Coronavirus: Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed calls for UAE to 'stay the course' as Eid celebrations begin

UAE leaders called on the nation to stand together to overcome the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic as they ushered in an Eid Al Fitr holiday celebrated in "exceptional circumstances".

Senior dignitaries across the Emirates exchanged traditional and greetings to mark the start of Eid Al Fitr on Sunday.

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, said the country must "stay the course" in order to emerge from the coronavirus outbreak safely.

During a video call, I had a great conversation with Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohamed. Let us continue to stay the course and get through this period together as safely as we can. Once again, I wish you and your families a healthy and blessed Eid Al Fitr. pic.twitter.com/R17UNNUjwT
— محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) May 23, 2020

Sheikh Mohamed congratulated President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed on the occasion of Eid Al Fitr.

He wished Sheikh Khalifa good health and well-being to continue the nation's development drive.

Sheikh Mohamed also congratulated Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai and the rulers and crown princes of other emirates.

Finally, he extended his Eid wishes to Emiratis and residents.

He prayed to God to grant more progress, prosperity and development for the UAE.

Eid Al Fitr

The streets of Baniyas are usually bustling with Eid shoppers but, this year, celebrations are expected to be muted due to the coronavirus outbreak. Reem Mohammed / The National

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On Twitter, he shared images of his family in conversation with Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed, the Ruler’s Representative of the Eastern Region of Abu Dhabi.

“Let us continue to stay the course and get through this period together as safely as we can,” he said.

Sheikh Mohammed wished Muslims stability, obedience and wellness.

“Eid this year differed from all other years,” he began.

اختلف العيد هذا العام عن كل الأعوام ... وبقيت المودة والمحبة والتواصل عن بعد ... كل عام وشعبنا بخير .. كل عام وشعوبنا الإسلامية بخير واستقرار وطاعة وعافية .. كل عام وشعوب العالم أقرب لبعضها .. وأرحم ببعضها .. وأسعد بصحتها وعافيتها ...
— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) May 23, 2020

“May the people of the world be closer to each other, have mercy on each other and be happier through health and wellness," he tweeted.

His son, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, tweeted Eid greetings to the rulers, residents and all peoples of the Arab and Islamic nations.

كل التهاني والتبريكات لقيادتنا الرشيدة ولشعبنا الغالي وجميع شعوب الأمتين العربية والإسلامية بحلول عيد الفطر السعيد.. نحتفل بقدومه في ظرف استثنائي ربما فرض علينا التباعد في المكان ولكنه زاد من تقارب القلوب يجمعها هدف واحد وهو ضمان السلامة للجميع.
— Hamdan bin Mohammed (@HamdanMohammed) May 23, 2020

“We celebrate its coming in an exceptional circumstance; perhaps we were forced to distance but it increased the closeness of hearts with the single goal of ensuring safety for all.”