As the cannon fires at sunset across the UAE this Ramadan, it won’t just signal Iftar, it will echo a powerful message of hope.

In a moving blend of tradition and humanitarian action, Dubai Police has announced that this year’s iconic Iftar Cannon will spotlight major contributors to the Edge of Life campaign, an ambitious global initiative launched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai,  to rescue five million children from hunger.

The campaign aims to raise at least Dh1 billion to combat childhood malnutrition worldwide, a crisis that claims the lives of five children under the age of five every minute.

Tradition with a global mission

For generations, the Dubai Police Iftar Cannon has marked the breaking of the fast, a cherished Ramadan tradition across the UAE. But this year, the live broadcast on Dubai TV and Sama Dubai TV carries added meaning.

Each evening, one donor contributing Dh1 million or more to the Edge of Life campaign will be announced, a gesture designed to inspire others across the UAE’s philanthropic community to step forward.

Lieutenant General Abdulla Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police, described the initiative as a reflection of the UAE’s deeply rooted culture of generosity.

“This blessed Ramadan campaign conveys profound humanitarian messages that embody our leadership’s vision for aiding the less fortunate,” he said.

Fighting childhood hunger

The campaign focuses on children in the world’s most vulnerable communities, especially those affected by natural disasters and conflict. It is being implemented in partnership with leading global humanitarian organisations, including: UNICEF, Save the Children, Children’s Investment Fund Foundation and Action Against Hunger

The goal is not just emergency relief, but sustainable programmes that provide long-term food security and protection.

How UAE residents can contribute

 For UAE residents, the message is clear: Ramadan is not only a time for fasting, but it is also a time for impact. The campaign welcomes donations from individuals and institutions across multiple channels:

• Official website: www.edgeoflife.ae
• Toll-free number: 800 4999
• Bank transfer via Emirates Islamic Bank
• SMS donations by texting “LIFE” to:
  • 1034 (AED10)
  • 1035 (AED50)
  • 1036 (AED100)
  • 1038 (AED500)
• Through the DubaiNow app
• Via YallaGive
• On Jood.ae

As the Iftar cannon sounds across Dubai this month, it will carry more than the call to end the fast, it will carry the promise of survival for millions of children.