Sheikh Mohamed leads Eid Al Fitr prayers as UAE rulers share greetings

Hundreds attend prayers in Bur Dubai to mark the end of month of fasting and reflection

President Sheikh Mohamed led Eid Al Fitr prayers in Abu Dhabi on Sunday at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

The sermon addressed the value of righteousness in faith and worship, as well as the importance of embracing responsibilities towards the community, state news agency Wam reported.

Sheikh Mohamed also took to his account on social media platform X to share his greetings.

"On the occasion of Eid Al-Fitr I congratulate my brothers, the Rulers of the Emirates, people of the UAE, and Muslims around the world," wrote Sheikh Mohamed. "Together we pray for God to grant peace, blessings, and prosperity to all."

Following Eid prayer, Sheikh Mohamed exchanged greetings with worshippers. Also in attendance were Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, and Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, also shared his Eid greetings via X. "May the people of the UAE and all Arab and Islamic nations be well, safe, stable, and prosperous every year," wrote Sheikh Mohammed. "May our hope for a better tomorrow for all be renewed every year. May all Muslims be filled with joy, love and peace every year."

Also sharing Eid greetings was Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence.

"Heartfelt Eid Al Fitr greetings to the UAE leadership, our people, and everyone across the Arab and Islamic world," Sheikh Hamdan wrote on X. "May Allah bless us all with peace, prosperity, and blessings. Wishing you Eid Mubarak." Sheikh Hamdan also performed Eid Al Fitr prayer at Zabeel Grand Mosque.

Other rulers across the UAE were also saying Eid prayers on Sunday morning. Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, led prayers at Al Badi’ Musalla.

Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Ruler of Ajman, received devotees at Al Zaher Palace to mark Eid Al Fitrm while Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla, Ruler of Umm Al Quwain, attended Eid Al Fitr prayers at Ahmed bin Rashid Al Mualla Mosque.

Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, performed prayers at the Eid Grand Musalla in Khuzam, and Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Ruler of Fujairah, led prayers at Sheikh Zayed Mosque.

Across the community

The Year of Community was the focus of prayers from worshippers marking Eid Al Fitr in Dubai mosques.

Musallah Al Eid prayer ground in Bur Dubai, was busy on Sunday morning, as hundreds of worshippers arrived early to secure a place.

Worshippers of all ages arrived dressed in their finest attire to offer prayers, after which they greeted others with hugs and handshakes.

Once in place and guided by the imam, worshippers in the ground, which can accommodate thousands of people, unfolded their hands from their chests to express their gratitude to Allah.

It is a beautiful day

Ibrahim Salman,
11

After finishing prayers, worshippers listened to the imam, who gave a small speech. “We ask Allah to return the Eid with joy and happiness on our leaders, country and community. We welcome our Eid with the Year of Community,” said the imam. “Society is a solid structure and its pillars are family, friends, neighbours, the rich and people in need.”

Emirati Masoud Al Hashimi, 35, came for prayers with his two children Abdulrahman and Abdullah, eight and seven. “I am keen to bring them with me every year to understand their traditions and perform Eid prayers. We grew up on coming to prayers,” Mr Al Hashimi told The National. “Eid is joy and gathering with family and friends boosts the bonds between us.”

President Sheikh Mohamed; Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court; Sheikh Saif bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior; Sheikh Nahyan Bin Zayed, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation; Sheikh Saif bin Mohamed; and the Islamic scholar Shaykh Abdallah bin Bayyah of Mauritius, attend Eid Al Fitr prayers at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi. Ryan Carter / UAE Presidential Court

President Sheikh Mohamed; Sheikh Mansour; Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs; Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence; Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi; Sheikh Mohamed bin Hamad bin Tahnoon, Adviser to the President; Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation; Dr Omar Habtoor Al Darei, Chairman of the General Authority for Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat; Dr Mohamed Saeed Al Badi; Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed; Sheikh Saif bin Zayed; Sheikh Mohamed bin Khaled; Sheikh Saeed bin Mohamed; and Shaykh Abdallah bin Bayyah pray at the grave of UAE Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, after Eid Al Fitr prayers at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Ryan Carter / UAE Presidential Court

Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, and Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud Al Qasimi, Crown Prince of Ras Al Khaimah, perform Eid Al Fitr prayer in Khuzam, alongside sheikhs, senior officials, federal and local department heads, citizens and members of Arab and Islamic communities. Photo: Wam

Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah; Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah; Sheikh Abdullah bin Salem Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah; Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah; Abdulrahman Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention, Minister of State for FNC Affairs; Sheikh Khaled bin Abdullah Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Ports, Customs and Free Zones Authority; Sheikh Salem bin Abdulrahman Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Ruler’s Office; Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Sharjah Charity International; Sheikh Saud bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Director General of the Sharjah Digital Department; and Dr Abdullah Belhaif Al Nuaimi, Chairman of Sharjah Consultative Council, perform Eid AlFitr prayer at Al Badi’ Musalla in Sharjah city. Photo: Wam

Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Ruler of Fujairah, and Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, perform Eid Al Fitr prayer at Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Fujairah. Photo: Wam

Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla, Ruler of Umm Al Quwain, and Sheikh Rashid bin Saud Al Mualla, Crown Prince of Umm Al Quwain, perform Eid Al Fitr prayer at Ahmed bin Rashid Al Mualla Mosque in Al Raas, Umm Al Quwain. Photo: Wam

Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Ruler of Ajman, and Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman, perform Eid Al Fitr prayer at Al Zaher Palace Mosque, Ajman. Photo: Wam

The faithful gather for Eid Al Fitr morning prayers at the Blue Mosque in Bur Dubai on Shawwal 1. Antonie Robertson / The National

The Year of Community announced by President Sheikh Mohamed in January 2025 was a focus for Eid Al Fitr prayers. Antonie Robertson / The National

One worshipper in Dubai said: 'Eid is joy and gathering with family and friends boosts the bonds between us.' Antonie Robertson / The National

Eid Al Fitr morning prayers brought long-time Dubai resident Sayed Mahfooz and his friends together. Mr Mahfooz's family is in India. Antonie Robertson / The National

Brothers Ibrahim and Mohammed Salman shared sweets with worshippers to mark Eid Al Fitr. Antonie Robertson / The National

On worshipper at Eid Al Fitr morning prayers in Bur Dubai said he brought him sons to help them understand and appreciate their traditions. Antonie Robertson / The National

Mr Al Hashimi said he would take his family to his grandfather's home for breakfast and exchange greetings with relatives.

For Sayed Mahfooz, 44, Eid prayers are a chance to meet his circle of friends for celebrations as his family is in his native India.

“I’ve been a resident in Dubai for 22 years. We always come here to pray after finishing Ramadan. It’s a big joy for all Muslims,” Mr Mahfooz said. “After prayer, we go to prepare food then a picnic with friends. It’s a chance to enjoy the holiday.”

Ibrahim Salman, 11, and his brother Mohammed, 12, came with their family to perform prayers and to distribute chocolates after finishing prayers.

“We come every year for praying and later we give sweets to worshippers. Eid Al Fitr is the day where Ramadan finish and everyone meet together,” said Ibrahim. “It is also a beautiful day as we get gifts from our parents as a reward after finishing Ramadan.”

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 three-days break to mark the occasion. Work will resume on Wednesday, April 2.