Dubai: Traditional Ramadan cannons will be placed at seven locations across Dubai, while a mobile cannon will travel to 13 areas, Dubai Police announced at a press conference at Expo City Dubai on Thursday.
Maj Gen Abdullah Ali Al Ghaithi, Assistant Commandant for Operations Affairs, said that the main cannon will once again be placed at Expo Dubai, while six will be placed at Damac Hills, Vida Creek Harbour, Burj Khalifa, Mirdif Downtown, Festival City and Hatta Guest House.
A crew consisting of a sergeant, traffic officer and soldiers will operate the cannons. For the first time, the crew in Expo City will be dressed in the Dubai Police uniform worn in 1956.
The 13 locations
The mobile cannon will spend two days at each of the 13 locations, Maj Gen Al Ghaithi said. “The journey will commence at Al Satwa Big Mosque and include stops at Burj Khalifa, Nad Al Sheba, Al Ghaf Walk, Umm Suqeim Majlis, Zabeel Park, with another visit to Nad Al Sheba. It will then proceed to Dubai Creek Harbour, Hatta, followed by another visit to Nad Al Sheba. It will also visit Al Khawaneej Majlis, Festival City, and conclude its journey at Dubai International Financial Centre,” he added.
Cannon firing will be broadcast live on Dubai TV during iftar time daily.
Each cannon will be fired twice in a row to announce Ramadan, once every day to announce iftar and twice in a row to announce Eid Al Fitr and again twice after Eid prayers.
Dubai Police use British-made PDR MK1L Cannons 25 made in 1945. Each cannon weighs 25 pounds and produces a sound of up to 170 decibels, which can be heard at a distance of up to 10km.
Lt Col Abdullah Tarish Al Amimi, Commander of the Artillery Unit, said that two vintage French cannons will be placed at Damac Hills and Festival City. These cannons used in the 1960s and deployed during Ramadan last year, have become an integral part of the annual tradition.
Meanwhile, Amna Abulhoul, Executive Creative Director, Entertainment and Events, announced the second edition of Hai Ramadan, which showcases Emirati traditions and heritage.
Hamed Bin Karam, Senior Director of Programmes at Sama Dubai TV Channel, said that an exciting interactive experience awaits viewers with the Rahal cannon. Popular cartoon characters such as Al Mandous Carnival will also entertain children.
