Ramadan 2026: Behind The Boom Of Ras Al Khaimah's Iftar Cannon

(MENAFN- Khaleej Times)

Weeks of cleaning, greasing, and rehearsals ensure Ras Al Khaimah’s cannon fires safely each sunset

** PUBLISHED:** Thu 26 Feb 2026, 5:00 AM

By:

Azza Al Ali

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Long before its thunderous boom rolls across Al Qawasim Corniche at sunset, Ras Al Khaimah’s Ramadan cannon undergoes weeks of meticulous preparation.

Overseeing this tradition is Lieutenant Abdullah Mohammed Almazrouei, supervisor of the emirate’s Ramadan cannon. In a rare behind-the-scenes look, he revealed that firing the cannon is far from a simple ceremonial act.

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“This cannon is not new,” Almazrouei said.“It goes back to the time of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may God have mercy on him, when the Abu Dhabi Defence Force was first established.”

Ramadan prayer timings

The historic artillery piece is cleaned, greased, inspected and rehearsed by trained officers well ahead of the holy month. By the time families gather to witness the blast that signals iftar, a carefully coordinated military-style operation has already been in motion for weeks, the cannon stands not only as a Ramadan symbol but as a living artifact from the early foundations of what would become the UAE Armed Forces.

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Weeks of preparation

The cannon is transported from Abu Dhabi approximately two to three weeks before Ramadan. Upon arrival in Ras Al Khaimah, it undergoes intensive servicing.

“We grease it, clean it, and make sure everything is ready,” Almazrouei explained.“If you don’t maintain it properly, it won’t function.”

Maintenance is not a one-time task. After every sunset firing, the cannon is cleaned and lubricated again using special oils and dedicated tools to ensure it is ready for the following day.

Training also begins well before Ramadan. From 7.30am until noon during official working hours, officers rehearse firing procedures for up to two or three weeks before Ramadan.

A team operation, not a one-man task

While crowds see a single blast, the operation behind it involves structured teamwork.

The firing is carried out by teams of four to five officers under the supervision of a designated officer, alongside an overall supervisor. Officers rotate weekly in organised groups to maintain readiness throughout the month.

The team arrives at the site around 5pm and remains until approximately 7pm, completing firing and post-operation duties.

Coordinated by the second

Despite modern prayer apps and digital alerts, the cannon’s timing is precise and officially coordinated.

In Ras Al Khaimah, authorities work closely with the Awqaf office and nearby mosques, including the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, located across from the cannon site, to ensure the blast aligns exactly with the Maghrib adhan.

Strict safety measures

Although the cannon’s boom is powerful and symbolic, safety remains the top priority.

Public access near the firing zone is strictly controlled. Spectators are instructed to maintain a safe distance, and the cannon’s manufacturing standards are described as strong and reliable. Police presence ensures crowd control and secure surroundings.

“We ensure no one gets close to the firing area,” Almazrouei said.

Each evening after firing, the cannon is immediately cleaned, lubricated, and carefully covered before being secured at the palace grounds in Ras Al Khaimah. A guard remains on site, and the cannon is stored in a designated garage area under tight supervision.

Transporting the cannon follows a precise routine. It is loaded lengthwise onto a jeep and moved with extreme care to prevent anything from shifting or opening during transit. Police patrols temporarily close and secure roads during transport to guarantee public safety.

“Anything can happen, so every step is calculated,” Almazrouei explained, noting that strict procedures are followed to prevent any incidents.

A legacy preserved

For Almazrouei, the cannon is more than a ceremonial device; it is a tribute to the UAE’s founding generation and the preservation of national heritage.

“This is part of our heritage,” he said.“Our ancestors established it, and our leadership continues to preserve it so the tradition does not disappear.”

The deep boom carries across Ras Al Khaimah, marking not just the end of the fast but also echoing decades of discipline, history, and devotion behind the scenes.

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