Of all the Iftars I recently attended in Dubai, there was one that evoked a mix of emotions and a long series of photographs. It’s all started with the sound of powerful cannon operated by Dubai police in front of the tallest tower, Burj Khalifa. Legend says the tradition of firing Ramadan cannons dates to Ottoman Empire, when the sound announced the end of fasting. Today it’s only a symbolic gesture. The first cannon was fired in the UAE at the beginning of 19th century in Sharjah.
The cannon we observed in Burj Park wasn’t simple or shy. Made in the UK in 1945 it looked as good as new but sounded a lot louder. I was 20 meters away however faced all the consequences of the sudden explosion. Prior to the demonstration I took photos with a charming UAE military officer in a smart uniform that resembled my outfit. When the ceremony was over, packaged Iftar meals were distributed among the spectators.
Amused by my astonishment, Zainab (you remember that brilliant girl, do you?) suggested we must go back to the Old Dubai to immerse in the true spirit of Iftar, witnessing people breaking fast right on the streets. So I charged my camera’s batteries, cleared the memory card and was ready to snap.
From Baniyas square we crossed the street towards Deira, moving away from heavy traffic and into little alleys. The rule in the UAE says no drinking, eating, smoking or chewing is permitted during day time in month of Ramadan. Zainab’s last meal was around 3am and my discreet sip of water was right before I met Zainab however I was literally dying of thirst.
Zainab didn’t seem to mind the weather. She bravely led our expedition further and further between buildings and random pedestrians.
Our first stop was in the front of a local mosque. I was surprised how many people were gathered for Iftar. They were busy helping with improvised tables, distributing meals and arranging seats for themselves and friends.
I wondered where all the women were. So Zainab took me around to a little hidden space.
It took me a while to find Zainab.
After all the recent fancy dinners I’ve attended, it was very interesting to see the simpler side of dining at the sunset. Strangers offered me a bottle of water, dates and an opportunity to share their meal. I held tight to Zainab. She was my everything (again) in the middle of the old Dubai.
The prayer started and the feast began. I finally got to my bottle of water and believe me it was the sweetest sip ever!
Only debris served to remind of the great feast that just happened in front of us. We rushed to a nearby restaurant using the great Dubai metro of course 🙂
Stalk me on Instagram and Facebook.
P.S. I’m wearing a beautiful silk scarf by Wyilda, “Distant Lands”. Get yours here
Life at Her Brightest 
I was impressed with the photo of “after the meal” debris on the street floor! Must have been quite the sight watching people sitting around and sharing in this wonderful meal after a long fast. I feel hungry just looking at the bits of leftover rice on the platters!
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Thank you! It was challenging to wait for the Iftar. The last 5 minutes were the hardest.
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Great photos! Nice reading you.
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Thank you!
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I wonder if there is any benefit to not eating or drinking all day, and then doing it in the evening? It seems to me that I would probably gorge myself with more than I would normally eat in a day. I am trying it today! That is a pretty old cannon to be shooting.
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Old but quite powerful. Personally, I find it very challenging to fast.
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day one–failure!
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