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-Caution creeps into Asian trading ahead of Fed decision

* MIDEAST STOCKS-Qatar outperforms in soft Gulf markets

* Oil prices rise on Middle East tensions, healthy demand

* PRECIOUS-Gold edges lower on strong dollar ahead of Fed rate decision

* U.S. arrests Iranian over alleged $115 mln sanctions evasion scheme

* Trump congratulates Putin on election, leaders look to meet soon

* Iranian leader says Tehran has defused regional threats

* South Sudan suspends mobile operator Vivacell

* Gulf central banks may diverge from US policy as rate hikes loom

* Iraq's Grain Board sets local wheat purchase prices for 2018 season

* Lebanon c. bank to lift fx reserves to bolster confidence in pound-governor

* Malaysia says concludes talks with Saudi Aramco over RAPID investment

EGYPT

* Sisi says he wanted more challengers in Egyptian election

* Egypt court orders suspension of Uber, Careem services in victory for taxis -sources

* Al-Futtaim investment in Cairo Festival City to reach $1.7 bln by 2023

* Egypt's strategic wheat reserves enough for 3 months - MENA

SAUDI ARABIA

* Trump praises U.S. military sales to Saudi as he welcomes crown prince

* Saudi finance ministry sells 4.9 bln riyals of domestic sukuk

* Saudi Prince Alwaleed reached secret agreement with govt -BBG TV

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

* Noble Group hit by lawsuit amid crucial debt restructuring

* Emaar and Aldar to launch joint projects worth up to $8.2 bln

* UAE's First Abu Dhabi Bank gains Saudi commercial licence

* UAE's Mubadala fund in talks to buy renewable energy arm of Brazil's QGEP-report

* UAE seeks exemption from U.S. tariffs on steel, aluminium - govt official

* UAE importer purchased about 30,000 tonnes wheat last week

* Dubai Investments to launch sharia-compliant Arkan Bank

QATAR

* TABLE-Qatar inflation rate falls marginally in February

* Qatar fund to sell stake in HK department store operator for $662 mln

KUWAIT

TABLE-Kuwait February inflation edges down to 0.8 percent

OMAN

* Oman bought about 30,000 to 60,000 T Russian wheat last week

(Compiled by Dubai newsroom)