Leaders exchange greetings, UAE begins Eid celebrations
Muslim pilgrims prayed on Monday on Saudi Arabia’s Mount Arafat, the high point of this year’s Hajj held with strict measures under coronavirus limits for a second year running, and prepared for the “stoning of the devil” rituals.
Thousands of face-masked pilgrims on Mount Arafat expressed hopes for peace and an end to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Just 60,000 people, all citizens or residents of Saudi Arabia, have been selected to take part in this year’s Hajj, with foreign pilgrims again barred.
The mask-clad faithful, who had spent the night at camps in the Valley of Mina, converged on Mount Arafat where Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) delivered his final sermon, for the most important of the Hajj rituals.
They then began to descend the mountain for the next stage of rites
Being one of the lucky few “gives you a feeling that our God is forgiving and has chosen us to be in this place”, said Selma Mohamed Hegazi, a 45-year-old Egyptian.
In the UAE, Eid celebration began with the President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan sending cables of congratulations to kings, presidents and emirs of Arab and Islamic countries, on the advent of Eid Al Adha.
In his messages, Sheikh Khalifa expressed his wishes of good health and happiness to the leaders and wished further progress and prosperity to the Arab and Muslim peoples. He also wished dignity and glory for Arab and Islamic nations.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid
Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, also sent similar greetings to Arab and Islamic leaders on the auspicious occasion.
His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, His Highness Sheikh Humaid Bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ajman, His Highness Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, His Highness Sheikh Saud Bin Rashid Al Mu’alla, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Umm Al Qaiwain, and His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Fujairah, have greeted Sheikh Khalifa on Eid.
On the other hand, Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed and Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of Saudi Arabia, explored avenues for enhancing the flourishing relations and strategic cooperation between their countries.
This came as the Saudi Crown Prince welcomed Sheikh Mohamed and his accompanying delegation in Riyadh.
The two leaders exchanged Eid Al Adha greetings and wished continuing development, progress and prosperity for the Islamic nation and the whole world and prayed to Allah Almighty to rid humanity of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sheikh Mohamed conveyed the greetings of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan to his brother the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia, wishing him continued good health and wellbeing, which Mohammed bin Salman reciprocated by conveying the greetings of King Salman to the UAE President.
The sides discussed cooperation and acceleration of joint efforts to ensure the higher good of the peoples of their countries and the whole region, and reviewed the latest regional, Arab and international developments of mutual concern and efforts to eliminate political challenges towards achieving peace and stability.
In UAE, Abu Dhabi decorated its streets, bridges and public areas to celebrate Eid.
Different areas of the seven emirates have been decorated on the occasion, but authorities have urged member of the public to adhere to precautionary measures to curb the spread of coronavirus.
Many municipalities in the UAE announced its readiness to receive the blessed Eid Al-adha, according to a proactive plan and comprehensive preventive measures with the aim of preserving the health and safety of residents and visitors from the emerging coronavirus pandemic.
Thousands of pilgrims pray for peace and an end to COVID-19 on Mount Arafat; Mohamed Bin Zayed and Salman hold talks; UAE authorities urge residents to follow virus safety protocols during the holidays.