Eid al-Fitr: Muslims to mark end of Ramadan from Sunday

The authorities in the Saudi kingdom said in a statement carried by the official Saudi Press Agency that the new moon had been sighted, marking the end of the month of fasting.

Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Lebanon will also start the holiday on Sunday, media reports said. The Sultanate of Oman said Monday will be the first day of Eid.

The timing of the Eid holiday can vary in different countries depending on the sighting of the new moon, which marks the start of the month in Islam's lunar calendar.

Most other Arab countries, including Bahrain, Jordan, Palestine, Yemen, Iraq, and Sudan will also mark Eid on June 25, together with Malaysia and Indonesia.

Eid al-Fitr, which means "festival of breaking the fast", is an official holiday in Islamic countries.

During Ramadan, Muslims around the world abstain from eating, drinking and smoking from sunrise to sunset. 

Children, the elderly, the sick, women who are pregnant, nursing or menstruating, and people who are travelling are exempt.

Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam, along with the Muslim declaration of faith, daily prayer, charity and performing the hajj pilgrimage in Mecca.