Ramadan 2026: Where to watch Iftar cannons in Dubai – full list of locations
Public viewing spots spread across urban and heritage areas
DUBAI – Dubai will once again host its Ramadan 2026 iftar cannon displays, continuing one of the emirate’s most recognisable traditions signalling sunset and the time to break the fast.
Operated by Dubai Police, the cannon firing attracts residents and visitors who gather shortly before Maghrib to witness the ceremonial blast.
Known as Midfa Al Iftar, the practice in Dubai dates back to the 1960s, when cannons were used to signal iftar before mosque loudspeaker systems were widely available. The tradition remains active today as a cultural and heritage feature of the holy month, with vintage British-made cannons still in use.
For Ramadan 2026, seven fixed cannon sites and several roaming locations across the city will offer the public the chance to witness this historic ritual.
Fixed sites
Seven cannons will remain stationed at the same locations throughout Ramadan. These sites are chosen for accessibility, open viewing areas and landmark surroundings.
- Al Khawaneej Majlis
- Burj Park, Downtown Dubai
- Damac Hills main park
- Expo City Dubai, Al Wasl Avenue area
- Hatta Fort Hotel area
- Salt Camp, Kite Beach
- Uptown Mirdif near the main mall entrance
- These locations typically attract large crowds, especially Burj Park and Expo City Dubai, where visitors gather well before sunset for clear viewing.
Roaming cannons
In addition to the fixed placements, roaming cannons will move across community districts during the month. Each stop usually hosts the cannon for a limited period, allowing more neighbourhoods to experience the live firing without travelling far.
- Al Barsha Pond Park
- Al Meydan Hotel area
- Al Satwa Grand Mosque
- Dubai Creek Harbour
- Dubai Festival City Waterfront
- Madinat Jumeirah
- Nad Al Sheba 1, Al Ghaf Walk
- Zabeel Park
Dubai Police move the roaming cannon between selected residential and leisure zones, expanding coverage beyond central tourist districts.
History of Iftar cannons
The Ramadan cannon tradition is widely believed to have originated in 10th-century Egypt as a public signal for iftar. In Dubai, it became established in the 1960s and has continued as both a religious marker and a heritage spectacle. The cannons in use are reported to date back to around 1945 manufacturing batches in Britain.
The artillery pieces are 25-pounder models fired using blank cartridges under strict police supervision. The sound can reach up to 170 decibels and may be heard at distances approaching 10 kilometres under suitable conditions.
What visitors need to know
Public viewing of the cannon firing is free across all locations. Authorities recommend arriving 20 to 30 minutes before sunset, especially at high-demand spots such as Burj Park, Kite Beach and Expo City Dubai.
Cannons are fired daily at sunset throughout Ramadan and are also discharged twice to mark the official start of the holy month. Ramadan 2026 is expected to begin around February 18, subject to moon sighting.