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))