DUBAI, Aug. 17 (Xinhua) -- Police forces of Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) capital, on Friday warned residents of the risks of playing fireworks during the upcoming Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha, UAE state news agency WAM reported.

"There are plenty of sad and tragic stories related to fireworks," said Brigadier Salem Hamoud Al Bloushi, Director of the Firearms and Explosives Section at the Abu Dhabi Police's Security and Ports Affairs.

He called on the public to celebrate Eid al-Adha in a safe manner.

Eid al-Adha, also known as the "Feast of the Sacrifice," is a Muslim holy holiday worldwide when animals are ritually sacrificed with their meat delivered to the poor.