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 stocks bounce off 2-month low as bonds, China markets steady  

* Oil prices edge up ahead of U.S. inventories data  

* MIDEAST STOCKS-Oil buoys Saudi shares; top lender trips Abu Dhabi 

* PRECIOUS-Gold falls back as U.S. yields, dollar advance  

* Sudan launches vaccination roll-out for medical workers  

* At least 39 die as two migrant boats sink off Tunisia  

* Brother-in-law of Tunisia's ousted president gets 10 years for corruption  

* Protests, roadblocks persist in Lebanon despite president's call  

* Libya PM addresses parliament as government vote looms  

* Libya's NOC signs contract to establish Oil Center for Maintenance and Services with Italy's Saipem  

* U.S. sanctions complicate Syria's return to Arab fold, UAE minister says  

* U.S. State Dept blacklists two Iranian officials over human rights violations 

* Israel, Cyprus agree framework for settling offshore gas dispute  

* Israel's Bank Leumi posts Q4 net profit rise, lower deferments  

* Hungarian, Czech premiers to meet Israeli PM on pandemic strategy 

* Israel's Mizrahi Tefahot Bank Q4 profit up on acquisition of rival  

 

EGYPT

* Egypt's strategic wheat reserves sufficient for four months - supply ministry  

* Croatian energy firm INA to buy new concession in Egypt 

* Shell to sell Egypt onshore assets for up to $926 mln 

* Subsea pipeline could double Israeli gas exports to Egypt -minister  

 

SAUDI ARABIA

* Saudi Real Estate Refinance Co launches 4 bln riyal Islamic bonds, plans dollar issue  

* Britain's B&Q owner to build Middle East business with Al-Futtaim  

* Saudi crown prince meets Russian special envoy for Syrian settlement- SPA 

* Lucid, long before SPAC, promised to build Saudi auto plant - WSJ  

 

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

* United Arab Emirates attracts corporate billions to climb tax-haven ranking 

* Pandemic to stall UAE banks' recovery in early 2021 - A&M  

* UAE licenses second unit of Barakah nuclear power plant 

* Dubai to extend freeze on state fees until 2023, crown prince says 

* CVC Capital plans Dubai office, Mideast hires in hunt for deals - Bloomberg News 

 

OMAN

* Oman to cut income tax on SMEs, offer investors long-term residency  

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