Gulf stock markets rose sharply early on Sunday, with strong trading volumes suggesting some investors were returning after oil prices and global equities jumped at the end of last week.

Dubai's index surged 3.1 per cent to 2,945 points in the first hour with real estate blue chip Emaar Properties jumping 4.3 per cent.

The index may face resistance between 3,000 points and the late December peak of 3,189.

Abu Dhabi's index climbed 3.2 per cent with real estate developer Aldar Properties, the most heavily traded stock, gaining 4.6 per cent.

Qatar's index added 1.6 per cent as Barwa Real Estate surged 3.7 per cent. – Reuters