Dubai Police spin artillery shells into unique artwork
dubai — The Dubai Police General Headquarters has recycled empty artillery shells fired by the force’s cannon during Ramadan, to create a piece of art inspired by the religious atmosphere of the holy month which gathers families at the Iftar table.
Major-General Muhammad Saeed Al Marri, assistant commandant for community happiness and logistics at Dubai Police, said the artwork, dubbed ‘The Family’, was inspired by the creative atmosphere of Ramadan. “The Family is an innovative piece that reflects moments the Dubai Police has shared with the public, marking the special moments of Iftar and Eid announcements,” he said.
Maj-Gen Al Marri added that the Dubai Police have worked on the final arrangements and remain on standby to fire the cannons that will announce the sighting of the new crescent and the start of Ramadan in 2018, a tradition that began as early as 1960.
Maj-Gen Al Marri explained the artwork consists of 30 artillery shells fired by the Dubai Police’s cannon last Ramadan. He explained that each round contains a Qur’an verse circling its circumference in gold to match the colour of the shell made of non-rusting metal. All 30 artillery shells harmonise aesthetically with four intersecting silver circles to reflect the convergence of one UAE family and its interdependence and joy during Ramadan. The British-made 25 PDR MK1L Canons piece artillery has a sound intensity of 170 decibels and is used annually to announce the start of Ramadan, the time for Muslims to break their fast, as well as the commencement of Eid Al Fitr celebrations.
The Dubai Police Ramadan cannons are usually located in various locations across the emirate — Burj Khalifa, Eid prayer grounds in Deira and Bur Dubai, Al Safa Park and the Jumeirah Beach Residence.