Gulf In Focus - Dubai benchmark gained for a third successive session.

The Gulf biggest lender Qatar National Bank was the top gainer on the Qatari benchmark, adding 2.4 percent, while Qatar Islamic Bank tacked on 1.8 percent.

Activity in the UAE's non-oil private sector grew in December as its Purchasing Managers' Index, which covers manufacturing and services, rose to 51.2 in December from 49.5 in November, a survey showed.

The 50.0-mark separates growth from contraction.

The Dubai benchmark gained for a third successive session, putting on 1.2 percent.

The Dubai gains were led by blue-chip developer Emaar Properties and real estate firm Dubai Investments , which advanced 2.9 percent and 3.9 percent, respectively.

In Abu Dhabi, the benchmark strengthened 0.6 percent with telecoms major Etisalat adding 1.3 percent.

Qatar shares ended 1.4 percent higher on Tuesday, marking the index's biggest gain in...