Riyadh marks start of Eid Al-Fitr celebrations

The auspicious festival of Eid Al-Fitr that marks the culmination of the holy month of Ramadan and the beginning of Shawwal was celebrated
by citizens and expatriates alike on Wednesday.

Eid prayers were offered in the early morning at more than 600 designated mosques and prayer grounds, with special arrangements made for the occasion including the creation of separate areas for women by placing improvised partitions between them and the men.
Riyadh Police created an elaborate security apparatus for the occasion, with police vans stationed at all of the designated prayer sites to avoid any dangers. Riyadh Gov. Prince Faisal bin Bandar wished everyone a happy and blessed Eid Al-Fitr, praying to the Almighty Allah to accept their fasting and night prayers.
The three-day festivity at the end of Ramadan has ushered in the most festive celebration in the Islamic calendar, with families organising meetings and feasts, while offering presents and sweets.
Moreover, Riyadh Governorate and the municipality, in collaboration with a number of official and non-official bodies, have erected a range of colourful decorations and have organised a plethora of celebratory events.
In particular, the King Abdullah Park in Malaz District has attracted a huge number of residents at this time, with dazzling and colorful fireworks being displayed before midnight in addition to a light show and fountain dance, holding hundreds of spectators spellbound.
The High Commission for Riyadh Development (HCRD) has also made eleaborate arrangements at Qasr Al-Hukm, which will be the center of festivities and will be equipped with all necessary tools to host religious and cultural events during the three days of Eid Al-Fitr.