UAE rulers lead Eid prayers across the country

Rulers in all seven emirates performed morning prayers while receiving wellwishers to mark the festival of the breaking of the fast and the end of Ramadan.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, accompanied by, from left, Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Fujairah; Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ajman; Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah; and Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Umm Al Quwain, as they leave Mushrif Palace yesterday after an Eid Al Fitr reception. Ryan Carter / Crown Prince Court – Abu Dhabi
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ABU DHABI // Peace, adherence to Islam and national solidarity were the focus of prayers yesterday to mark the first day of Eid Al Fitr.

Rulers in all seven emirates performed morning prayers while receiving wellwishers to mark the festival of the breaking of the fast and the end of Ramadan.

Eid prayers at Dubai’s Zabeel Mosque were led by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President, and Ruler of Dubai, while, in the capital, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, was joined by a large congregation for morning prayers at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

A long queue waited outside the mosque before prayers started.

A sermon by Mohammed Mattar Al Kaabi, chairman of the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments, urged worshippers to follow the words of Allah and strive for national cohesion, peace and continued progress.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid was joined in prayer by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, and other dignitaries.

In his Eid Al Fitr sermon in Dubai, imam Omar Al Khateeb prayed for peace, prosperity and stability.

Later at Zabeel Palace, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid exchanged greetings with ministers, civil service leaders, citizens, expatriates and Muslim and Christian clerics.

In Sharjah, Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, the emirate’s Ruler and Supreme Council Member, attended prayer followed by a sermon emphasising Islam as a religion of compassion, moderation and tolerance, and one that also rejects terrorism and extremism.

Leaders of all emirates extended greetings and wishes of good health to President Sheikh Khalifa.

Later in the day, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid received all seven rulers and members of the Supreme Council at Al Mushrif Palace, in Abu Dhabi, as well as a long line of visitors who extended their greetings.

At Bahr Palace in the capital, Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation and President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, received Eid wellwishers in the presence of a number of sheikhas.

Beginning on Thursday, both Federal and Abu Dhabi government workers were given a four-day weekend to celebrate Eid, with private-sector workers receiving paid holidays for Friday and Saturday.

On Friday, visitors to Mall of the Emirates in Dubai were welcomed with Arabic coffee, dates and luqaimat, with cultural activities such as calligraphic artistry planned throughout the day.

In Abu Dhabi, a number of the capital’s attractions announced they would remain open throughout Eid, including Yas Water World and Ferrari World.

Musical concerts and cultural events have also been planned throughout the capital for the holiday.