PHOTO
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 rise after consumer confidence boosts Nasdaq to record high
* Oil prices climb for second day after U.S. stockpiles fall
* PRECIOUS-Gold set for biggest monthly drop since 2016
* MIDEAST STOCKS-Shares in tourism-reliant Dubai at 3-week low on COVID jitters
* Sudan approved for debt relief, $2.5 billion funding by IMF
* OPEC bullish on oil market recovery; virus variants pose risk
* Lebanon raises fuel prices in bid to ease shortages
* Turkey economy to grow 5.5% in 2021 with tourism boost, EBRD says
* Inaugurating embassy in UAE, Israel tells region: "We're here to stay"
EGYPT
* Egypt's current account deficit widens to $5.7 bln in Jan-March
* Egypt expected to launch IPO programme in September -regulator
SAUDI ARABIA
* Saudi Arabia plans new national airline as it diversifies from oil
* SRC signs accord with Arab National Bank to buy housing finance portfolio
* Saudi Aramco seeks financing advisor for gas pipeline deal -sources
* Saudi Telecom Co gets approval for planned IPO of unit
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
* BRIEF-ADNOC and Reliance plan chemical project partnership -Adnoc Statement
* Dubai's Emaar Properties secures $500 million via Islamic bonds
* Mubadala-owned Yahsat's IPO book fully covered -sources
* JPMorgan sets up legal entity in Abu Dhabi's ADGM
* BRIEF-Agthia Group Says SCA Approves Increase Of Share Capital Of Agthia Group
QATAR
* Qatar's Ahli Bank sells $500 mln of 5-year senior bonds
(Compiled by Dubai newsroom) ((dubai.newsroom@thomsonreuters.com))