Mosques and Eid prayer grounds across the UAE are preparing to welcome thousands of worshippers as expected. Eid Al Adha prayer timings have been revealed across the country.

According to preliminary astronomical calculations, Eid prayers are likely to begin between 5:39am and 5:50am on the first morning of Eid Al Adha, following the traditional Islamic practice of holding prayers shortly after sunrise.

Abu Dhabi is expected to hold Eid prayers at around 5:50am, while worshippers in Dubai and Al Ain are anticipated to gather at 5:45am. Prayer timings in Sharjah and Umm Al Quwain are expected at 5:43am, Fujairah at 5:41am, Ras Al Khaimah at 5:40am and Ajman at approximately 5:39am.

Authorities have completed preparations at hundreds of mosques and open-air prayer grounds across the Emirates to accommodate the large crowds expected during the holiday.

Abu Dhabi timings

In Abu Dhabi, some of the main Eid prayer venues include Musalla Al Mushrif, Bani Yas Musalla, Mohammed bin Zayed City Musalla and the iconic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

Dubai will also host large congregations at several designated prayer grounds, including Nad Al Hamar Musalla, Al Warqa Musalla, Jumeirah Musalla and Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Mosque in Zabeel.

Meanwhile, Sharjah authorities have identified major Eid prayer locations such as Al Badee Musalla, Al Gharb district Musalla and Al Khan Musalla, along with prayer sites on Abu Musa Island.

Worshippers observe several Sunnah traditions before attending the Eid prayers. These include bathing, wearing clean or new clothes, reciting takbeer while travelling to prayer grounds and delaying meals until after prayers and sacrificial rituals are completed.

Authorities across the UAE have stepped up preparations for the festive period, increasing services at mosques, public parks, shopping areas and recreational facilities ahead of the holiday rush.

If you’ve driven down Jumeirah Street, Airport Road, or along the Dubai Canal recently, you’ve likely noticed a spectacular change in the landscape. Striking canopies of vibrant orange and scarlet flowers are blanketing the city, signalling the arrival of a beloved local season: the flame tree’s (Delonix regia) bloom.

With more than 50,000 of these iconic trees already lining the emirate’s roads and parks, Dubai is set to grow even greener. A new sustainability initiative will see 1,200 more flame trees planted across the emirate’s streets, public squares, and communities over the coming months.

The green push follows an inspiring vision shared by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, who described the tree as a symbol of “a city full of life and beauty.” Following his directives to expand the vibrant canopy, Dubai Municipality recently completed the planting of 1,000 flame trees along Amman Street and in Mirdif.

Now, outsourcing visa giant VFS Global has pledged to plant the next batch of 1,200 trees. The initiative is part of a global sustainability drive by the company, which has seen over 650,000 trees planted worldwide over the last four years to combat greenhouse gas emissions.

But why is Dubai investing so heavily in this specific tree? It turns out the flame tree offers far more than just a stunning backdrop for photos.

Nature’s own air conditioning

While many flowering plants struggle as the Arabian summer heat rolls in, the flame tree thrives. Originally native to Madagascar, the species has adapted strongly to the UAE’s climate over several decades, handling hot, humid conditions with ease.

Sourced locally from the Wadi Dafta Plantation, an Emirati-owned agricultural enterprise, these trees can reach towering heights of up to 15 meters. Their expansive, umbrella-like shape creates dense, natural shade that reduces heat exposure and creates cooler microclimates within urban environments, significantly improving pedestrian comfort during the hot summer months.

A boost for urban biodiversity

Beyond providing a natural cooling effect for concrete spaces, the tree plays a vital role in the emirate’s long-term environmental resilience. During its blooming season, the dense scarlet flowers attract a wide variety of birds, butterflies, and local pollinators, giving a much-needed boost to local urban biodiversity.

Growing the green canopy at home

The campaign isn’t just for major highways and public parks. To help the entire community get involved in Dubai’s green future, seedlings are also being made available to residents who wish to plant these beautiful, fiery canopies at home or on their private farms.

Whether it is lining a 10-km stretch on the city’s busy roads or shading a neighbourhood park, the flame tree has firmly cemented itself as a defining feature of the UAE summer, bringing natural comfort and a burst of life exactly when the city needs it most.

Residents in Sharjah now have a new outdoor fitness destination after Sharjah City Municipality officially opened the Green Belt Park walkway, featuring a modern 1.8-km rubber track designed for walking, jogging and recreational activities.

The newly completed facility was opened to the public on Monday following the successful completion of construction and finishing works. The project aims to encourage healthier lifestyles by providing a safe, comfortable and visually appealing environment for exercise and relaxation.

Specifically designed running track

Built around the perimeter of Green Belt Park, the track is constructed from high-quality rubber materials that meet international safety and durability standards. Officials said the surface was specifically designed to provide flexibility and comfort for users while resisting wear, heavy usage and colour fading caused by changing weather conditions.

The municipality also introduced environmentally friendly lighting systems across the walkway to improve visibility and safety during evening hours. Landscaped greenery and planted areas surrounding the track have been added to create a calm and welcoming atmosphere for visitors.

Dedicated seating areas

As part of the park upgrades, dedicated seating areas will also be introduced for visitors and families, creating additional spaces for relaxation and community gatherings.

Municipality officials said the Green Belt Park walkway forms part of Sharjah’s broader development plans aimed at enhancing public facilities and supporting the emirate’s rapid urban, tourism and population growth.