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 slip, Microsoft's brisk earnings boost tech sector 

* Oil rises as U.S. oil stockpiles drop, new Chinese COVID-19 cases decline 

* MIDEAST STOCKS-Most Gulf markets ease in line with Asian stocks 

* PRECIOUS-Gold steady ahead of U.S. Fed policy decision 

* Middle East Crude-Benchmarks dip as trading activity winds down 

* POLL-Gulf's 2021 rebound likely to be slower than previously forecast 

* At U.N., Washington assures support for two-state solution in Middle East 

* EXCLUSIVE-U.N. report accuses Yemen government of money-laundering, Houthis of taking state revenue 

* U.N. says still concerns about Yemen trade despite U.S. allowing Houthi deals 

* Israel's top general says its military is refreshing operational plans against Iran 

* Tunisia's parliament approves Cabinet reshuffle amid protests 

* Lebanese lawyers seek to halt liquidation of UK-registered firm possibly linked to Beirut blast 

* Algeria cuts February Saharan crude OSP - Sonatrach 

* Iran will take steps next month to curb short-notice IAEA inspections - official 

* Iran's oil exports rise in January despite sanctions - trackers 

* Iran urges Biden to lift sanctions affecting medicines as it fights COVID-19 

* Iran will take steps next month to curb short-notice IAEA inspections - official 

* Iran approves Russian coronavirus vaccine Sputnik V 

* Iranian-American facing spying charges arrested as he tried to leave Iran 

* Indonesia escorts seized Iran, Panama-flagged tankers to dock for investigation 

* France wants more U.S. 'realism' in dealing with Lebanon's Hezbollah 

* Israeli head of mission arrives in Morocco, Israel says 

* Jordan buys 120,000 tonnes feed barley in tender – trade 

* Iraq's local rice purchases fall to 260,000 T for 2020-2021 season -ministry 

 

EGYPT

* Egypt using development finance to boost private sector-minister 

 

SAUDI ARABIA

* Saudi Arabia to allow payment of work permit-related residencies on quarterly basis -SPA 

* Saudi Arabia raises $5.5 billion via dual-tranche bonds 

* Saudi Aramco may sell more shares if market is right -PIF 

* Saudi economy forecast to grow 2.6% this year - IMF 

* Saudi in talks with COVID vaccine makers to supply Yemen, African states - finance minister 

 

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

* UAE's biggest bank FAB posts 16% drop in 2020 net profit 

* Blast heard in Saudi capital Riyadh - Reuters correspondent 

 

OMAN

* Oman LNG offers five cargoes for April-October -industry sources 

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