Eid Mubarak: UAE leaders gather for holiday celebrations
Eid Al Adha received a royal welcome as the leadership of the UAE performed prayers across the country to mark the start of the holiday.
Leaders and dignitaries yesterday took part in prayers at mosques in each of the seven emirates on the first morning of the holy occasion.
Each of the Rulers also exchanged greetings with well-wishers at their respective palaces as the nation came together in the spirit of Eid.
Thousands of people throughout the seven emirates embarked on their own dawn journeys to their mosques in celebration of Eid Al Adha.
They gathered for prayers before embracing friends, family and fellow worshippers during a day of traditional Eid Al Adha celebrations.
The Rulers and crown princes of each emirate then met at Mushrif Palace in Abu Dhabi for a reception hosted by 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. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed also delivered a message of support to members of the Armed Forces currently in the line of duty, state news agency Wam reported.
They saluted the soldiers for their steadfast service to their country and
wished for them to return home safely from their duties overseas.
In a speech carried on a live video-link to members of the Armed Forces, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid said: “I wish you all, and the nation, safety every year. You represent a model of the Emirati people that we are proud of. “My brother Mohammed bin Zayed and I are proud of you, and we convey to you the greetings of the Emirati people. History will never forget your honourable actions.” Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, said: “May Allah Almighty bless and protect you and bring you back safe and victorious to your families and nation.” Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, took time out from the festivities to offer a greeting to Dubai Police staff working over the holidays handling emergency calls and fielding inquiries from the public. An officer in Dubai Police’s operations room received a ringing endorsement when he picked up the call from Sheikh Hamdan offering his warm support for the holiday season and wishing the officer well while on duty.
“First of all, assalamu alaykum and good morning to all
The theme of Eid messages was one of gratitude to the patriots who serve the UAE
of you,” he said in the message, which was recorded and posted to Dubai Police’s Twitter account.
“I just wanted to greet you and wish you a blessed Eid while on duty. I pray to God that you will have many happy returns.
The officer thanked Sheikh Hamdan for the kind gesture.