Syed Shayaan Bakht, Staff Reporter

Eid Al Fitr celebrations in the UAE began with pomp and gaiety on Monday two years after COVID-19 restrictions cast shadows over the festival’s mass gatherings and family reunions.

This year, smell of freshly baked cookies and traditional sweets filled the air in emirates as residents greeted neighbours with the easing of coronavirus restrictions.

The faithful performed special Eid prayers in their respective mosques as the government had already issued directives on worshippers keeping a distance between themselves during prayers and urged them to refraining from hugs and kisses.

Some residents told Gulf Today, that since the pandemic last year, the true happiness of celebrating Eid was missing, but this with easing of restrictions; it somehow brought back the pre-pandemic Eid joy.

Community members have hailed the UAE government for taking all the measures to protect its members.

Emirati youths walk past a large decoration in the shape of a crescent moon in Dubai. AFP

Children in new dresses visited relatives and loved ones following the virus protocols laid down by the authorities.

A Bangladesh resident, Mohammed Farouk told Gulf Today that, “The longing for Eid celebration in a normal way has finally been relieved today although the pandemic has not yet ended. But still it is better than last year.”

The UAE has decorated its streets and monuments for Eid.

The national capital Abu Dhabi has been glittering in night with Eid decors.

Many in Sharjah flocked to shopping centers to buy clothes, shoes and sweets before the holiday.