Eid Al Fitr prayers in the UAE will be held inside mosques only this year, the General Authority for Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat said on Wednesday.
They will not be held in Eid prayer grounds or open areas, and will only be limited to mosques, the authority clarified. This step, they said, aligns with the measures taken by the country to ensure the safety of worshippers.
The Islamic Affairs Department and Charitable Work in Dubai, and the Islamic Affairs Department in Sharjah, have also coordinated with authorities to make this decision, according to the announcement.
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The authority has urged worshippers to adhere to guidelines and perform the Eid prayer inside mosques to maintain their safety.
The UAE’s Moon-Sighting Committee will search the skies for the Shawwal crescent on the 29th of Ramadan, which falls on Wednesday, March 18.
If the crescent moon is spotted on Wednesday, Eid Al Fitr will begin on Thursday, March 19. If it is not sighted, Ramadan will complete 30 days, and Eid will fall on Friday, March 20.
Astronomical calculations currently suggest Ramadan is likely to run for the full 30 days this year. If confirmed, Eid Al Fitr will be observed on Friday, March 20.
Source: Khaleej Times