center of activity and into the areas of the houses and community.

The mobile teams will start their tour at the Dubai Gardens so that the residents of different districts can experience the firing with their own eyes.

Firing Schedule During Ramadan And Eid

Every cannon firing during the holy month and Eid festivities will have a predetermined firing plan during Ramadan. After all, 35 rounds will be fired and during Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr, including:

Two sessions to verify the observation of the Ramadan crescent.
One time in a day in the evening to indicate iftar.
One of them on the first day of Eid Al Fitr.
Two celebratory rounds of Eid prayers.

The given schedule highlights the ceremonial importance of Ramadan cannon at the start not only of the sacred month but also at its end.

Maintaining The Traditions And Heritage In The Metropolis

The fast development of Dubai into a global city has not reduced the effort of the city in maintaining the cultural values. Ramadan cannon serves as a bright representation of how the emirate is still traditional and modern at the same time.

This ritual has been held by Dubai Police over 60 years, and the current generation is also able to observe and value its importance. The fact that the Ramadan cannon continues to be there today just goes to confirm the efforts of Dubai to preserve its intangible cultural heritage besides promoting cohesion in one of the most sacred times in the Islamic calendar. With the coming of Ramadan, the sound of the Ramadan cannon will be heard once again in the skyline, a strong reminder of faith, community and tradition in the core of the UAE.

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