UAE marks Eid Al Fitr 2026 with prayers inside mosques and safety measures in place
Long weekend begins for public and private sector workers
DUBAI – Residents across the United Arab Emirate (UAE) gathered in the early hours of Friday to perform Eid Al Fitr prayers, marking the end of Ramadan and the start of one of the most significant celebrations in the Islamic calendar.
From Abu Dhabi and Dubai to Sharjah and the Northern Emirates, mosques welcomed large numbers of worshippers arriving before sunrise in a spirit of devotion, gratitude and togetherness.
The occasion brought families, friends and communities together as the country began its Eid celebrations with traditional morning prayers.
Prayers inside mosques
This year, Eid prayers were held only inside mosques, with no open-air gatherings or prayers on outdoor grounds. Authorities had confirmed earlier in the week that, for safety reasons, worshippers would perform the special prayers indoors across the country.
The arrangements were coordinated by the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai and the Department of Islamic Affairs in Sharjah, with similar preparations made across the emirates. Officials said the move was intended to protect worshippers while ensuring that residents could mark the festival in an organised and meaningful way.
The decision came as Eid Al Fitr this year was observed against the backdrop of regional conflict. The UAE has been responding to a continuing threat since hostilities with Iran began on February 28, prompting tighter precautions around public gatherings. In that context, the focus remained on preserving both public safety and the sanctity of the religious occasion.
Safety steps
Authorities urged worshippers to arrive early and follow all guidelines to help ensure a smooth flow into mosques and a safe prayer experience. Across the emirates, residents were seen gathering in large numbers while observing the measures in place, creating a calm and orderly atmosphere as prayers began.
In Dubai, Eid prayers started at 6.40am, with more than 900 mosques prepared to receive worshippers under the coordination of the Dubai Resilience Centre. The emirate also continued the ‘Muezzin Al Freej’ initiative, through which Eid Takbeerat were broadcast across mosques, adding to the spiritual atmosphere while allowing residents to celebrate safely.
In Sharjah, worshippers gathered at mosques including Al Noor Mosque, where scenes of communal prayer reflected the solemnity and joy of the morning. Similar scenes were repeated nationwide as men, women and children came together to mark the first day of Eid Al Fitr.
Eid holiday begins
The prayers also marked the beginning of the Eid holiday for workers across the UAE. The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation had announced last month that the break for both public and private sector employees would begin on Thursday, March 19, with work resuming on Monday, March 23.
Eid Al Fitr is one of the two main feasts observed by Muslims worldwide and is traditionally marked by congregational prayers, family visits, gift-giving and acts of charity. In the UAE, the day opened with a strong sense of unity, with worshippers turning out in large numbers to mark the occasion despite the exceptional circumstances surrounding this year’s celebrations.