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 jump after Powell nixes rate hike fears  

* Oil rises after data shows slump in U.S. output amid Texas freeze  

* MIDEAST STOCKS-Most Gulf markets close lower; Dubai declines 1.5% 

* PRECIOUS-Gold slips as strong U.S. Treasury yields dull appeal 

* OPEC+ to weigh modest oil output boost at meeting - sources 

* New normal 'Green Pass' opens music concert to vaccinated Israelis 

* Israel's Netanyahu sets April target for reopening economy 

* Iran arrested French tourist nine months ago, says his lawyer 

* Iran says up to U.S. to move first on saving nuclear deal

* Syria's health ministry denies local report on Chinese vaccine arrival 

* U.N. aid chief urges Gulf states to step up to avert Yemen famine 

* Yemen warns against possible second coronavirus wave 

* Iraqi Christians, decimated by Islamist violence, prepare for pope's visit 

 

EGYPT

* Egypt registers Russia's Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine 

* Vodafone Egypt plans to buy stakes in two digital payment firms within 3 months - official 

 

SAUDI ARABIA

* U.S. report on Khashoggi death expected to single out Saudi crown prince-sources 

* Saudi Arabia's PIF launches $3 bln tourism, infrastructure venture - SPA 

* Saudi Arabia crown prince has successful surgery for appendicitis -state news agency 

* Saudi Arabia completes second foray in euro market with 1.5 bln bond deal 

* Saudi Arabia allows citizens married to foreigners to travel through border points - state TV 

* Saudi imports from Turkey tumble in December after informal boycott

 

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

* UAE opening field hospitals to boost health sector capacity -report 

 

QATAR

* Qatar's Commercial Bank sells $500 mln in AT1 bonds - document 

 

KUWAIT

* Kuwaiti banks' non-performing loans increase to 2% amid COVID-19 crisis - c.bank 

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