Abu Dhabi, Dec 31 (IANS/WAM) Thousands of citizens of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as well as the rulers of the various emirates have offered prayers for rain.

In Sharjah, crown prince and deputy ruler Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi joined worshippers in prayers. In Abu Dhabi, prayers were held at the Sheikh Zayed grand mosque.

The prayers — called Salaat Al Istisqa — were also performed in Ras Al Khaimah, where its ruler Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi offered prayers at the Khuzam Grand Eid Mussalla.

UAE President Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan has called on all people living in the country to perform the prayers in keeping with the tradition of Prophet Mohammad who prayed to Allah to bless the land with rain.

Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saud Bin Rashid Al Mualla, Sheikh Majid Bin Saud Bin Rashid Al Mualla and Sheikh Abdullah Bin Saud Bin Rashid Al Mualla of Umm Al Qaiwain also offered prayers for rain in Umm Al Qaiwain city.

Fujairah crown prince Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Bin Mohammed Al Sharqi offered prayers at the Omer-bin-Abdelaziz mosque in Fujairah.