Stock markets in Dubai, Saudi Arabia and Qatar rise at the start of the new quarter. Gains come after a recent pullback and amid a gradual improvement in risk sentiment as geopolitical concerns continue to ease, says Milad Azar, market analyst at XTB MENA. Stable oil prices and resilient corporate fundamentals are also encouraging investors to selectively rebuild positions in quality names, he says. The Dubai Financial Market General Index rises 0.9%, while Saudi Arabia's Tadawul All Share Index and Qatar's QE Index each gain 0.5%. Abu Dhabi's benchmark index falls 0.2%. (farhan.rafid@wsj.com)