President Sheikh Mohamed performed Eid Al Fitr prayers alongside worshippers at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday morning and congratulated Muslims on the occasion.
During the sermon, Dr Omar Al Darei, director general of the Fatwa Council, emphasised the importance of family bonds.
Following the prayer, Sheikh Mohamed exchanged greetings with worshippers before visiting the tomb of UAE Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, also performed prayers at the mosque.
“I congratulate my brothers the Rulers of the Emirates, the people of the UAE and Muslims around the world on the occasion of Eid Al Fitr,” Sheikh Mohamed wrote on X.
“We pray that God continues to bestow his blessings on our nation and grants peace and harmony to the people of the world.”
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Finance and First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai, also performed prayers on Wednesday morning, at Zabeel Grand Mosque.
Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Ruler of Ajman, performed prayers at Al Zaher Palace.
Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, performed Eid Al Fitr prayer at Al Badee Musalla.
Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, performed the Eid Al Fitr prayer at the Grand Eid Musalla in Khuzam.
Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Ruler of Fujairah, performed Eid prayers at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in the emirate.
Sheikh Mohamed later received the UAE Rulers at Al Mushrif Palace, alongside Crown Princes, deputy rulers and well-wishers.
On Tuesday, Sheikh Mohamed sent messages of congratulations to leaders throughout the Arab world on the eve of Eid Al Fitr.
He wished the leaders and their people “continued progress, prosperity and stability”, state news agency Wam reported.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Mansour delivered similar messages.
Sheikh Mohammed also shared his best wishes on social media for those observing the Eid Al Fitr holiday in the Emirates and across the region.
“We congratulate the people of the Emirates and all Arab and Islamic peoples on Eid Al Fitr,” Sheikh Mohammed wrote on X.
Dr Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the President, marked the occasion with a message expressing sympathy for Gazans amid the war in the enclave.
“Best congratulations on Eid Al Fitr, and our hearts are with the people of Gaza in their ordeal, as the fierce Israeli war casts a shadow on the holiday and its joy,” Dr Gargash wrote on X.
“The UAE continues to support the Gazans in these difficult times and, in parallel with its political efforts with our Arab brothers, it will spare no effort to help the people of Gaza through its comprehensive relief programme.”
Eid Al Fitr started in the UAE on Wednesday.
The start date was confirmed on Monday evening by the UAE's moon-sighting committee, comprising astronomers, court officials and advisers from the Emirates' Islamic authority.
They were unable to see the new crescent moon, making Tuesday, April 30, the final day of Ramadan this year.
What is Eid Al Fitr?
Eid Al Fitr signifies the end of Ramadan and the beginning of the month of Shawwal.
It is a celebratory occasion marked by morning prayers, family get-togethers and the giving of gifts, as well as charitable donations.
A public holiday accompanies Eid Al Fitr, with many people taking time off work to travel abroad or take short trips in the region.
Both the public and private sector are enjoying a week-long break to mark the occasion. Work will resume on Monday, April 15.
Eid celebrations around the world – in pictures
