Eid-ul-fitr will be celebrated in the UAE on Friday, the moon-sighting committee, entrusted with the task of determining the day, announced on Thursday.

After consultations and discussions with other similar bodies, the committee announced that Thursday will be the last day of the fasting month of Ramzan and the following day will be celebrated as Eid.

According to non-official reports reaching in Dubai on Thursday, Saudi Arabia and Qatar will also celebrate the festival on Friday.

Meanwhile, public sector holidays have already begun on Wednesday as nationals and other residents thronged marketplaces to complete their last minute of shopping.