MIDEAST STOCKS-Major Gulf markets decline amid Trump tariff plan worries

Feb 17 (Reuters) - Major stock markets in the Gulf fell on Monday as investors awaited further details on U.S. President Donald Trump's reciprocal tariff plans, fearing a potential escalation of global trade tensions.

Trump on Friday revived his tariff threats, warning that automobile levies could kick in as soon as April 2. He also directed commerce and economic officials to explore reciprocal tariffs on countries imposing tariffs on U.S. goods, with a deadline for recommendations set for April 1.

Saudi Arabia's benchmark index .TASI dropped 0.5%, hit by a 1.2% fall in ACWA Power 2082.SE and a 0.7% decrease in biggest lender Saudi National Bank 1180.SE.

Elsewhere, Saudi Aramco Base Oil Company 2223.SE eased 0.5%, following a decline in fourth-quarter profit.

Dubai's main share index .DFMGI lost 0.1%, with top lender Emirates NBD ENBD.DU retreating 1.6%.

However, blue-chip developer Emaar Properties EMAR.DU gained 2.6%, after reporting a higher annual profit.

Emaar also proposed cash dividend of 1 dirham per share for 2024, up from 50 fils per share for 2023.

In Abu Dhabi, the index .FTFADGI fell 0.6%, with Burjeel Holding BURJEEL.AD plunging 9.7%, following the hospital operator's board directive to evaluate the viability of a share repurchase program.

Oil prices - a catalyst for the Gulf's financial markets - were little changed as investors eyed developments on a potential Russia-Ukraine peace deal that could ease sanctions disrupting global supply flows.

The Qatari index .QSSI was down 0.1%, with the Gulf's biggest lender Qatar National Bank QNBK.QA dropping 0.3%.