MIDEAST STOCKS-Slow trading on major Gulf markets as US tariff worries weigh

March 25 (Reuters) - Major stock markets in the Gulf were characterised by low volumes in Tuesday's session, and traded lower, as investors awaited clarity on U.S. threats of reciprocal tariffs, set to take effect early next month.

On Monday, President Donald Trump said automobile tariffs are coming soon, but also indicated that not all of his threatened levies would be imposed on April 2, suggesting some degree of flexibility on the matter.

Trump's tariff policies are widely expected to contribute to slowing global economic growth, trigger further trade tensions, and could drive up inflation.

Saudi Arabia's benchmark index .TASI dropped 0.3%, with Saudi Arabian Mining Company 1211.SE losing 1.7%. Al Rajhi Bank 1120.SE rose 1.5%.

In the United Arab Emirates, Dubai's main share index .DFMGI eased 0.1%. Dubai Islamic Bank DISB.DU shares fell 0.8%. Abu Dhabi's index .FTFADGI was also 0.1% lower.

Oil prices - a catalyst for the Gulf's financial markets - were little changed as markets weighed the potential impact of U.S. tariffs on countries that buy Venezuelan oil, and the uncertain outlook for global demand.

The Qatari index .QSI retreated 0.3%, with petrochemical maker Industries Qatar IQCD.QA falling 1%.