Oct 29 Reuters Most stock markets in the Gulf ended higher on Tuesday as a slew of corporate earnings lifted investor sentiment, although regional tensions limited gains.

Saudi Arabia39;s benchmark index edged 0.1 higher, helped by a 1.4 rise in Al Rajhi Bank and a 3.1 increase in Saudi Arabian Mining Company.

Elsewhere, Mobile Telecommunications Saudi Arabia, known as Zain KSA, added 0.4 following a rise in quarterly net profit.

Separately, the kingdom39;s investment minister said on Tuesday the number of companies in the kingdom with a regional headquarters had reached 540, ahead of a 2030 target of 500.

In Abu Dhabi, the index closed 0.1 higher, supported by a 0.4 increase in diversified holding firm Borouge.

Dubai39;s main share index advanced 1, with toll operator Salik Co rising 1.3, and Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corp putting on 1.8.

Oil prices a catalyst for the Gulf39;s financial markets  rose more than 1, reversing some of the previous session39;s 6 tumble, as a U.S. plan to buy oil for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve SPR provided some support, though wider concerns about weaker future demand growth exerted pressure.

The Qatari index gained 0.8, with the Gulf39;s biggest lender Qatar National Bank climbing 1.1, while petrochemical maker Industries Qatar rose 0.7 ahead of its earnings announcement.

Outside the Gulf, Egypt39;s bluechip index dropped 0.5, hit by a 1.1 fall in Commercial International Bank.

SAUDI ARABIA…