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DUBAI - Here are some factors that may affect Middle East stock markets on Thursday. Reuters has not verified the press reports and does not vouch for their accuracy.
INTERNATIONAL/REGIONAL
* GLOBAL MARKETS-Asian shares mixed, U.S. dollar near 2-1/2 year lows
* Oil drops as OPEC+ resume talks on output cut extension after impasse
* PRECIOUS-Gold prices slip as vaccine progress dents bullion's appeal
* MIDEAST STOCKS-Saudi ends lower on weak oil, others gain on UK vaccine nod
* SPECIAL REPORT-Iran expands shrines and influence in Iraq
* Gulf area is still the place to be - Eni exec
* Iran watchdog passes law on hardening nuclear stance, halting U.N. inspections
* Iran outlines budget, promises less reliance on oil amid U.S. sanctions
* IMF says Lebanon needs fiscal framework, strategy to fix bank sector
* No global financial support for Lebanon until govt in place -French presidency
* Lebanon says difficulties in sea border talks can be overcome
* Israel edges towards early election amid Netanyahu-Gantz feud
* U.N. refugee agency for Palestinians pays salaries, but crisis persists
* Israel hands over $1 bln in Palestinian tax backlog in sign of warming ties
EGYPT
* Chairman of Egypt's Juhayna Food Industries arrested
* Rise in executions in Egypt in past two months-Amnesty
* Foreign holdings in Egyptian treasuries rise to $23 bln - minister
SAUDI ARABIA
* Saudi Aramco says pump malfunctioned at petroleum derivatives distribution station in Jazan -SPA
* Saudi Arabia agrees to allow Israeli commercial planes to cross its airspace -senior Trump official
KUWAIT
* Coronavirus vaccines will be optional, free to all in Kuwait - PM
* Kuwait's KPC signs deal to store 3.14 mln barrels of oil in Japan, news agency reports
BAHRAIN
* Israel expects $220 million in non-defence trade with Bahrain in 2021
* Blom Bank in talks with Bahrain's Arab Banking Corp to sell Egyptian unit
(Compiled by Dubai newsroom) ((dubai.newsroom@thomsonreuters.com))