But gains in banking stocks boosted the Qatar index which rose 0.6% with Masraf Al Rayan up 1.4%, and Qatar National Bank adding a further 0.3% to the previous session's gain after posting an increase in nine-month net profit. Dubai's main share index was up 0.5%, led by a 2 % rise in blue-chip developer Emaar Properties. Contractor Arabtec Holding surged 8.9% after hiring an adviser on a potential merger with another construction firm Trojan Holding, Reuters reported citing sources. In Abu Dhabi, the index edged up 0.3%.