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 drop as U.S. stimulus talks drag on 

* Oil slips on weaker demand outlook after U.S. gasoline stocks build

* MIDEAST STOCKS-Most Gulf markets fall as top lender weighs on Dubai 

* PRECIOUS-Gold retreats as dollar gains, U.S. stimulus hopes wane

* ANALYSIS-Biden presidency could cut slow path to resumed Iran, Venezuela oil exports

* Israeli minister sees another normalisation deal before U.S. election 

* Israeli delegation travels to Sudan to discuss normalisation -Israeli radio Kan

* Israel's Zim opens direct shipping line to UAE 

* Israeli VC OurCrowd expects access to Islamic countries through UAE

* Sudanese police fire tear gas to disperse hundreds gathered across the capital 

* Lebanon's President Aoun vows to see through new PM nomination 

* Jordan announces record daily new COVID-19 cases

* Iran reports highest daily coronavirus infections since Feb 

* FACTBOX-Libya's troubled oil sector sees new revival 

* Libyan sides to soon work on a consolidated budget, deputy GNA PM says 

* Intensive care units in Tunisian state hospitals reach 80% of capacity 

 

EGYPT

* Egypt upgrades visitor experience at Giza pyramids site

 

SAUDI ARABIA

* Arab National Bank expected to sell $750 million in sukuk 

* Saudis launch national artificial intelligence strategy

 

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

* Abu Dhabi fund drops lawsuit against Goldman over 1MDB - FT 

* Dubai wealth fund sells $600 mln in long 5-yr bonds 

* TABLE-UAE's Fujairah oil inventory data for week ended Oct 19

 

OMAN

* Oman raises $2 bln in first bond deal in over a year 

* Oman discusses replacing foreigners with locals in government companies - ONA 

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