The UAE’s leaders marked the first day of Eid Al Adha by performing prayers at mosques across the country in the early hours on Sunday morning.
Following the prayers, they exchanged greetings with well-wishers in their respective emirates.
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, performed Eid prayers alongside hundreds of worshippers at Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi.
Joined by a number of dignitaries, he listened to the sermon delivered by Khalifa Mubarak Al Dhaheri.
Concluding the sermon, Mr Al Dhaheri prayed to God to bless the the President, Sheikh Khalifa.
In Dubai, members of the Royal family performed prayers at Zaabeel Mosque.
Following the morning gathering, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid received well-wishers at Zaabeel Grand Majlis.
The Vice President and Ruler of Dubai was joined by his son, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, and other dignitaries to mark the beginning of the religious festival.
Hundreds gathered at Zabeel Mosque to join Sheikh Mohammed in prayer, including Emiratis, tribesmen and Arab, Islamic and foreign community members.
Rulers from Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah and Sharjah also attended mosques in their respective emirates and joined well-wishers in Eid prayers.
Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, performed Eid Al Adha prayer at Al Badee' Musallah.
Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, visited Grand Eid Musalla mosque.
Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Ruler of Ajman, performed prayers at Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi Mosque. While Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla, Ruler of Umm Al Qaiwain, and Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Ruler of Fujairah, attended sermons at Sheikh Zayed Mosque and Grand Sheikh Zayed Mosque, respectively.
Earlier, rulers from across the Emirates ordered the release of more than 1,200 prisoners across the country on the occasion of Eid Al Adha.
Eid Al Adha is the second of two Islamic holidays celebrated worldwide each year, the other being Eid Al Fitr.
This year, public and private sector workers in the UAE were given four days off to celebrate Eid Al Adha, from Saturday to Tuesday inclusively.
