Pakistan, Aug. 15 -- Dubai's main stock index closed higher on Friday, supported by strong corporate earnings and optimism over planned talks between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Ukraine. The gains marked the index's second consecutive positive session.

The index rose 0.5%, led by advances in the materials, financial, and industrial sectors. Toll operator Salik Company climbed 3.1% after reporting a nearly 50% jump in Q2 profit and revenue, alongside upgrading its full-year revenue forecast to 34%-36%.

Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corp. gained 1.2%, while Gulf Navigation Holding surged 3.4% following its fourth consecutive profitable quarter. The shipping firm posted a Q2 net profit of AED 7.4 ...