Coronavirus: Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed calls for UAE to 'stay the course' as Eid celebrations begin

UAE leaders exchanged best wishes at the start of an Eid Al Fitr observed in 'exceptional circumstances'

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces (fourth right) speaks with Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed, Ruler's Representative in Al Ain Region, via a live video call. Seen with Sheikh Suroor bin Mohamed bin Suroor (right), Sheikha Shamma bint Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed (second right), Sheikh Saif bin Nahyan bin Saif bin Mohamed Al Nahyan (third right), Sheikha Fatima bint Mohamed bin Hamad bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Sheikha Fatima bint Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (sixth right) and Sheikha Fatima bint Mohamed bin Suroor Al Nahyan (left). Hamad Al Kaabi / Ministry of Presidential Affairs

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces speaks with Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed, Ruler's Representative in Al Ain Region, via a live video call. Hamad Al Kaabi/Ministry of Presidential Affairs

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces (4th R) speaks with Sheikh Tahnou bin Mohammed, Ruler's Representative in Al Ain Region, via a live video call. Hamad Al Kaabi/Ministry of Presidential Affairs

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces on screen during a video call to mark the start of Eid Al Fitr. Mohamed Al Hammadi/Ministry of Presidential Affairs

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed called for the country to unite as Eid Al Fitr is held against the backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic. Hamad Al Kaabi/ Ministry of Presidential Affairs

UAE leaders called on the nation to stand together to overcome the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic as they ushered in an Eid Al Fitr holiday celebrated in "exceptional circumstances".

Senior dignitaries across the Emirates exchanged traditional and greetings to mark the start of Eid Al Fitr on Sunday.

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, said the country must "stay the course" in order to emerge from the coronavirus outbreak safely.

Sheikh Mohamed congratulated President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed on the occasion of Eid Al Fitr.

He wished Sheikh Khalifa good health and well-being to continue the nation's development drive.

Sheikh Mohamed also congratulated Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai and the rulers and crown princes of other emirates.

Finally, he extended his Eid wishes to Emiratis and residents.

He prayed to God to grant more progress, prosperity and development for the UAE.

On Twitter, he shared images of his family in conversation with Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed, the Ruler’s Representative of the Eastern Region of Abu Dhabi.

“Let us continue to stay the course and get through this period together as safely as we can,” he said.

Sheikh Mohammed wished Muslims stability, obedience and wellness.

“Eid this year differed from all other years,” he began.

“May the people of the world be closer to each other, have mercy on each other and be happier through health and wellness," he tweeted.

His son, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, tweeted Eid greetings to the rulers, residents and all peoples of the Arab and Islamic nations.

“We celebrate its coming in an exceptional circumstance; perhaps we were forced to distance but it increased the closeness of hearts with the single goal of ensuring safety for all.”