Eid Al Fitr morning prayers held at mosques across UAE

Worshippers line up at mosques to celebrate the occasion, while observing measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus

Worshippers perform prayers on the first morning of Eid Al Fitr at Al Farooq Omar Bin Al Khattab Mosque in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National

People exchange greetings after prayers at Al Farooq Omar Bin Al Khattab Mosque. Pawan Singh / The National

Prayers were held across the country early on Monday to mark the start of Eid Al Fitr. Pawan Singh / The National

This year's Eid is the closest to normal since the pandemic began, after mosques returned to almost full capacity in February. Pawan Singh / The National

Worshippers embrace after morning prayers in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National

A worshipper takes part in the traditional first morning Eid prayers in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National

Communal prayers are an important part of Eid celebrations. Pawan Singh / The National

More people were able to attend prayers this year. Pawan Singh / The National

Worshippers at the Bani Hashim Mosque in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

The start of Eid is a joyous occasion for Muslims in the UAE and around the world. Victor Besa / The National

The Bani Hashim Mosque in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

Early morning prayers in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

Warm greetings on the first morning of Eid Al Fitr in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa/The National

Worshippers have this year been allowed to pray in straight lines again, rather than the zigzag format introduced during the pandemic. Victor Besa / The National

Morning prayers were held across the country on Monday to mark the start of Eid Al Fitr.

Worshippers lined up at mosques to celebrate the occasion, while observing measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Hundreds of people flocked to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi and Sheikh Khalifa Grand Mosque in Al Ain, where prayers were held at 7am.

This year's Eid is the closest to normal since the pandemic began, after mosques returned to almost full capacity in February.

However, certain restrictions remained to protect the public during prayers, including the requirement of an active green pass on Al Hosn app to attend.

Under guidelines approved by authorities, prayers were limited to 20 minutes.

The entry and exit of worshippers at mosques was supervised by police, volunteers and imams, to prevent overcrowding and maintain order.

Masks remained mandatory indoors and worshippers were required to maintain a physical distance of at least one metre.

Physical distancing stickers were also placed in outdoor spaces surrounding mosques and people were asked to use their personal mats or disposable mats.

However, worshippers have this year been allowed to pray in straight lines again, rather than the zigzag format introduced during the pandemic, meaning more people were able to attend prayers.

The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority earlier said the public should give Eid presents through electronic means and limit celebrations to immediate family members and close friends.

On Sunday, UAE leaders wished the nation and Muslims worldwide a happy and blessed Eid.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, shared their messages on social media.

"Eid greetings to the people of the Emirates, the Arab world and all Islamic nations. I wish we come even closer to each other with each passing year. I wish for our hearts to become more loving, tolerant, and peaceful. Every year, we rejoice in obedience to our Lord. Eid Mubarak and may God accept all good deeds," Sheikh Mohammed wrote on Twitter.

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed wrote on Twitter: "Congratulations to the President, Vice President, Rulers, citizens and residents of the UAE and Muslims around the world on the occasion of Eid Al Fitr. May God grant our nation continued happiness and well-being and bestow peace and harmony on the region and the world."

Government workers have a week-long holiday during Eid, while private-sector workers are off from Saturday, April 30, until Wednesday, May 4, returning to work on Thursday.