President Sheikh Mohamed performed Eid Al Adha prayers on Wednesday morning alongside fellow worshippers at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi.
During the sermon, Dr Omar Al Darei, director general of the Fatwa Council, emphasised the importance of family bonds.
Sheikh Mohamed shared images on social media and wished the rulers of the emirates and leaders around the world a happy and blessed Eid Al Adha.
“To the rulers of the emirates, citizens and residents of the UAE, and Muslims around the world, I wish you a blessed Eid Al Adha and pray that God grants continued peace and happiness to our nation and to the people of the world,” Sheikh Mohamed said on Twitter.
Among those alongside Sheikh Mohamed were Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Vice President and Minister of the Presidential Court; Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi; Sheikh Saif bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior; Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad, Advisor for Special Affairs at the Ministry of the Presidential Court; Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence: Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak, as well several sheikhs, high-ranking officials and worshippers.
Following the prayers, Sheikh Mohamed exchanged greetings with worshippers.
He then visited the tomb of UAE Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
In Dubai, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai and Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, performed Eid Al Adha prayers at Zabeel Grand Mosque.
In Sharjah, Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi performed Eid Al Adha prayers at Sharjah Mosque. He was joined by Sheikh Abdullah bin Salem Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, along with several sheikhs, senior officials, citizens and residents.
Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Ruler of Fujairah, performed Eid Al Adha prayers at Sheikh Zayed Mosque. He was joined by Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah.
Watch: Eid Al Adha prayers in UAE and around the world
Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, performed Eid Al Adha prayers at the Grand Eid Musalla in Khuzam. He wished good health, progress and prosperity to the people of the UAE and all Arab and Islamic nations.
Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla, Ruler of Umm Al Quwain, performed Eid Al Adha prayers at the Ahmed bin Rashid Al Mualla Mosque in the emirate. He was joined by Sheikh Rashid bin Saud Al Mualla, Crown Prince of Umm Al Quwain and several sheikhs and senior officials.
Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi. Ruler of Ajman, performed Eid Al Adha prayers at Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi Mosque in Ajman. He was joined by Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman.
On Tuesday, Sheikh Mohamed sent messages of congratulations to kings, emirs and presidents across the Arab world on the eve of Eid Al Adha.
Sheikh Mohamed called for the continued progress, prosperity and stability of their nations and people.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Court, sent similar messages to leaders across the region.
Thousands of worshippers gathered at mosques across the Emirates on Wednesday to perform prayers on the first morning of the festival.
Eid Al Adha – the festival of the sacrifice – is marked during Dhu Al Hijjah, the 12th and final month of the Islamic calendar. It is also the time the annual Hajj pilgrimage is performed.
