# Gulf stock markets rise after Trump pauses Iran attack

**Published:** 2026-05-19T08:00:09.000Z  
**Topic:** Stock Market  
**Sentiment:** bullish  
**Publisher:** TrendWatcher — https://www.trendwatcher.in/article/c83ff7ae-0171-4488-995c-5e7ba8869962

Gulf bourses jump on Tuesday as Trump says he halted a planned Iran strike, with Dubai index up 1.4% and oil down nearly 2%, easing regional risk concerns.

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday he had paused a planned attack on Iran after Tehran sent a new peace proposal, sparking a rally across Gulf equity markets in early trade on Tuesday [2].

Dubai’s benchmark index surged 1.4%, snapping a seven‑session losing streak as almost every listed company traded higher. Blue‑chip developer Emaar Properties rose 1.6% and Emirates NBD, the emirate’s largest lender, gained 2% [2]. Abu Abdahi’s index also climbed 0.9%, led by a 3.9% jump in Space42 and a 3.6% rise in Alpha Dhabi Holding. The port operator Abu Abdahi Ports added 1.4% after announcing a 300 million‑dirham ($81.7 million) acquisition of MBS Logistics and a collaboration with Borouge to explore a new export hub on the UAE’s east coast [2].

In Qatar, the benchmark index rebounded 0.5% with Estithmar Holding up 3.4% and dairy producer Baladna adding 2.8% [2]. Saudi Arabia’s index was largely unchanged; gains in developers Umm Al Qura for Development and retailer Savola Group (each +3%) were offset by declines in SABIC Agri‑Nutrients (‑2%) and Saudi Energy Co (‑1.1%) [2]. Oil prices fell nearly 2%, with Brent crude at $110.12 a barrel by 0628 GMT, easing concerns that a wider Middle East conflict could drive further price spikes [2].

The market lift reflects investors’ relief that the United States appears willing to give diplomacy a chance, reducing the risk of a broader regional war. Trump’s comment that there is a “very good chance” of reaching an agreement with Iran to prevent a nuclear breakout added to the optimism [2][3]. However, analysts warn that short‑term corrections remain possible as investors may take profits after the sharp rally [3].

If the diplomatic overture holds, Gulf equities could continue to benefit from lower geopolitical risk and stabilising oil prices. Yet the market’s next move hinges on whether Tehran’s proposal translates into a concrete deal, or if renewed hostilities resume, keeping investors on edge.

## Sources
1. NPR — [Trump says Gulf allies urged him not to launch renewed attacks on Iran](https://www.npr.org/2026/05/21/nx-s1-5827019/trump-says-gulf-allies-urged-him-not-to-launch-renewed-attacks-on-iran)
2. Zawya — [Mideast Stocks: Gulf bourses rise as Trump's Iran comments ...](https://www.zawya.com/en/capital-markets/equities/mideast-stocks-gulf-bourses-rise-as-trumps-iran-comments-soothe-nerves-gatsx8tv)
3. Sahmik — [Mideast Stocks: Gulf Bourses Rise As Trump’s Iran Comments ...](https://sahmik.com/insights/mideast-stocks-gulf-bourses-rise-as-trumps-iran-comments-soothe-nerves)
4. Thenationalnews — [Gulf markets rebound after days of being battered amid war](https://www.thenationalnews.com/business/markets/2026/03/10/gulf-markets-rebound-after-days-of-battering-amid-continued-war/)

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Cite as: TrendWatcher, "Gulf stock markets rise after Trump pauses Iran attack", https://www.trendwatcher.in/article/c83ff7ae-0171-4488-995c-5e7ba8869962