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Major Gulf share markets were mixed on Monday, with the Qatari index boosted by Commercial Bank , while Saudi Arabia's benchmark index slipped 0.4%.
In the Saudi market, Al Rajhi Bank fell 0.5%, while Saudi National Bank, the kingdom's largest lender, retreated 1.7% and Arriyadh Development dropped 2.4%, as the stock went ex-dividend.
However, Yanbu National Petrochemicals Company climbed by more than 2%, after it reported a sharp surge in its quarterly profit.
In Dubai, the main share index fell 0.5%, hit by a 1.5% fall in Emaar Properties, Dubai's largest listed real estate developer which will go ex-dividend on Tuesday, and a 0.9% slip in Emirates NBD Bank.
The Abu Dhabi index gained 0.5%, with aquaculture firm International Holding advancing 4.9%.
International Holding has gone through rapid expansion across its major business sectors, resulting in a sharp growth in its financials, positioning it for long-term growth.
In Qatar, the benchmark rebounded 1%, as most of the stocks on the index were in positive territory including Commercial Bank, which rose 4.9%.
The Qatari cabinet last week approved a bill that will allow non-Qatari investors to own up to 100% of the capital of companies listed on the Qatar stock exchange.
It also decided to keep central bank liquidity support for local banks based on need, as the country faces a second wave of the coronavirus pandemic.
(Reporting by Ateeq Shariff in Bengaluru; Editing by Alexander Smith) ((AteeqUr.Shariff@thomsonreuters.com; +918061822788;))