DUBAI - Here are some factors that may affect Middle East stock markets on Wednesday. Reuters has not verified the press reports and does not vouch for their accuracy.
INTERNATIONAL/REGIONAL
* GLOBAL MARKETS-Asian shares near 1-wk highs but Delta woes mount
* Oil drops for third day on concerns COVID-19 variant spread to cut demand
* PRECIOUS-Gold inches higher on lacklustre dollar ahead of U.S. jobs data
* MIDEAST STOCKS-Saudi leads major Gulf markets higher; blue-chip selloff hits Egypt
* Britain tells UN 'highly likely' Iran behind deadly tanker attack
* Iran-backed forces seize tanker, maritime sources say; Iran denies it
* Iran official says Tehran to drop prisoner swap plans with U.S. - report
* Incoming president says Iran will seek end to 'tyrannical' US sanctions
* Lebanon's president exerting all efforts to form gov't
* Lebanon's Aoun supports transparent investigation on eve of blast anniversary
* Some officials saw risk of Beirut blast, did not act - HRW report
* Macron hosts new Lebanon fundraiser a year after port blast
* Tunisian central bank keeps key rate unchanged at 6.25%
* Tunisia's powerful union wants small cabinet, with experienced prime minister
* Bennett says Israel able to "act alone" against Iran over ship attack
* Fintech firm Rapyd raises $300 mln in private funds
* Israel's Hapoalim ready to resume regular dividends after one-time payout - CFO
EGYPT
* Egypt's Sisi calls for first bread price rise in decades
* TIMELINE-The evolution of Egypt's food subsidy programme
* Egypt's GASC cancels international vegetable oils tender
* Egypt's wheat import bill declined 13% this year - supply minister
SAUDI ARABIA
* S. Arabia increases executions in 2021 after 2020 fall - rights group
* Saudi Arabia says sees an emboldened Iran around Middle East
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
* Abu Dhabi National Energy Co nears deal to sell some Canadian assets to Blue Sky -sources
* UAE, China to cooperate against money laundering, terrorism financing
* UAE lifts ban on transit flights including from India and Pakistan
KUWAIT
* Kuwait wealth fund KIA appoints new board of directors
(Compiled by Dubai newsroom) ((dubai.newsroom@thomsonreuters.com))