MIDEAST STOCKS-Gulf equities rise on easing Iran fears after US midterms

Nov 5 (Reuters) - Most Gulf equity markets rose in early trade on Thursday as investors bet Republican losses in this week's US congressional elections could reduce the risk of a wider conflict with Iran, lifting regional risk appetite.

US President Donald Trump's push for regime change in Iran backfired politically, with voters angered by the war and high fuel prices delivering Congress to the Democrats and narrowing his room for manoeuvre.

Saudi Arabia's benchmark stock index .TASI gained 1.1%, led by a 1.4% rise in Al Rajhi Bank 1120.SE and a 1.8% increase in the country's biggest lender by assets, Saudi National Bank 1180.SE.

Sahara International Petrochemical Co 2310.SE retreated 2% after posting a bigger third-quarter loss.

Yemen's Houthis claimed on Wednesday that they targeted Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport. Saudi authorities have not confirmed the attack.

The group also told foreign airlines to stay out of Saudi airspace.

Dubai's main share index .DFMGI added 0.2%, with top lender Emirates NBD ENBD.DU gaining 2.2%.

In Abu Dhabi, the index .FTFADGI eased 0.1%. The Qatari index .QSI advanced 1.4%, with Qatar International Islamic Bank QIIB.QA rising 2.8%.