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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 climb to three-week highs on vaccine optimism, dollar retreats
* Oil prices rise on stronger economic outlook, U.S. stockpile draw
* MIDEAST STOCKS-Abu Dhabi index extends gains for eighth session; other markets flat
* PRECIOUS-Gold dips as strong U.S. data sparks economic recovery hopes
* Brookfield, BlackRock no longer in race for over $10 bln Aramco pipeline stake - sources
* World powers, Iran hold 'constructive' talks on reviving nuclear deal
* Iran indicts 10 over Ukraine plane crash, prosecutor says; Canada demands justice
* Iran cargo ship attacked in Red Sea - Al Arabiya TV
* U.S. charges New York cosmetics executive with Iran sanctions violations
* Sudanese Cabinet votes to repeal Israel boycott law
* Sceptical president invites Netanyahu to form next Israeli government
* Lebanon's central bank agrees to give A&M info for audit -finance ministry
* Israeli cenbank chief deplores lack of stable government, state budget
* U.S. expresses concern over sentencing of Saudi aid worker
* Death toll from clashes in Sudan's West Darfur climbs to 50 - medics
* Rebound in Iranian exports unlikely to shock oil markets -Goldman Sachs
* Iraqi PM agreed on Saudi, UAE investment projects in Iraq, with value exceeding $6 bln - agency
EGYPT
* Suez Canal may expand southern channel, chairman says
* Three-way talks over Ethiopian dam fail in Kinshasa -statements
* Egypt's GASC buys 345,000 tonnes of wheat in tender for Aug. 1-10 shipment
* Traffic in Suez canal not affected by tanker's engine failure - canal authority
SAUDI ARABIA
* Saudi Arabia's SABIC picks HSBC, Morgan Stanley for specialty unit IPO - sources
* Saudi cabinet authorizes minister to negotiate with Singapore on draft energy memorandum
* Saudi-led coalition destroys explosive-laden drone launched by Yemen's Houthis - state TV
* KPMG to convert Saudi unit to closed joint stock company
* Saudi cabinet approves Banque Misr's license to open a branch in the kingdom - statement
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
* Abu Dhabi's Etihad starts direct passenger flights to Israel
* UAE's flydubai to have all 14 737 MAX jets in service by June
* UAE's first nuclear power plant begins commercial operations
* UAE's ADNOC revises March Murban crude OSP to $65.16/bbl
* Payments giant Stripe expands to Middle East with Dubai office
QATAR
* Qatar Airways calls for borders to reopen, says more airlines to need aid
* Qatar Airways interested in potential Boeing 777X freighter, CEO says
* Qatar Airways CEO says passenger demand unlikely to recover until 2024
* MEDIA-Qatari Royal is among investors exposed in Credit Suisse supply-chain funds - Bloomberg News
OMAN
* Oman says citizens entering country can do mandatory quarantine at home
BAHRAIN
* Bahrain's economy shrank 5.51% y/y in Q4 - government data
(Compiled by Dubai newsroom) ((dubai.newsroom@thomsonreuters.com))