Friday, Aug 17, 2012

DUBAI--Saudi Arabia, the birthplace of Islam, will celebrate the Muslim Eid al-Fitr feast Sunday to mark the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan, along with most other Gulf Arab states.

Religious councils in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Kuwait said the moon's crescent was not sighted after nightfall Friday. Saturday will be the last day of Ramadan, and Sunday will be the start of the eid.

Muslims scan the sky at night in search of the new moon to proclaim the start of the month in Islam's lunar calendar.

Regional stock markets are closed during the holiday.

Write to Summer Said at summer.said@dowjones.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

17-08-12 1742GMT