One of the open spaces where Eid Al-Adha prayer will be held.

The Capital Bureau of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs Endowments, Call and Guidance has allocated 666 mosques and 23 open spaces in the Riyadh region for the Eid Al-Adha prayer that marks the start of the second biggest Muslim festival being celebrated across the globe.

This year’s prayer, according to the ministry, will start at 5:55 a.m., 14 minutes after sunrise, based on Umm Al-Qura calendar on Sept 24. The ministry has urged the faithful to come much early to avoid the peak hour rush for car parking.

Riyadh Gov. Prince Faisal bin Bandar has instructed the ministry to make these places accessible for them so they can attend the prayer with ease and in a hassle-free manner, said an official statement. This will ease traffic congestion leading to orderly conduct of Eid prayers.

According to Abdullah Al-Nasser, Riyadh chief at the MIA, those residing in the city center can offer prayers at Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque, Sheikh Mohammed bin Ibrahim at the Qasr Al-Hukm area and Eid prayer on King Faisal Road.

The rest of the open areas will also be available for Eid prayers for those who wish to do so. He said there are sufficient numbers of large mosques in the nearby areas to accommodate the congregation.

He pointed out that in line with the instructions of Minister of Islamic Affairs, Saleh Al-Asheikh, the Riyadh region branch has made adequate arrangements both in terms of infrastructure and other facilities for the conduct of prayers in a peaceful and orderly manner.