Eid Cannons Fired Across The United Arab Emirates, Mark The End Of The Holy Month Of Ramadan

Illustration of the tradition of firing cannons in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Source: Visit Dubai)

JAKARTA - Eid al-Fitr cannons were fired throughout the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Sunday night, marking the end of the Holy Month of Ramadan 2022 or 1443 Hijri.

Cannons were fired at several locations on the last day of the holy month, to signal that Muslims could stop fasting until the next Ramadan.

The firing of the cannons also marked the start of Eid 1443 Hijri celebrations in the UAE, reports The National News May 1.

A cannon was fired at the oldest building in Abu Dhabi, Qasr Al Hosn, to signal the time for prayers and iftar.

In Dubai, The National is in Burj Park, where police officers opened fire during iftar. People gathered at both locations to watch the cannon fire

Officers fire two rounds to announce the start and end of the holy month, as well as one shot at sunset each day during Ramadan. This year, Dubai Police's iftar cannon operates from 11 locations.

The cannon, whose detonation can be heard up to 10 kilometers away, has been a tradition in the UAE since the 1960s.

According to protocol, four officers were present at each shooting. Two officers guard the cannon, of which one passes through the empty casing, and the other loads it. Two officers remained behind as cannon guards and gave orders. At the time of breaking the fast, the officers gave orders and the cannons were fired.

On the last day of Ramadan, Muslims in Dubai offer prayers in mosques across the emirate, with Eid prayers set to be held across the country the following day.

Meanwhile, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque announced that Eid Al-Fitr 1443 Hijri prayers will be held May 2 at 07:00 am local time.

Eid will start on Monday in the UAE, the moon sighting committee announced on Saturday. Civil servants are closed for a week during Eid al-Fitr, while private workers are closed from Saturday, April 30 to Wednesday, May 4.

Last week, authorities announced a protocol for celebrating Eid. They include having active green permissions in the Al Hosn app; follow precautions, such as wearing a face mask at all times; and maintain physical distance when performing Eid prayers.

In addition, the prayers that are called should not last more than 20 minutes and the doors of the mosque must be opened after the Fajr prayer.

The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority said the public should give Eid gifts via electronic means, with people trying to limit the celebration to close family members and close friends.