Eid Al Fitr cannons were fired across the UAE to mark the end of Ramadan.
They were fired on Sunday night at several locations on the last day of the holy month to signify that Muslims can stop fasting until the next Ramadan.
The ceremonies also heralded the start of Eid Al Fitr.
A cannon was fired at Abu Dhabi’s oldest building, Qasr Al Hosn, to signal prayers and to break the day’s fast.
In Dubai, The National was at Burj Park, where police officers fired the shots at iftar time.
People gathered at both locations to watch the cannon firing
Officers fire two rounds to announce the beginning and end of the holy month and a single shot at sunset every day during Ramadan.
This year, Dubai Police's iftar cannons operated from 11 locations.
Cannons, which can be heard as far as 10 kilometres away, have been a tradition in UAE since the 1960s.
According to protocol, four officers are present at each firing. Two officers man the cannon, where one passes a blank cartridge, and the other loads it.
Two officers remain at the back as guardians of the cannon and give orders. When it is time for iftar, an officer gives the order and the cannon is fired.
On the last day of Ramadan, Muslims in Dubai offered their prayers at mosques across the emirate and special prayers will be held across the country tomorrow.
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre announced that Eid prayer will be held tomorrow at 7am.
Eid Al Fitr will begin on Monday in the UAE, the moon-sighting committee announced on Saturday.
Government employees will have a week-long holiday during Eid Al Fitr, while private-sector workers will have a holiday from Saturday, April 30, until Wednesday, May 4.
Last week, the authorities announced protocols for celebrating Eid Al Fitr.
They include having an active green pass on Al Hosn app; following precautionary measures, such as wearing wear face masks at all times; and maintaining physical distancing when going for Eid prayers.
Prayers must not exceed 20 minutes and the gates of mosques should be opened after dawn prayers.
The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority said the public should give Eid presents through electronic means and people should try to limit celebrations to immediate family members and close friends.
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Hobbies: Travelling, meeting new people and cultures
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Profile Idealz
Company: Idealz
Founded: January 2018
Based: Dubai
Sector: E-commerce
Size: (employees): 22
Investors: Co-founders and Venture Partners (9 per cent)
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2012-2015
The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East
May 2017
The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts
September 2021
Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act
October 2021
Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence
December 2024
Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group
May 2025
The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan
July 2025
The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan
August 2025
Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision
October 2025
Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange
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180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE
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The flights: Etihad, Emirates, British Airways and Virgin all fly from the UAE to London from Dh2,700 return, including taxes
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Emirates flies from Dubai to Seattle from Dh5,555 return, including taxes.
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Hertz offers compact car rental from about $300 (Dh1,100) per week, including taxes. Emirates Skywards members can earn points on their car hire through Hertz.
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