Saudi Arabia will start Ramadan on Thursday along with most fellow Gulf Arab states, state media reported.

State religious panels in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain said the crescent moon was sighted after nightfall, signalling the start of Ramadan.

The timing of Ramadan, when the faithful fast from dawn until dusk, can vary in different countries depending on the sighting of the new moon, which marks the start of the month in the lunar calendar.

Businesses and offices reduce opening hours during the day and often open in the evenings.