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.
![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.](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2c814e_616c43198d864e6d858ab23106a09e67~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_786,h_509,al_c,q_85,enc_avif,quality_auto/2c814e_616c43198d864e6d858ab23106a09e67~mv2.jpg)
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.
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