Ramadan 2025: Where to Experience Dubai’s Iconic Iftar Cannon Tradition

Dubai doesn't just observe Ramadan—it celebrates it with grandeur and reverence, weaving together age-old traditions with the city's signature modernity. One of the most cherished customs of the holy month? The iftar cannons—a tradition so deeply rooted in the region's history that the thunderous boom has become synonymous with breaking the fast.

For Ramadan 2025, Dubai Police has confirmed seven fixed locations for the iconic Iftar cannon and added three new mobile locations, bringing the total to 17 across the city.

Every evening at Maghrib prayer time, a single cannon shot rings out to mark the end of the day's fast. If you're in Dubai, here's where you can witness this tradition:

Fixed Cannon Locations

These sites will have a stationary cannon throughout Ramadan:
- Expo City Dubai – A futuristic setting for an ancient tradition
- Burj Khalifa – The world's tallest tower meets one of Dubai's oldest customs
- Festival City – Scenic waterfront views with a booming Ramadan experience
- Uptown Dubai – A prime new addition for 2025
- Madinat Jumeirah – The perfect blend of heritage and modern luxury
- DAMAC Hills – A suburban spot for those away from the city center
- Hatta Guest House – A mountain backdrop for a truly unique iftar moment

10 Roaming Locations

To reach more communities, Dubai Police has introduced roaming cannons that will stay for two days in each location before moving to the next.
- Meydan Hotel – Because Ramadan deserves a racecourse-level spectacle
- Satwa Mosque – A historic community site with deep cultural ties
- Al Marmoom – Firing cannons in the vast desert? Yes, please.
- Zabeel Park – Perfect for families and picnic-style iftars
- Al Khawaneej Majlis – A setting steeped in Emirati tradition
- Festival City – A second cannon to accommodate the crowds
- Al Wasl Park 1 – One of Dubai's lesser-known green gems
- Madinat Jumeirah – Because one location wasn't enough for this iconic district
- Barsha Park – A bustling neighborhood hub
- Lahbab – Bringing the tradition to the outer desert areas
- Nad Al Sheba 1 - Al Ghaf – For the equestrian and residential communities
- Uptown Mirdif – The suburban crowd gets its own cannon moment
- Margham – A taste of Ramadan in the dunes
- Nazwah – Expanding the reach into residential neighborhoods
- Nad Shamma Park – A community gathering point
- Burj Khalifa – Another round for the city's most famous landmark
- Kite Beach Jumeirah – Breaking fast with the ocean breeze

Firing Ramadan cannons has been a tradition in the UAE for decades, tracing its origins back to Egypt in the 19th century when a military commander mistakenly fired a cannon at sunset—and the people loved it so much that it became a daily practice.

In Dubai, Dubai Police manages the entire process, ensuring that each cannon is strategically placed, meticulously maintained, and fired precisely on time. The tradition is not just about marking iftar—it's about community, heritage, and the city's ability to keep old customs alive in a futuristic landscape.

How to Best Experience the Iftar Cannons in Dubai

If you want to witness this Ramadan tradition in all its glory, here's what you need to keep in mind:
- Arrive early – Crowds gather well before sunset, especially at high-profile locations like Burj Khalifa and Expo City Dubai.
- Find a good spot – The closer you are, the better the experience, but ear protection is advised if you're standing right next to the cannon.
- Pair it with an Iftar – Many of the locations have fantastic iftar dining options nearby—Festival City, Madinat Jumeirah, and Kite Beach being top picks.
- Capture the moment – The cannon fire lasts only a few seconds, so have your camera ready if you want to film it.
- Respect the tradition – It's a symbolic and religious moment, so while photography is allowed, avoid disrupting the experience for those breaking their fast.

Ramadan 2025 is expected to begin on Saturday, March 1, 2025, based on moon sighting predictions by the Dubai Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD). The first cannon shots will be fired twice on the eve of Ramadan, signaling the start of the holy month.

And when Eid Al Fitr arrives? The cannons will fire twice in a row on the last day of Ramadan and two times again after the Eid prayers.

Dubai's Iftar cannon tradition is more than just a booming spectacle—it's a living piece of history, seamlessly woven into the modern skyline. Whether you're experiencing it for the first time or reliving a childhood memory, the thunderous roar will always be a powerful reminder of the unity, spirituality, and traditions that define Ramadan in Dubai.

Where will you watch the Iftar cannon this year?