KARACHI, Aug 7: Eidul Fitr will be celebrated in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and most other countries in the Middle East on Thursday as the Shawwal moon was sighted on Wednesday.

The Saudi royal court announced that the first day of Shawwal would fall on Thursday, the website of Saudi Gazette said.

The Khaleej Times website quoted the UAE’s Justice Minister and chairman of the moon-sighting committee, Dr Hadef bin Jowan Al Dhahiri, as confirming that Eid would be celebrated on Thursday.

Eid prayers would be offered across the country on Thursday morning, said the announcement. Special events and celebrations would be held to mark the festive season.