In-person Eid prayers for the first time during the pandemic

In scenes reminiscent of years gone by, worshippers lined up at mosques to mark the start of the second Eid Al Fitr since the pandemic started

The faithful maintain physical distance while performing Eid prayers. Antonie Robertson / The National.

Men roll out prayer mats before performing Salat Al Eid prayers. Eid prayers are traditionally held in an open space, Eidgah. Antonie Robertson / The National.

The faithful arrive at the Umm Suquim prayer grounds to offer Eid prayers. The UAE authorities allowed communal Eid prayers again this year. Antonie Robertson / The National.

Men arrive to perform Eid prayers in Dubai. Under social distancing rules, prayer access is limited to 15 minutes in the Emirates this year. Antonie Robertson / The National.

Worshippers attend Eid prayers at the Umm Suquim Eid prayer grounds. Antonie Robertson / The National

Younger worshippers wear facemasks while performing Eid prayers in Umm Suquim. Antonie Robertson / The National.

On Wednesday, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, wished happiness, health and peace to all. Antonie Robertson / The National

A man takes a selfie before prayers. Antonie Robertson / The National

Worshippers young and old perform Eid prayers in Dubai. Antonie Robertson / The National

UAE's National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority outlined Covid-19 safety precautions for Eid Al Fitr, such as limiting prayer times to 15 minutes and avoiding family visits and gatherings. Antonie Robertson / The National

Wearing masks and maintaining physical distancing must be adhered to during Eid prayers. Antonie Robertson / The National

Shaking hands before and after prayer are prohibited, with people advised to greet each other from a distance. Antonie Robertson / The National

Authorities also advised people to give online presents as Eidiyya to children. Antonie Robertson / The National

Eid prayers were held in mosques across the country for the first time in two years.

In scenes reminiscent of years gone by, worshippers lined up at mosques to mark the start of the second Eid Al Fitr holiday affected by the pandemic.

But instead of being tightly packed together, shoulder to shoulder, as they would have been before, worshippers left space between their prayer mats to respect precautions to curb the spread of Covid-19.

Approved mosques were permitted to open 15 minutes before the beginning of prayers, which were limited to 15 minutes.

People aged 60 and over and under the age of 12 were not permitted to attend.

Earlier, UAE leaders shared greetings on social media, wishing citizens, residents and the rest of the Muslim world a happy and blessed Eid Al Fitr.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, wished happiness, health and peace to all.

"Eid Mubarak to the people of the UAE and the rest of the Muslim world. May the days ahead bring us blessings, peace and prosperity," he said in a tweet.

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, prayed for "peace, prosperity and happiness".

"Eid Mubarak to the UAE President and Vice President, the Rulers of the Emirates, and the UAE people," he tweeted.

"We pray that this blessed time brings peace, prosperity and happiness to the people of our nation, the region and the world."

Last year's Eid Al Fitr fell during the early days of the pandemic, forcing mosques to close completely and people to worship at home.

Sending virtual Eid greetings to friends became the norm.

This year, although mosques are allowed to open, authorities are urging people to still celebrate at home with immediate family to stem the spread of the virus.

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