Most Gulf markets fall, Qatar gains

Most stock markets in the Gulf fell in early trade on Monday, with the Abu Dhabi index retreating from a record high, while the Qatari index bucked the trend to trade higher.

In Abu Dhabi, the index (.ADI) dropped 0.4 per cent, a day after it reached an all-time high, pressured by a 1.1 per cent fall in the country's largest lender First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB.AD) and a 1.8 per cent decline in Alpha Dhabi Holding (ALPHADHABI.AD).

Aldar Properties (ALDAR.AD) on Sunday said it would create employment opportunities for 1,000 UAE nationals over the next five years. However, Aldar shares were down 0.8 per cent.

Saudi Arabia's benchmark index (.TASI) lost 0.2 per cent, on course to extend losses from the previous session, with Al Rajhi Bank (1120.SE) declining 1.2 per cent, while Saudi Arabian Mining Company (1211.SE) slid 2.8 per cent, despite reporting a strong quarterly earnings.