Leaders have extended their annual greetings to Arab and Islamic countries ahead of next week's celebrations for Eid Al Adha, one of the most revered holidays on the Muslim calendar.
Sheikh Khalifa, the President, sent messages of peace, health and happiness to the nations' male rulers, princes and presidents, the state news agency Wam reported.
Sheikha Fatima, widow of the founding President Sheikh Zayed, sent similar greetings to their female counterparts, Wam said.
Known as the Festival of Sacrifice, Eid Al Adha celebrates Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail to show his loyalty to God.
Noting his devotion, God intervened at the 11th hour and gave Prophet Ibrahim a ram to sacrifice in his son's place.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, the Vice President, and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, also sent their warmest wishes.
