Muslims across the globe have been observing Ramadan with four weeks of fasting. But the holy month will draw to a close this week when a new moon is sighted. Members of the Islamic faith celebrate the start of Eid-al Fitr by attending dawn prayers.
Eid al-Fitr prayer times in UAE
Eid celebrations begin with morning prayers.
The Islamic calendar is lunar and the start of Eid is declared when the new moon is sighted.
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When Eid is announced varies from country to country depending on when the moon is sighted.
While each nation may decide its Eid prayer times independently these are the provisional Eid prayer times in the UAE:
According to the Khaleej Times, mosques in Abu Dhabi city will hold the Eid Al Fitr prayers at 5.50am.
In Al Ain, they will be held at 5.44am and in the Western Region of in Madinat Zayed they will be held at 5.55am.
The official told the Khaleej Times that in all other emirates, the prayers will be held 20 minutes after sunrise.
The Shawwal moon which marks the start of Ramadan is expected to be sighted in the UAE and Saudi Arabia this evening.
The expected Eid prayers dates in the UAE are as follows:
Abu Dhabi city: 5.50am
Al Ain: 5.44am
Madinat Zayed: 5.55am
Dubai: 5.45am
Sharjah: 5.45am
Ajman: 5.44am
Ras Al Khaimah: 5.41am
Umm Al Quwain: 5.43am
Fujairah: 5.41am
Muslims are advised to contact their mosques directly if they are unsure.
The provisional date of Eid al-Fitr has been given as June 4.
Depending on when the moon is sighted local, some nations may announce the start of Eid on June 5.
Eid al-Fitr greetings
The traditional Eid greeting is to say “Eid Mubarak.”
Muslims follow this greeting which means “Happy holiday” or “Happy celebrations” with a formal embrace, three times.
The phrase is exchanged by Muslims throughout Eid to wish one another a happy holiday.
“Eid Mubarak” is also emblazoned on balloons and special Eid bunting which is hung up in homes to celebrate the happy time.