JEDDAH: All markets in the Gulf edged up on Thursday, led by Saudi Arabia which rose to a six-year high on the back of petrochemicals and cement makers.

The Tadawul All-Share Index gained 0.8 percent to 9,660 points, its highest close since June 2008.

Saudi Basic Industries Corp. (SABIC), up 2.6 percent, was the main support, also topping daily turnover.

Overall, Saudi petrochemicals gained 1.5 percent while cement makers rose 2.6 percent.

Shares in Saudi Public Transport Co. (Saptco) jumped 2.8 percent after the company, together with a French partner, won a contract worth SR7.86 billion ($2.1 billion) to operate and maintain buses in Riyadh.