The Riyadh governorate and the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Endowments, Call and Guidance have made elaborate civil and security arrangements for Eid Al-Adha celebrations to ensure public safety.

The Department of Mosques, which functions under the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, has issued instructions to the imams to commence Eid Al-Adha prayers 10 minutes after the sunrise at 6 a.m. Tuesday in Riyadh.

The prayers will be held in more than 400 mosques throughout the capital. Some grounds have been especially prepared to hold prayers.

Mosques were also prepared for the special prayers with some replacing old carpets with new ones. They have also made separate arrangements for women by placing improvised partitions in the mosques.

People were in a festive mood as they prepared to mark the occasion with religious fervor and traditional gaiety.

Shoppers flocked to the markets and families were seen buying clothes in malls and hypermarkets. The local fairgrounds and parks have also been readied to welcome the next few days of fun for families. The residents browsed for cattle to slaughter, an important ritual during the festival of sacrifice.

Many expatriates were also seen at King Khaled International Airport returning home for the holiday season.

According to travel agents, owing to the high demand, there was a shortage of air tickets for countries with a large number of expatriates such as India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.

The Riyadh Police has made a comprehensive security plan for the week-long festivity.