Egypt's index ended 1.7 percent higher at 5,559 points, its fifth gain in seven sessions, buoyed by turmoil-hit stocks recovery, according to Reuters.

Real estate stocks led gainers as all but three stocks on the index rose. Talaat Moustafa and Palm Hills Development jumped 5.5 percent and 9.7 percent respectively while SODIC surged 10 percent.

"The stocks have been badly hit by political turmoil and people are making use of cheap prices," said Teymour el Derini from Naeem Brokerage.

Analysts said they expected a correction after first-quarter after earnings.

"Most companies are expected to see severe blows to their financials," said investment analyst Nader Khedr.

Oman's index rose 1 percent to 6,229 points, rebounding from Thursday's month-low as Bank Muscat helped the benchmark to a higher close.

The lender surged 5.3 percent on institutional buying.

"Bank Muscat was under a lot of pressure, and extremely under-valued," Reuters quoted Adel Nasr, United Securities brokerage manager, as saying.

Renaissance Services climbed 1.5 percent as foreign institutions bought into the stock, snapping a nine-session fall.

The stock took a beating last week after the firm postponed a London-listing of marine unit Topaz.

Saudi Arabia's index eased from Saturday's seven-week peak, but further gains are forecast with petrochemical and banking sectors seen as the main boost. The Tadawul All-Share Index (TASI) fell 0.09 percent to close at 6,616.57 on Sunday. The sector activity for the day was mixed with 9 out of 15 sectors recorded gains ranging from 0.04 percent by the Petrochemical Industries sector to 1.67 percent by the Multi- Investment sector. The overall market breadth for the day was positive with 76 advancers against 43 decliners giving it an AD ratio of 1.76. the Financial Transaction House (FTH) — licensed by the Capital Market Authority — said in its daily market commentary.

The stock market turnover for the day reached SR4.77 billion.

Heavyweight lender Al-Rajhi Bank rose 0.7 percent, but Riyad Bank slipped 0.8 percent.

Dubai's index fell 0.1 percent to 1,554 points while Abu Dhabi's index rose 0.06 percent to 2,609 points.

Developer Arabtec, slated to have annual meeting later on Sunday, was the most traded stock in Dubai and gained 1.8 percent. Emaar Properties fell 0.6 percent, Reuters said.

In Abu Dhabi, Aldar Properties gained 1.3 percent and Sorouh Real Estate climbing 3 percent.

Investors expected a decision on emerging market status for UAE and Qatar markets by the end of first-quarter as index compiler MSCI is set to review the countries in June.

Qatar's index rose 0.09 percent to 8,464 points, hitting a six-week high, with blue chips buoyant.

Kuwait's index fell 0.4 percent to 6,271 points — a 12-day low, as investors booked profits after Thursday's gains.

The Bahraini measure eased 0.5 percent to 1,418 points.