Thousands of UAE residents headed to mosques on Friday morning to mark the first day of Eid Al Fitr, before enjoying the holiday with their families and friends.
In Dubai, worshippers from the youngest members of a family to the eldest wore their best outfits to begin their day with prayers and exchange Eid greetings with those around them.
At Al Farooq Omar Bin Al Khattab Mosque, in Dubai’s Al Safa area, worshippers bustled to secure a spot in the mosque, which can accommodate more than 2,000.
Once in place, and guided by the imam, worshippers unfolded their hands from their chests to express their gratitude to Allah.
After finishing the prayer, worshippers stayed and listened to the imam, who gave a small speech.
“Today we mark the first day of Eid Al Fitr,” said the imam. “It means happiness, and it is important to be happy during Eid and visit our family and friends.
“People might have a dispute with family members or friends and Eid is an opportunity to reconnect and celebrate together.”
Bilal Abrahim with his sons Rayan and Yousef after Eid Al Fitr prayers at Al Farooq Omar Bin Al Khattab Mosque in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
'Refreshed and happy'
Bilal Ibrahim, 43-year-old from Pakistan, who came to attend the Eid prayers with his two children Rayan and Yousef, nine and seven, said he was keen to attend with them after a month of fasting.
“After Ramadan finishes, we all come to perform Eid prayer. I feel refreshed and happy that I finished fasting. Performing the prayer is like a reward for me,” Mr Ibrahim, a banker who lives in Dubai, told The National.
“It is a special Eid as my youngest son is coming for the first time to perform prayer. We will return home to have breakfast with other family members.”
Ali Al Ansari, a 23-year-old worshipper from the UAE, said: “We all wake up early every Eid, and wear our best outfits to attend the prayer. I come to pray every year to thank God for blessings and pray for the UAE and its leaders.
Ali Ansari after Eid Al Fitr prayers at Al Farooq Omar Bin Al Khattab Mosque in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
“Usually we are busy with studying or working and Eid is a chance to see other family members and gather.
“Eid is like a rest after Ramadan. It is a beautiful time of the year for us.”
Badru Dugad, from India, told The National that every year he travels from Abu Dhabi to Dubai with his friends to perform Eid prayers at Al Farooq Omar Bin Al Khattab Mosque.
“It is a beautiful mosque and a masterpiece,” said the 23-year-old, who works as purchasing manager in a private company. “I love to come every Eid to this mosque from Abu Dhabi to perform the prayer before having breakfast with my friends.
Badru Dugad after Eid Al Fitr prayers at Al Farooq Omar Bin Al Khattab Mosque in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
“During Ramadan, I come with my friends to Dubai to break our fast and pray in different mosques. Sadly, Ramadan is finished and we have to wait for one year to be fasting again and enjoy the spiritual atmosphere.”
Eid Al Fitr marks the end of the Ramadan.
It is a celebratory occasion marked by morning prayers, family get-togethers, the giving of gifts to loved ones and charitable donations.
Many people also take advantage of the extended break from work to travel overseas or take short trips within the region.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation said the holiday would run from Thursday, April 20, until Sunday, April 23.
Work and schools will resume on Monday, April 24.
Muslims pray in Dubai's Al Barsha district on the first day of Eid Al Fitr. Chris Whiteoak / The National
People gather for morning prayers at the Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed the First Mosque in Abu Dhabi on Friday. Victor Besa / The National
Eid began on Friday in the UAE. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Morning prayers at the Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed the First Mosque on Friday. Victor Besa / The National
Muslims offer prayers in Al Barsha on Friday. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Morning prayers at Al Farooq Omar bin Al Khattab Mosque in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
Thursday was the 29th and final day of Ramadan this year. Victor Besa / The National
Eid marks the end of the month-long Ramadan fast for Muslims. Pawan Singh / The National
It is a celebratory occasion marked by morning prayers, family get-togethers, the giving of gifts as well as charitable donations. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Pupils in the UAE will return to school on Monday. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Morning prayers at Al Farooq Omar bin Al Khattab Mosque in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
Muslims greet each other on the first day of Eid at the Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed the First Mosque. Victor Besa / The National
Morning prayers on the first day of Eid in Al Barsha. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Muslims celebrate Eid in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National
Eid activities in recent years were disrupted by Covid-19, with more muted celebrations taking place. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Travel and safety restrictions have been lifted around the world, adding an extra sense of joy and anticipation to the festivities. Victor Besa / The National
Worshippers prepare to pray on the first day of Eid in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National
A man prays at dawn on the first day of Eid. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Muslims exchange Eid greetings after morning prayers on Friday. Chris Whiteoak / The National
A child offers sweets after Eid morning prayers in Al Barsha. Chris Whiteoak / The National
People arrive for morning prayers in Al Barsha on Friday. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Joel Egerton, Charlotte Rampling, Jeremy Irons
Three stars
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
The National will broadcast live from the IMF on Friday October 13 at 7pm UAE time (3pm GMT) as our Editor-in-Chief Mina Al-Oraibi moderates a panel on how technology can help growth in MENA.
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
This is Firth's pick and an ingredient he says, "gives you an instant cheesy flavour". He advises making your own cream cheese with it or simply using it to whip up a mac and cheese or wholesome lasagne. It's available in organic and specialist grocery stores across the UAE.
Seeds
"We've got a big jar of mixed seeds in our kitchen," Theasby explains. "That's what you use to make a bolognese or pie or salad: just grab a handful of seeds and sprinkle them over the top. It's a really good way to make sure you're getting your omegas."
Umami flavours
"I could say soya sauce, but I'll say all umami-makers and have them in the same batch," says Firth. He suggests having items such as Marmite, balsamic vinegar and other general, dark, umami-tasting products in your cupboard "to make your bolognese a little bit more 'umptious'".
Onions and garlic
"If you've got them, you can cook basically anything from that base," says Theasby. "These ingredients are so prevalent in every world cuisine and if you've got them in your cupboard, then you know you've got the foundation of a really nice meal."
Your grain of choice
Whether rice, quinoa, pasta or buckwheat, Firth advises always having a stock of your favourite grains in the cupboard. "That you, you have an instant meal and all you have to do is just chuck a bit of veg in."
Key facilities
Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
Premier League-standard football pitch
400m Olympic running track
NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
600-seat auditorium
Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
Specialist robotics and science laboratories
AR and VR-enabled learning centres
Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Favourite hobby: taking his rescue dog, Sally, for long walks.
Favourite book: anything by Stephen King, although he said the films rarely match the quality of the books
Favourite film: The Shawshank Redemption stands out as his favourite movie, a classic King novella
Favourite music: “I have a wide and varied music taste, so it would be unfair to pick a single song from blues to rock as a favourite"
Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction
Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
What are the guidelines?
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.
Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.
Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.
First Test, Galle International Stadium
July 26-30 Second Test, Sinhalese Sports Club Ground
August 3-7 Third Test, Pallekele International Cricket Stadium
August 12-16 First ODI, Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium
August 20 Second ODI, Pallekele International Cricket Stadium
August 24 Third ODI, Pallekele International Cricket Stadium
August 27 Fourth ODI, R Premadasa Stadium
August 31 Fifth ODI, R Premadasa Stadium
September 3 T20, R Premadasa Stadium
September 6
The specs
Engine: Dual 180kW and 300kW front and rear motors
Power: 480kW
Torque: 850Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh359,900 ($98,000)
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Scores in brief:
New Medical Centre 129-5 in 17 overs bt Zayed Cricket Academy 125-6 in 20 overs.
William Hare Abu Dhabi Gymkhana 188-8 in 20 overs bt One Stop Tourism 184-8 in 20 overs
Alubond Tigers 138-7 in 20 overs bt United Bank Limited 132-7 in 20 overs
Multiplex 142-6 in 17 overs bt Xconcepts Automobili 140 all out in 20 overs
If you’re going to go grey, a great style, well-cared for hair (in a sleek, classy style, like a bob), and a young spirit and attitude go a long way, says Maria Dowling, founder of the Maria Dowling Salon in Dubai.
It’s easier to go grey from a lighter colour, so you may want to do that first. And this is the time to try a shorter style, she advises. Then a stylist can introduce highlights, start lightening up the roots, and let it fade out. Once it’s entirely grey, a purple shampoo will prevent yellowing.
“Get professional help – there’s no other way to go around it,” she says. “And don’t just let it grow out because that looks really bad. Put effort into it: properly condition, straighten, get regular trims, make sure it’s glossy.”
Founders: Sanad Yaghi, Ali Al Sayegh and Shadi Joulani
Based: UAE
Number of employees: 140
Sector: B2B Vertical SaaS(software as a service)
Investment: $5.2 million
Funding stage: Seed round
Investors: Global Founders Capital, Colle Capital Partners, Wamda Capital, Plug and Play, Comma Capital, Nowais Capital, Annex Investments and AMK Investment Office
Test squad: Azhar Ali (captain), Abid Ali, Asad Shafiq, Babar Azam, Haris Sohail, Imam-ul-Haq, Imran Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Kashif Bhatti, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Rizwan(wicketkeeper), Musa Khan, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Shan Masood, Yasir Shah
Twenty20 squad: Babar Azam (captain), Asif Ali, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Sohail, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Imam-ul-Haq, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Irfan, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Musa Khan, Shadab Khan, Usman Qadir, Wahab Riaz
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
