French Cannon Made In 1894 And Used In Two World Wars Marks The Beginning Of Ramadan In Dubai

JAKARTA - Meriam Ramadan was fired twice on Wednesday to mark the start of the holy month, a tradition that has been going on for decades in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

During the fasting month, cannons will be fired once a day to mark the sunset of the sun, where it is time to break the fast and pray Maghrib.

A total of six British cannons and one French cannon were stationed in various areas of the emirate during Ramadan, with the public having the opportunity to take a close look at these traditional rituals.

During Ramadan, British-made cannons used in the Second World War can be found at Expo City Dubai, Burj Khalifa, Madinat Jumeirah, Uptown Mirdiff and Hatta Guest House.

Specifically in Dubai, a French cannon built in 1894 and used in two World Wars will be fired to mark the start of Ramadan. The cannon will also be fired in 15 different locations during the fasting month.

This cannon has a place of pride in the Dubai Police Museum. This year, the cannon was sent back to duty for the first time, after more than half a century was kept in the museum.

#أخبار | شرطة دبي تعلن أماكن مدافعها "الثابتة والرّحال" خلال شهر رمضانالتفاصيل: https://t.co/9pmfrtvRnd⁧#نتواصل_ونحمي_نبتكر_ونبني⁩⁧#أمنكم_سعادتنا⁩ pic.twitter.com/XV4JkYV0sf

— Dubai Policeشرطة دبي (@DubaiPoliceHQ) March 20, 2023

Major Abdullah Tarish Al Amimi, commander of the artillery unit at the Dubai Police, said the French cannon had not been used since the 1970s.

Meriam ini merupakan salah satu dari dua meriam buatan Prancis yang ada di jajaran kepolisian, tetapi satu-satunya yang akan digunakan pada tahun 2023.

"The French meriam was made in 1894 and began use in 1901. This cannon participated in the First and Second World Wars. Today, the cannon will be used in the month of Ramadan," Major Al Amimi said, launching The National News March 21.

"Meriam was placed in front of the Dubai Police museum. Due to the increasing demand for iftar cannons, the police carried out a total overhaul of the cannon and returned to duty this year," he explained.

Prior to the announcement, the D75 cannon was used by the Dubai Police in the 1960s to welcome important guests from the Dubai Ruler at that time.

The practice of firing cannons to mark the end of fasting is said to have started in Egypt in the 10th century. While in the UAE, the practice only started in the 1960s, according to First Lieutenant Matar Al Tayer from the Department of Public Happiness at the Dubai Police.

"In the 1960s, there were no (sounders) in the mosques. So, it was the cannon fire that reminded people to break the fast. Dubai Police have continued this tradition and we want to introduce it to the younger generation," he said.

As the Holy month of Ramadan approaches with its abundance of blessings, we’d like to take this opportunity to extend our heartfelt wishes and congratulations to all. Ramadan Kareem 🌙 pic.twitter.com/e8jHOhZbij

— Dubai Policeشرطة دبي (@DubaiPoliceHQ) March 22, 2023

The cannons were transported to their location three hours before breaking the fast with the help of a police patrol car. Each cannon weighs about 1,650 kg. The speed of the car should not exceed 80 km/hour to ensure the cannons arrive safely.

"There was a flashlight on the cannon for the safety of the cannons and the people driving on the road," explained Lieutenant Al Tayer.

This cannon has a sound range of 160 pieces, which can be heard up to a distance of 10 km. Visitors are asked to keep a distance of at least 30 meters from the cannons due to the noise.

According to the cannon firing protocol, four officers operated each cannon. Meanwhile, the fifth officer was present to give orders.

Two officers lined up to the cannons, one passed empty bullets and the other officers filled the bullets with carefully and carefully arranged procedures. Two other officers remained behind, as gun guards, and gave orders. When it arrived at the time of breaking the fast, an officer shouted orders and the cannon was fired.

To note, two shots were fired to mark the start of Ramadan, while only one shot marked the sunset every day during the holy month.

Then, two shots also signaled the start of Eid al-Fitr, which marked the end of Ramadan. And two more shots were fired before the start of Eid prayers in the morning.

"We hope this tradition continues to the next generation and the Dubai Police welcome this event," Lieutenant Al Tayer hoped.