Most Gulf markets ended higher on Monday, as warnings that Russia could invade Ukraine at any time drove oil prices to seven-year peaks, though Dubai slipped on losses in the real estate and industrials sectors.
Crude was at $94.55 a barrel by 1107 GMT on fears that a possible Russian invasion of Ukraine could trigger U.S. and European sanctions that could disrupt exports from one of the world's top producers.
Russia denies it is planning an invasion and has accused the West of "hysteria". read more
In Abu Dhabi, the index (.FTFADGI) reversed course to gain 1.2% and hit a record high. The index posted its biggest gain since Jan 19.
International Holding Co (IHC) shares ended 1.4% higher after the company said on Friday it plans to list its Pure Health business late in the second quarter of this year or early in the third. read more
Aldar Properties (ALDAR.AD) rose 1.2% after the developer said Apollo Global Management (APO.N) will invest $1.4 billion in a deal that includes Apollo taking a minority stake in Aldar's investment unit. read more
Saudi Arabia's benchmark index (.TASI) rose 1.5% in its best day in nearly two months.
Shares of East Pipes Integrated Company for Industry (1321.SE) advanced 6.3% in their trading debut.
The Qatari index (.QSI) gained 0.4%, even with financials weighing heavily on sentiment.
Bucking the trend, Dubai's main share index (.DFMGI) fell 0.3%.
Trading was halted in National Central Cooling Co (Tabreed) (TABR.DU). The company is in exclusive talks to buy regional mall operator Majid Al Futtaim's cooling assets, according to two sources close to the matter. read more
"GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) stock markets moved in different directions as they reacted to the increasing geopolitical tensions in Eastern Europe and the rise in oil prices. At the same time, the expectations of a tighter monetary policy in the US are fuelling risk aversion," Farah Mourad, Senior Market Analyst of XTB MENA, said.
Outside the Gulf, Egypt's blue-chip index (.EGX30) shed 0.3%.
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