The Muslim festival of Eidul Fitr that marks the end of the holy fasting month of Ramazan began on Monday in Saudi Arabia and neighbouring states.

The religious authorities in the desert kingdom had announced on Sunday they had received reports of sightings of the new moon, marking the end of Ramazan.

Malaysia on Monday marked a solemn Eidul Fitr, Islam's biggest festival, as families of those aboard downed Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 mourned the dead.

Kuwait, Lebanon, Qatar, Syria, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen have all also said the festival began in their countries on Monday.