Muslims entered the fasting and feasting month of Ramadan on Saturday with swine flu and the economic downturn adding to security fears in several Islamic countries in dampening the mood.

The threat from the A(H1N1) virus prompted a string of governments to place restrictions on citizens making the pilgrimage to the holy places in Saudi Arabia traditionally made by many Muslims during Ramadan, while financial worries forced many families to cut back on their holiday spending.

In the Saudi cities of Mecca and Medina, which normally do a brisk trade from pilgrims during Ramadan, businesses were braced for their worst holy month in years.

The price for package tours for Saudis from Riyadh to Mecca has been slashed by 25 percent, the English language Saudi Gazette reported.

In neighbouring Medina, officials said they expected business to be down by 70 percent.

Saudi newspapers showed pictures of pilgrims wearing face masks to ward of the swine flu, which has killed 16 people and infected more than 2,000 in the kingdom.

Shiite Iran banned its citizens from making the pilgrimage and cancelled all flights to the kingdom for the duration of Ramadan.

A string of religious authorities across the Arab world also urged the faithful to stay at home this year.

In the Saudi capital shoppers jammed supermarkets until late into the night on Friday to stock up their larders for the extensive iftar meals served to family and friends after the daytime fast ends.