From Muhammad Munther Hussein

May 6 (Reuters) - Dubai's stock market led gains in Gulf bourses in early trading on Wednesday, as a fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran held despite renewed tensions, allowing investors to shift their focus to corporate financial results.

US President Donald Trump said he intends to temporarily halt the escorting of ships through the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway through which about one-fifth of the world's oil supply passes and which Iran has kept virtually closed since late February, resulting in a global energy crisis.

The index in Dubai rose 1.5 percent, recovering losses from the previous session.

The UAE Ministry of Defense said on Tuesday that its air defenses dealt with missile and drone attacks coming from Iran, but Iran’s Joint Military Command, known as the Khatam al-Anbiya Headquarters, confirmed that its forces had not carried out any missile or drone operations against the UAE in the past few days.

Shares in leading real estate developer Emaar Properties rose 1.7 percent and shares in Emirates NBD, the emirate's largest bank, rose 1.5 percent.

The Abu Dhabi index rose 0.5 percent, with most listed stocks advancing. The utilities, healthcare, and technology sectors led the gains.

Shares in Presight AI Holding jumped 5 percent, and shares in Alpha Abu Dhabi Holding rose 2.3 percent, after the group announced an 82 percent increase in first-quarter net profit.

Shares in the four subsidiaries of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) listed on the index also rose. ADNOC Logistics & Services shares climbed 2.6 percent, ADNOC Distribution shares rose 2 percent, ADNOC Drilling shares gained 1.5 percent, and ADNOC Gas shares increased 1.2 percent.

The CEO of ADNOC's Exploration, Development and Production division said the company expects to make a final investment decision this year on the unconventional gas project with Total Energies, adding that this is expected to be followed soon by approval of a separate unconventional oil project.

The Saudi index rose 0.4 percent, with most listed stocks advancing. The gains were led by shares in the information technology, materials, and healthcare sectors.

Shares of Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Ma'aden) rose 4.5 percent, and shares of Arabian Mills Company jumped 8 percent after the company announced a 32 percent increase in first-quarter net profit. However, shares of Retal Urban Development Company fell 3.5 percent after the company reported a 13 percent decline in first-quarter net profit.

In Qatar, the index rose 0.3 percent, with most stocks advancing. Shares of Industries Qatar climbed 0.7 percent and shares of Qatar Fuel Company (Woqod) rose 0.6 percent.