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 fall as fresh outbreaks overshadow vaccine progress 

* Oil prices slip as surging COVID-19 cases overshadow vaccine hopes

* PRECIOUS-Gold dips on firmer dollar, COVID-19 vaccine hopes 

* MIDEAST STOCKS-Saudi, Dubai shares gain; Abu Dhabi declines 

* U.S. imposes sweeping sanctions on Iran, targets Khamenei-linked foundation  

* Iran feeds uranium gas into advanced centrifuges underground -IAEA report  

* Iraq to invite bids for new oil refinery in south, ministry says  

* Libya's NOC, Total discuss increasing production rates, expanding Total's investments in Libya  

* PLO's Saeb Erekat laid to rest with full honours  

* Israel strikes widely in Syria, sending signal of aggressive post-Trump posture 

 

EGYPT

* Leading Egyptian rights group says two members arrested  

* Egypt's EFG Hermes net profit increases by 18% in Q3 year-on-year  

 

SAUDI ARABIA

* Saudi-led coalition destroys drone launched by Yemen's Houthis towards kingdom -state TV  

* Climate action investor group adds Saudi Aramco to focus list  

* Iraq-Saudi Arabia border crossing opens for trade, first time since 1990  

* Saudi Arabia takes aim at Muslim Brotherhood before Democrats take over in Washington  

* Italy's Saipem signs deal with Saudi Aramco for onshore activities 

* Struggling airline Saudia got $7 bln of state help in 2019-2020 - documents  

* Saudi crude exports rise to 6.07 mln bpd in September -JODI  

* Saudi Electricity's illiquid bonds unmoved by debt reduction plan  

 

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

* U.S. senators seek to stop Trump's $23 billion in arms sales to UAE  

* Israel, Abu Dhabi markets regulators agree to cooperate on FinTech  

* Abu Dhabi's ADQ eyes around $1 bln loan to back Louis Dreyfus deal - sources  

* UAE first nuclear station reached 80% of energy production capacity -state news  

* UAE compliance with OPEC+ accord 126% in Oct -UAE energy ministry tweet 

 

BAHRAIN

* Israel, Bahrain cement new ties with pledges of embassies and visas  

 

OMAN

* Oman talks to banks about new loan of at least $1 billion - sources  

 

QATAR

* Qatar tendering to buy 100,000 tonnes feed barley - trade  

* Qatar sells Jan al Shaheen crude at highest premiums in 4 months - sources  

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