ABU DHABI — Amid strict precautionary measures against the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, Salat Al Istisqa, or a prayer for rain, was performed in mosques all across the United Arab Emirates on Friday on the directives of President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

President Sheikh Khalifa called on residents to pray for "rain, mercy and abundance upon the country and its people".

Leading the prayer, imams in the mosques across the country urged Muslims to do good deeds and to pray to get the blessing of Allah Almighty.

The special prayer was performed in all mosques ten minutes before the call (Azan) to Friday prayer.

The rain prayers are in keeping with the tradition of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to pray for the land to be blessed with rain. — Agencies