WAM Dubai, 19th Aug. 2012 (WAM) -- Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum offered Eid al Fitr prayer this morning at Zabeel Mosque.

Dubai Crown Prince H.H Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance H.H Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Deputy Ruler H.H Sheikh Maktoum Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum and a number of Sheikhs and senior officials performed the ritual along with Sheikh Mohammed.

In his Eid sermon, prayer leader (Imam) Sheikh Omer Al Khatib, shone light on charitable works like visiting patients, hosting iftar banquets during the holy month of Ramadan, building mosques, schools and Quran memorisation centres, as well as sponsoring orphans.

He said Eid Al Fitr is a precious opportunity for consolidating relations, intimacy and mercy amongst Muslims, citing a relevant verse from the Quran on obedience of Allah and His messenger "O ye who believe! Obey Allah, and obey the Messenger, and those charged with authority among you." ''May Allah grant our leader President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Highness Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, success in serving Islam and the homeland. May Allah have mercy on the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the late Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum and rest them in His paradise,'' he said.

WAM/TF