Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, performed Eid Al Fitr prayers at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi on Monday.
Other sheikhs, senior officials, and worshippers were also in attendance.
Dr Mohammed Matar Al Kaabi, chairman of the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments, delivered the sermon, during which he spoke about the significance of the occasion and the noble values it holds.
He said Eid is a time to strengthen family bonds.
Meanwhile Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, took part in Eid Al Fitr prayers in Dubai.
He marked the start of the festival at Zabeel Grand Mosque in Dubai along with Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed, chairman and chief executive of Emirates Airline and Group, Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed, chairman of Dubai Sports Council, and other sheikhs, officials and worshippers.
Muslims around the world traditionally gather at mosques to perform prayers on the first morning of Eid Al Fitr.
The religious holiday — which marks the end of Ramadan — is one of one of the most joyous periods of the Islamic calendar.
It is typically marked by gatherings of families and friends and the exchange of gifts.
Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, performed prayers at Al Badee Musallah.
Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, Sheikh Abdullah bin Salem Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, and Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, also offered prayers alongside Sheikh Dr Sultan.
At the Eid Grand Musalla in Khuzam, Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, and Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud Al Qasimi, Crown Prince of Ras Al Khaimah, also performed Eid Al Fitr prayers .
Offering prayers in Umm Al Quwainn was Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla, Ruler of Umm Al Quwain, at the Ahmed bin Rashid Al Mualla Mosque.
Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman, attended prayers at Al Zaher Palace courtyard.
This year's Eid Al Fitr is being observed against an encouraging backdrop of falling Covid-19 cases, allowing for the most normal celebrations since the pandemic began more than two years ago.
Worshippers lined up at mosques around the country to mark the occasion
Hundreds of people flocked to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi and Sheikh Khalifa Grand Mosque in Al Ain, where prayers were held at 7am.
On Sunday, UAE leaders wished the nation and Muslims worldwide a happy and blessed Eid.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, shared their messages on social media.
"Eid greetings to the people of the Emirates, the Arab world and all Islamic nations. I wish we come even closer to each other with each passing year. I wish for our hearts to become more loving, tolerant, and peaceful. Every year, we rejoice in obedience to our Lord. Eid Mubarak and may God accept all good deeds," Sheikh Mohammed wrote on Twitter.
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed wrote on Twitter: "Congratulations to the President, Vice President, Rulers, citizens and residents of the UAE and Muslims around the world on the occasion of Eid Al Fitr. May God grant our nation continued happiness and well-being and bestow peace and harmony on the region and the world."
Eid prayers in UAE — in pictures
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Worshippers perform prayers on the first morning of Eid Al Fitr at Al Farooq Omar Bin Al Khattab Mosque in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National -
People exchange greetings after prayers at Al Farooq Omar Bin Al Khattab Mosque. Pawan Singh / The National -
Prayers were held across the country early on Monday to mark the start of Eid Al Fitr. Pawan Singh / The National -
This year's Eid is the closest to normal since the pandemic began, after mosques returned to almost full capacity in February. Pawan Singh / The National -
Worshippers embrace after morning prayers in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National -
A worshipper takes part in the traditional first morning Eid prayers in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National -
Communal prayers are an important part of Eid celebrations. Pawan Singh / The National -
More people were able to attend prayers this year. Pawan Singh / The National -
Worshippers at the Bani Hashim Mosque in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National -
The start of Eid is a joyous occasion for Muslims in the UAE and around the world. Victor Besa / The National -
The Bani Hashim Mosque in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National -
Early morning prayers in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National -
Warm greetings on the first morning of Eid Al Fitr in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa/The National -
Worshippers have this year been allowed to pray in straight lines again, rather than the zigzag format introduced during the pandemic. Victor Besa / The National
