RIYADH: The Muslim feast of Eid al-Fitr marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan is to start on Sunday in Saudi Arabia, the kingdom's religious authorities announced.

In a statement carried by Saudi media, they said the crescent moon which marks the new lunar month was not sighted on Friday night and that Saturday would as a result be considered the 30th and final day of the dawn-to-dusk month of fasting.

Qatar and Yemen also announced a Sunday start to the Eid.