Dubai police announce locations for Eid Al Fitr cannons
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Dubai: Dubai Police have revealed seven locations around the emirate where Eid Al Fitr cannons will be fired to mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan. The firing of the cannons signifies that Muslims may stop obligatory fasting until the next Ramadan and mark the sighting of the new crescent moon of the month of Shawwal, which ushers in Eid Al Fitr.
The Eid cannons are at several locations across Dubai – Zabeel Grand Mosque and at prayer sites in Al Barsha, Nad Al Sheba, Nad Al Hamar, Al Baraha, Umm Suqeim and Hatta, Dubai Media Office reported on Sunday.
The tradition of firing Eid cannons has been a part of the UAE's culture since the 1960s and serves as a reminder of the importance of community and the preservation of traditions in the modern world. The cannons can be heard up to a distance of 10km and are managed by Dubai Police.
According to protocol, four officers from Dubai Police must be present at each firing. Two officers man the cannon, one passes the blank cartridge and the other loads it, while two officers at the back are guardians of the cannon and give orders. The cannon is fired twice on the last day of Ramadan to mark the end of fasting and twice again on Eid morning.
Muslims across the emirate will pray at mosques and special prayers will be held to mark the start of Eid. Private and government workers will begin their Eid break on Monday, April 8, which will continue until Friday, April 12, if Ramadan lasts 29 days or Monday, April 15, if it lasts 30 days as predicted.
The UAE's moon-sighting committee will confirm the starting date of Eid Al Fitr and the end of Ramadan, urging Muslims to try and sight the Moon on the evening of Monday, the 29th day of Ramadan.