Tuesday first day of Eid Al-Fitr - official

Tuesday will be the first day of Eid Al-Fitr, the Moon Sighting Committee announced on Monday evening.

The committee, which announced the news following a meeting on Monday at the Abu Dhabi Judiciary premises, said in a statement: "After exhausting all legitimate methods and making contacts with neighbouring countries, the Shawaal moon was sighted and therefore Tuesday [Sept. 30] will be the first day of Eid Al-Fitr festivity," reported state news agency WAM.

Earlier, Saudi Arabia's Supreme Judicial Council had announced that Monday marked the end of the holy month of Ramadan according to the lunar calendar, while Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and Yemen will also start celebrations on Tuesday.

The timing of Eid can vary in different countries depending on the sighting of the new moon.

Regional stock markets are closed during the holiday. The Saudi bourse, the Arab world's largest, has the longest break and will re-open on Oct. 6.

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