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Major Gulf stock markets rose in early Wednesday trading on hopes of a de-escalation in the Iran conflict, with Dubai leading gains as its 1 billion dirham ($272.3 million) support package took effect.
President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that the U.S. could end its military campaign within two to three weeks and that Iran is not required to reach a deal to stop the conflict, signaling most clearly yet his intent to bring the month-long war to a close.
Dubai's main share index advanced 2.1%, led by a 4.7% surge in blue-chip developer Emaar Properties and a 5.7% surge in top lender Emirates NBD.
Dubai approved 1 billion dirhams ($272.26 million) in economic support measures for the business sector, with implementation starting April 1 and lasting three to six months, the crown prince said on X on Monday.
In Abu Dhabi, the index gained 1.3%, with Aldar Properties leaping 3.6%.
The Qatari benchmark index climbed 1.5%, with the Gulf's biggest lender by assets, Qatar National Bank , adding 2.6%.
Meanwhile, an oil tanker leased by state-owned QatarEnergy was struck by an Iranian cruise missile in Qatari waters on Wednesday, the defence ministry said.
Saudi Arabia's benchmark index added 0.3%, with Al Rajhi Bank rising 0.5% and oil giant Saudi Aramco gaining 0.8%.
On the other hand, oil tumbled more than 3% on Wednesday, reversing earlier gains as persistent Middle East volatility unnerved markets.
($1 = 3.6719 UAE dirham)
(Reporting by Ateeq Shariff in Bengaluru; Editing by Mrigank Dhaniwala)





















