Rulers and Sheikhs lead festivity

ABU DHABI // Prayers, sermons and greetings abounded yesterday as the country's leaders made visits and accepted well-wishers to mark Eid al Fitr. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed, President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, received the Supreme Council Members and rulers of the emirates at his Al Mushrif Palace, the state news agency WAM reported. Sheikh Khalifa then offered prayers at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

There, Muslim clerics stressed the importance of visiting relatives during Eid, as well as showing mutual respect and love for people. The clerics also called upon Muslims to be moderate and to seek truth, justice and equality, and encouraged them to do good works, continuing with the spirit of Ramadan. Sheikh Khalifa was joined in prayers by Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces; Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed, the UAE President's Representative; Sheikh Saif bin Mohammed; Sheikh Surour bin Mohammed, the National Security Adviser; Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed; Sheikh Saif bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior; as well as members of the diplomatic corps and other Muslim worshippers.

After prayers, the President and his family visited the tomb of Sheikh Zayed and prayed for his soul. Later, the President exchanged Eid greetings with Hamid Karzai, the leader of Afghanistan, and Fouad Siniora, the Prime Minister of Lebanon. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, also visited the tomb, accompanied by sheikhs and government officials. His sons were included in the visit: Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, the Crown Prince of Dubai; Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, Deputy Ruler of Dubai; Sheikh Majid bin Mohammed, chairman of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority; and Sheikh Mansour bin Mohammed.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid also received Eid al Fitr well-wishers, including many members of the Dubai Royal family, and government dignitaries. Prayers were also offered by the rulers of Umm al Qaiwain, Ajman, Fujairah and Ras al Khaimah. Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed, Ruler of Sharjah; Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed, Ruler of Fujairah; Sheikh Saud bin Rashid, Ruler of Umm al Qaiwain; and Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid, Ruler of Ajman, all greeted Sheikh Mubarak bin Mohammed al Nahyan at his palace.

He was also greeted by Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed, the Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah; Sheikh Ammar bin Humaidi, the Deputy Ruler of Ras al Khaimah; and other government ministers. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak, the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research; Sheikh Hamdan bin Mubarak, the Minister of Public Works; Sheikh Mohammed bin Nahyan; and Sheikh Shakhbout bin Nahyan were also present at the ceremony.