UAE Rulers looked ahead to a holy month filled with "goodness, love and tolerance" as Ramadan got under way in the country and across the globe.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, shared his best wishes for the month ahead.
“We wish the Arab and Muslim world a blessed month of Ramadan filled with love, tolerance and peace,” he wrote on Twitter.
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed also exchanged Ramadan greetings with leaders from across the Arab world.
The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces conveyed his wishes in phone calls on Sunday.
Among the leaders he congratulated were Saudi King Salman and King Hamad of Bahrain.
He also spoke to the Kuwaiti Emir, Sheikh Sabah, the Crown Prince of Kuwait, Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Sabah, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi and Iraqi President Barham Salih.
“I extend my sincere congratulations to the kings, leaders and people of the Arab and Islamic nations on the holy month of Ramadan,” Sheikh Mohamed wrote on Twitter.
“I pray to God Almighty to make it a month of goodness, blessings and mercy for all.”
Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, delivered greetings to the President, Sheikh Khalifa, to mark the start of Ramadan.
He sent also warm wishes to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, and to all and Rulers of the UAE.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud Al Qasimi, Crown Prince of Ras Al Khaimah, sent similar messages to the UAE Rulers, Crown Princes and Deputy Rulers on the occasion.
International leaders offered their own messages of support and congratulations for the start of Ramadan.
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said the holy month's "core values of compassion, forgiveness, mercy and grace continue to inspire us all".
British Prime Minister Theresa May said: "Ramadan represents the universal values of peace, reflection, devotion and charity."
Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, wished a "blessed and peaceful" Ramadan to Muslims in his country and all over the world.
The US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo also shared warm words, hailing the power of Ramadan to "revitalise community bonds" and encouraging people to be their "best selves".
