With just a day to go for Eid-Al Fitr, UAE has barred open-air prayers and announced that prayers will be held inside mosques across the nation amid the escalating hostilities between US-Israel and Iran.
In a statement posted on X, the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat said the decision applies nationwide, confirming that prayers will not take place in traditional open-air Eid prayer areas.
Eid Al Fitr prayers, which mark the conclusion of the holy month of Ramadan, are traditionally held in large congregations, often in designated outdoor spaces. The authority said the move is aimed at ensuring the smooth organisation of prayers and maintaining public safety, with worshippers expected to attend mosques across the emirates.
Many nations in the Gulf, such as UAE, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and Lebannon will be observing Eid on Friday (March 20).
The announcement comes amid a sharp escalation in West Asia, after Iran intensified its attacks on oil and energy infrastructure in the Gulf following the killing of two of its top officials---security chief Ali Larijani and Basij force commander Gholamreza Soleimani.
The UAE said its air defence systems are actively responding to incoming missile and drone threats from Iran. Authorities stated that a large number of threats, including ballistic missiles and drones, have been intercepted, with fighter jets deployed against aerial targets.
While most threats were neutralised, falling debris caused minor damage in some areas. Residents have been urged to stay indoors and follow official safety instructions.
Iran's latest attack was on QatarEnergy's main gas facility in Ras Laffan Industrial City, which is the world’s largest LNG export plant. The Iranian strikes resulted in “extensive damage,” as per company authorities.
In the 'consultative meeting' of foreign ministers from Arab and Islamic countries hosted in Riyadh on Wednesday, Saudi Arabia, along with other participating states, condemned Iran’s missile and drone attacks on regional countries, especially those targeting civilian infrastructure like oil facilities, airports, and residential areas.
Saudi officials argued that Iran’s actions reflect a deliberate and ongoing strategy of destabilization, and warned Tehran to change course to avoid further escalation. Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud said Riyadh has "reserved the right to take military actions" and would not hesitate to defend its territory and economic interests.
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