Saudi shares closed higher on Saturday, lifted by gains in the petrochemical sector. The all-share added 0.4 per cent to hit 6,860 points and the petrochemical stocks added 0.3 per cent to 5,875 points.

Shares in Almarai Company gained 1.2 percent after it posted an 8.7 per cent rise in second-quarter net profit.

Property firm Dar Al-Arkan shares closed 2 per cent lower after it posted an 11 per cent rise in net profit, but missed analyst forecasts.

Earlier in the day, the shares opened lower dragged down by losses in the petrochemical and banking stocks after oil prices dipped on Friday.

Brent crude prices fell sharply yesterday after a report showing trepid US jobs growth in June reinforced concerns that a sluggish global economy will curb demand for petroleum. US crude fell more than 3 per cent and posted a 51 cent weekly loss.-Reuters