Ramadan starts Thursday in Saudi The Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan will begin Thursday in Saudi Arabia, the birthplace of Islam and home to its holiest sites, the Royal Court said. More than 1.5 billion Muslims around the world will mark the month, during which believers abstain from eating, drinking, smoking and having sex from dawn until sunset. Shoppers typically prepapre in advance for the sunset meal which breaks the daily fast and market vendors stock up for the increased demand. IMAGES