Mideast Stocks: Major Gulf markets gain as financial shares rise

Mideast Stocks: Major Gulf markets gain as financial shares rise

Major stock markets in the Gulf ended higher on Tuesday, supported by their financial stocks, with the Abu Dhabi index leading the gains. Saudi Arabia's benchmark index added 0.3%, with rising 2.5% and petrochemical maker strengthening 0.7%. Yemen's warring parties are thrashing out terms for a peace deal that would extricate the kingdom from a costly war and help alleviate a devastating humanitarian crisis, Reuters reported, citing two sources close to the talks and a Houthi official. One of the sources said Riyadh was open to a deal but "would need some additional guarantees from Oman and Iran", both with close ties with the Houthis. Dubai's main share index closed 0.3% higher, supported by a 1.2% rise in blue-chip developer Emaar Properties and a 1.5% increase in its unit . Dubai's state airport operator is hoping for a "flood" of travellers as the pandemic eases, targeting passenger traffic through Dubai International Airport to grow 8% to 28 million this year. "As infection rates in the region remain stable, Dubai announced the opening of its airport terminals this week in a sign of easing of covid-related restrictions," said Michael Stark, research analyst at Exness. "The move should help the aviation sector