April 29 Reuters Stock markets in the Gulf ended higher on Monday, led by the Saudi index on strong corporate earnings, while investors awaited the U.S. Federal Reserve39;s policy meeting this week for further cues on its interest rate trajectory.

Saudi Arabia39;s benchmark stock index ended five session losing streak and rose 1.1, the highest intraday rise in nearly a month with most of its constituents posting gains.

Al Rajhi Bank, the world39;s largest Islamic lender, advanced 1.8 after it reported a 6 rise in quarterly net profit.

Among other gainers, Saudi National Bank, the Kingdom39;s largest bank by assets, gained 1.1 after it posted a 0.4 rise in quarterly net profit.

The Qatari benchmark index was up for a second straight session and ended 0.8 higher, with Qatar Islamic Bank rising 1.1 and Industries Qatar gaining 2.

Among other gainers, Qatar Gas Transport rose 2.4 after the LNG shipping firm posted an increase of 6.1 in quarterly net profit on Sunday.

Elsewhere, QatarEnergy, the world39;s top LNG exporter, signed agreement with China State Shipbuilding Corp CSSC to build 18 ultralarge ships at a cost of 6 billion.

Dubai39;s benchmark index rose 0.3, supported by gains in communication, industry and finance sectors with toll operator Salik Company rising 1.5 and Mashreqbank adding 2.2.

In Abu Dhabi, the benchmark index was up for a second consecutive session and ended 0.2 higher with Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank rising 1.4 and Aldar Properties climbing 4.1,…