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Dubai leads Gulf markets as earnings focus on Dubai, ceasefire held.

Dubai led gains in the early trading on Wednesday across Gulf stock exchanges as a fragile U.S.Iran ceasefire held despite a new flare-up of tensions. This allowed investors to focus their attention back to corporate earnings.

U.S. president Donald Trump announced that he would "briefly" pause the operation of escorting vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. This is a vital waterway which carries around a fifth of world oil supplies. It has been blocked by Iran since late-February, triggering an energy crisis worldwide.

Dubai's benchmark index of stocks rose by 1.5% after a previous session that saw losses.

Iran's Joint Military Command denied that its forces have conducted any missile or 'drone operations' against the UAE recently.

Emaar Properties, Dubai's biggest lender, gained 1.7%.

Most constituents traded higher, resulting in a 0.5% gain for the Abu Dhabi benchmark index. The gains were led by shares in utilities, healthcare, and technology.

Alpha Dhabi rose 2.3%, while Presight AI Holding gained 5% after reporting an 82% increase in its first-quarter profit.

ADNOC’s four listed companies also saw gains. ADNOC Logistics grew 2.6%, ADNOC Distribution grew 2%, ADNOC Drilling climbed 1.5%, and ADNOC Gas climbed 1.2%.

Abu Dhabi National Oil Company is expecting to make a decision on a final investment 'decision' this year for its unconventional gas project, with TotalEnergies.

Saudi Arabia's benchmark index gained 0.4% with the majority of constituents trading in "positive territory". Information technology, healthcare and materials stocks led the gains.

Saudi Arabian Mining Co gained 4.5% while Arabian Mills for Food Products soared?8% following a 32% increase in net profit for the first quarter. Retal - Urban Development fell 3.5% following a 13% decline in the developer's first-quarter profit.

Saudi Arabia also reported a?fiscal gap of 125.7 billion Riyals ($33.5 billion) in the first quarter as it increased spending to "support the economy" amid the disruptions caused by the Iran War.

Most stocks were trading higher, resulting in a 0.3% increase for the Qatari benchmark index. Industries Qatar gained by 0.7% while Qatar Fuel Co. added 0.6%.

(source: Reuters)