DUBAI: Here are some factors that may affect Middle East stock markets on Monday. Reuters has not verified the press reports and does not vouch for their accuracy.

INTERNATIONAL/REGIONAL

* GLOBAL MARKETS-Asian shares near 1-1/2 week highs, Bitcoin recoups losses

* Oil falls amid surging coronavirus infections in India, other countries -

* MIDEAST STOCKS-Major Gulf markets end mixed; blue-chips buoy Egypt

* PRECIOUS-Gold firms as softer U.S. dollar, yields lift appeal

* POLL-Bank of Israel to hold rates, vaccinations to fuel economic rebound

* Saudi and Iran held talks aimed at easing tensions, say sources

* Syria to hold presidential election, slammed by opposition, on May 26

* Syrian pound improves after central bank raises exchange rate

* Rockets strike Iraqi military base hosting U.S. contractors, Iraqi military says

* Tunisian president draws security powers into dispute with PM

 

EGYPT

* Eleven dead, 98 injured after train derails in Egypt

 

SAUDI ARABIA

* COVID vaccination a requirement to perform Umra pilgrimage - Saudi state TV

 

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

* BRIEF-Emirates NBD And Etihad Credit Insurance Sign Agreement To Ease Bank's Businesses Access To Trade Finance

 

QATAR

* BRIEF-Qatar's Nakilat Q1 Profit Rises

(Compiled by Dubai newsroom)