Most stock markets in the Gulf fell on Sunday with fears about sharp U.S. interest rate hikes and the prospect of weaker oil demand weighing on sentiment.

Crude prices, a key catalyst for the Gulf's financial markets, posted a second weekly decline on Friday amid fears that rising COVID-19 cases in top oil importer China may squeeze demand.

Meanwhile, Gulf Cooperation Council countries are in the firing line of Federal Reserve policy moves as five have their currencies pegged solely to the dollar and broadly follow the U.S. monetary policy moves.

Saudi Arabia's benchmark index fell 0.8%, pressured by banking stocks, with Al Rajhi Bank down 1.2% and Saudi National Bank dropping 1.7%.

UAE equities rose on IPO plan, oil prices gain

The Qatari index also dropped 0.8%, extending losses to five sessions in a row, with financials and industrial stocks leading the losses.

Qatari conglomerate Industries Qatar lost 1.6% while Qatar Islamic Bank was down 1.2%.

Outside the Gulf, Egypt's blue-chip index edged up 0.1% for a sixth session of gains, with Elsewedy Electric advancing 2.7%.

SAUDI ARABIA traded flat to 10,012 points

QATAR lost 0.8% to 12,111 points

EGYPT rose 0.7% to 10,303 points

BAHRAIN dropped 0.2% 1,861 points

OMAN was flat at 4,482 points

KUWAIT was down 0.2% to 8,507 points