Saudi Arabia, Gulf Countries Declare Friday as First Day of Eid al-Fitr

People observe the crescent of the month of Shawwal at the astronomical observatory at Hautat Sudair. (Majmaah University)

Saudi Arabia announced on Wednesday that Friday was the first day of Eid al-Fitr that marks the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan.

The Saudi Supreme Court made the decision after observers failed to sight the Shawwal crescent that signifies the end of Ramadan.

The United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain and Qatar also declared Friday the first day of Eid.