Saudi Arabia has officially announced that Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan, will begin on Friday.

The announcement comes after the kingdom’s Supreme Court confirmed that the crescent moon was not sighted on Wednesday evening.

"The Supreme Court has decided that tomorrow, Thursday, is the completion of the 30th day of the month of Ramadan, and that Friday is the day of the Blessed Eid al-Fitr," the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.

The timing of the festival is traditionally determined by the sighting of the new crescent moon, signaling the conclusion of a month of fasting, prayer, and reflection.

As the home of the Grand Mosque in Mecca and the Prophet's Mosque in Medina, Saudi Arabia serves as a central point for millions of observant Muslims who have spent the last 29 days abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs during daylight hours.

However, this year’s celebrations are shadowed by an unprecedented security crisis in the Middle East.

The festive atmosphere across the Gulf region has been dampened by a major conflict triggered by US and Israeli operations against Iran.

The Gulf has faced a series of retaliatory strikes from Iran, involving ballistic missiles and drone swarms.

These attacks have targeted critical infrastructure, including major airports, residential neighborhoods, energy installations, and military bases.

Despite the start of the holiday, regional authorities remain on high alert as the cycle of strikes continues to threaten stability in the world's most vital energy corridor.