UAE to hold Eid Al Fitr prayers in mosques only this year
Authorities rule out open prayer grounds across the country
DUBAI – The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has confirmed that Eid Al Fitr prayers will be held only in mosques this year, with authorities ruling out the use of open prayer grounds and outdoor spaces across the country.
The decision has been announced as part of measures aimed at safeguarding citizens and residents during the holiday period.
It means the traditional large open-air Eid congregations seen in some locations will not take place, and worshippers will instead gather inside approved mosques nationwide.
Safety measure
The General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat said Eid prayers would be confined to mosques across the UAE in line with measures adopted to ensure public safety and wellbeing. The authority said the decision was being implemented in coordination with the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai and the Department of Islamic Affairs in Sharjah, underlining that the arrangement applies across the country.
General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat Announces the Holding of Eid Al Fitr Prayers in Mosques Across the UAE pic.twitter.com/Qfpvsvyqgo
— UAEGOV (@UAEmediaoffice) March 17, 2026
The move marks a significant operational decision for one of the busiest prayer occasions of the year, when mosques and prayer grounds would normally receive large numbers of worshippers in the early morning. By limiting the prayer to mosques, officials are seeking to organise the gathering in a more controlled way while maintaining the smooth conduct of Eid prayers nationwide.
Guidelines
Authorities have also called on worshippers to follow the announced guidelines and to arrive early for the Eid prayer. The instruction is intended to support orderly entry into mosques and to help manage the expected crowds on the first morning of Eid.
The announcement was issued alongside the release of Eid prayer timings across the emirates, linking the nationwide schedule with the venue restrictions now in place. In practice, that means residents planning to attend prayers will need to head to their designated local mosques rather than the open-air Eid grounds traditionally used in some areas.
The confirmation also highlights the coordinated role of federal and local religious authorities in organising Eid arrangements. The General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat is working alongside the Dubai and Sharjah bodies responsible for Islamic affairs to ensure a unified approach, with the emphasis placed on safety, crowd management and smooth operations.