RIYADH: The holy fasting month of Ramazan is due to begin today in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, religious authorities in both countries announced.

The announcements came after religious authorities in the two Gulf Arab kingdoms failed to sight the crescent moon on Thursday night, state media reported.

The mufti of Lebanon, Abdullatif Deryan, also announced that Saturday would be the start of Ramazan.

There was no immediate announcement from other Muslim countries in the Middle East and North Africa.

During Ramazan, Muslims around the world abstain from eating, drinking and smoking from dawn to dusk.

They break the fast with a meal known as iftar and before dawn, they have a second opportunity to eat and drink during seher.

Ramazan is followed by the feast of Eidul Fitr.