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 pare gains as U.S.-China tensions intensify 

* Oil climbs after sharp drop in U.S. crude stocks; OPEC committee meeting in focus 

* MIDEAST STOCKS-Most Middle Eastern stocks retreat on downbeat IMF forecasts 

* PRECIOUS-Gold steadies above $1,800 as virus fears, U.S.-China tensions rise 

* Tunisia's moderate Islamist party Ennahda to withdraw confidence from govt 

* Eastern-based Libyan parliament asks Egypt to intervene in war 

* Iran says it has executed Iranian agent linked to CIA 

* OPEC sees oil demand soaring in 2021 but still below 2019 

 

EGYPT

* Egyptian oil pipeline fire injures 17 

* Egypt's GASC buys 114,000 tonnes of Russian wheat for Aug. 16-26 shipment 

 

 

SAUDI ARABIA

* Saudi Arabia starts final phase of flour mill privatisation 

* Saudi bourse says derivative product to boost investment profile ahead of IPO 

* Saudi Arabia permanently cancels licence of Qatar's beIN Sports

* Saudi SAGO starts second phase of flour mill privatisation -statement 

* Saudi Arabia sees decrease in new COVID-19 infections

 

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

* Emirate of Sharjah sells $1 bln in 30-year Formosa bonds -document 

* UAE postpones Mars mission due to weather at Japan launch site 

 

 

QATAR

* World Court hands Qatar legal win in air blockade row with Gulf states

 

KUWAIT

* Lebanon seeks fuel imports from Kuwait - newspaper

 

BAHRAIN

* BRIEF-Investcorp Completes $200 Mln Sale Of Industrial Real Estate Portfolio In Boston And Chicago

 

 

OMAN

* BRIEF-National Bank Of Oman Appoints Abdullah Zahran Al Hinai As CEO

(Compiled by Dubai newsroom) ((dubai.newsroom@thomsonreuters.com))