Ramadan 2020: First day of holy month in UAE - in pictures

Abu Dhabi Crown Prince thanks people's patience amid the pandemic as Muslims face a unique Ramadan with mosques closed and gatherings discouraged

The cannon firing to mark the breaking of the fast at Maghrib sunset prayers at Burj Khalifa, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

The sun rises over Al Farooq Omar Bin Al Khattab Mosque on the first morning of Ramadan. Mosques remain closed. Chris Whiteoak / The National

The cannon firing to mark the breaking of the fast at Maghrib sunset prayers at Burj Khalifa, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

The cannon firing to mark the breaking of the fast at Maghrib sunset prayers at Burj Khalifa, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

The sun rises over Al Farooq Omar Bin Al Khattab Mosque on the first morning of Ramadan. Mosques remain closed. Chris Whiteoak / The National

A canon is fired to mark the breaking of the fast at Maghrib sunset prayers at the Umm Al Emarat Park in Abu Dhabi on the first day of Ramadan. Victor Besa / The National

A canon is fired to mark the breaking of the fast at Maghrib sunset prayers at the Umm Al Emarat Park in Abu Dhabi on the first day of Ramadan. Victor Besa / The National

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque on a beautiful sunny day on the first day of Ramadan. Victor Besa / The National

Dubai Police officers get ready to fire the cannon on the first day of Ramadan to break the fast at the Al Mankhool area in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National

A Dubai Police officer gets ready to fire the cannon on the first day of Ramadan to break the fast at the Al Mankhool area in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National

Dubai Police officers firing the cannon on the first day of Ramadan to break the fast at the Al Mankhool area in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National

Some shops in Satwa are open for business after Dubai eased restrictions for Ramadan. Leslie Pableo for The National

A father and his daughter cross the street to get to the Abu Dhabi Central Bus Terminal during the first morning of Ramadan. Victor Besa / The National

Sheikh Zayed Road is still very quite on the first morning of eased restrictions on personal travel. Chris Whiteoak / The National

A pedestrian walks pass a bus stop at downtown Abu Dhabi during the Coronavirus epidemic. Victor Besa / The National

A barber shop in Satwa is busy with customers. Leslie Pableo for The National

Muslims in the UAE began fasting from dawn to dusk on Friday as Ramadan began across the Islamic world.

The first prayers - especially the first Friday prayers - are usually an auspicious occasion during the holy month, but with mosques closed and large gatherings discouraged, Muslims face a unique month ahead.

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces sent text messages to UAE residents to thank people's patience during the coronavirus outbreak.

"I remain grateful for your patience, resilience and kindness in these unprecedented times. Together we can ensure the safety of our cherished families, friends and communities by continuing to practice the necessary precautionary measures. As one, I know we will overcome this pandemic together," he wrote.

On Thursday night, President Sheikh Khalifa sent cables of congratulations to the heads of Arab and Islamic countries on the advent of Ramadan.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, wished the people of the UAE a blessed Ramadan, describing the holy month as one of "goodness and mercy".