President Sheikh Mohamed led Eid Al Fitr prayers in Abu Dhabi on Sunday at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
The sermon addressed the value of righteousness in faith and worship, as well as the importance of embracing responsibilities towards the community, state news agency Wam reported.
Sheikh Mohamed also took to his account on social media platform X to share his greetings.
"On the occasion of Eid Al-Fitr I congratulate my brothers, the Rulers of the Emirates, people of the UAE, and Muslims around the world," wrote Sheikh Mohamed. "Together we pray for God to grant peace, blessings, and prosperity to all."
Following Eid prayer, Sheikh Mohamed exchanged greetings with worshippers. Also in attendance were Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, and Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, also shared his Eid greetings via X. "May the people of the UAE and all Arab and Islamic nations be well, safe, stable, and prosperous every year," wrote Sheikh Mohammed. "May our hope for a better tomorrow for all be renewed every year. May all Muslims be filled with joy, love and peace every year."
Also sharing Eid greetings was Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence.
"Heartfelt Eid Al Fitr greetings to the UAE leadership, our people, and everyone across the Arab and Islamic world," Sheikh Hamdan wrote on X. "May Allah bless us all with peace, prosperity, and blessings. Wishing you Eid Mubarak." Sheikh Hamdan also performed Eid Al Fitr prayer at Zabeel Grand Mosque.
Other rulers across the UAE were also saying Eid prayers on Sunday morning. Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, led prayers at Al Badi’ Musalla.
Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Ruler of Ajman, received devotees at Al Zaher Palace to mark Eid Al Fitrm while Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla, Ruler of Umm Al Quwain, attended Eid Al Fitr prayers at Ahmed bin Rashid Al Mualla Mosque.
Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, performed prayers at the Eid Grand Musalla in Khuzam, and Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Ruler of Fujairah, led prayers at Sheikh Zayed Mosque.
Across the community
The Year of Community was the focus of prayers from worshippers marking Eid Al Fitr in Dubai mosques.
Musallah Al Eid prayer ground in Bur Dubai, was busy on Sunday morning, as hundreds of worshippers arrived early to secure a place.
Worshippers of all ages arrived dressed in their finest attire to offer prayers, after which they greeted others with hugs and handshakes.
Once in place and guided by the imam, worshippers in the ground, which can accommodate thousands of people, unfolded their hands from their chests to express their gratitude to Allah.
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After finishing prayers, worshippers listened to the imam, who gave a small speech. “We ask Allah to return the Eid with joy and happiness on our leaders, country and community. We welcome our Eid with the Year of Community,” said the imam. “Society is a solid structure and its pillars are family, friends, neighbours, the rich and people in need.”
Emirati Masoud Al Hashimi, 35, came for prayers with his two children Abdulrahman and Abdullah, eight and seven. “I am keen to bring them with me every year to understand their traditions and perform Eid prayers. We grew up on coming to prayers,” Mr Al Hashimi told The National. “Eid is joy and gathering with family and friends boosts the bonds between us.”
Mr Al Hashimi said he would take his family to his grandfather's home for breakfast and exchange greetings with relatives.
For Sayed Mahfooz, 44, Eid prayers are a chance to meet his circle of friends for celebrations as his family is in his native India.
“I’ve been a resident in Dubai for 22 years. We always come here to pray after finishing Ramadan. It’s a big joy for all Muslims,” Mr Mahfooz said. “After prayer, we go to prepare food then a picnic with friends. It’s a chance to enjoy the holiday.”
Ibrahim Salman, 11, and his brother Mohammed, 12, came with their family to perform prayers and to distribute chocolates after finishing prayers.
“We come every year for praying and later we give sweets to worshippers. Eid Al Fitr is the day where Ramadan finish and everyone meet together,” said Ibrahim. “It is also a beautiful day as we get gifts from our parents as a reward after finishing Ramadan.”
What is Eid Al Fitr?
Eid Al Fitr signifies the end of Ramadan and the beginning of the month of Shawwal.
It is a celebratory occasion marked by morning prayers, family get-togethers and the giving of gifts, as well as charitable donations.
A public holiday accompanies Eid Al Fitr, with many people taking time off work to travel abroad or take short trips in the region.
Both the public and private sector are enjoying a three-days break to mark the occasion. Work will resume on Wednesday, April 2.
