DUBAI, July 4 (Reuters) - Stock markets in the United Arab Emirates edged up in early trade on Monday with Abu Dhabi's exchange supported by government owned shares while Qatar's largest listed developer kicks off second quarterly financial reports on a strong footing.

Abu Dhabi's index .ADI was up 0.2 percent with National Bank of Abu Dhabi NBAD.AD extending its 4.0 percent gains from the previous session to add 1.5 percent. On Sunday NBAD and First Gulf Bank FGB.AD boards approved the merger via a share swap. FGB, however, was down 0.8 percent after closing up 2.0 the previous session.

Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank ADIB.AD was the top gainer amongst its peers, gaining 2.1 percent.

Abu Dhabi National Energy TAQA.AD added 3.9 percent. Shares in the energy company, with majority owned by the government, have gained more than 4 percent since Abu Dhabi's government announced on June 29 the merger of it two sovereign wealth funds Mubadala Development and International Petroleum Investment Co. (IPIC).

Dubai's index .DFMGI added 0.6 percent, with Dubai Parks and Resorts DUBA.DU up 1.6 percent. Shares in the Six Flags amusement park builder are now up 48 percent year-to-date.

Qatar's Barwa Real Estate BRES.QA kicks of the Gulf's second quarter result season and shares in the developer gained 2.0 percent after it reported a near-trebling of second-quarter net profit on Monday, according to Reuters calculations. Barwa made a net profit of 550 million riyals ($151.1 million) compared with a profit of 193 million riyals in the prior-year period.

Doha's main index .QSI was up 0.2 percent.



(Reporting by Celine Aswad; Editing by Ralph Boulton) ((celine.aswad@thomsonreuters.com; +971 4 4536886; Reuters Messaging: celine.aswad.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net))