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

INTERNATIONAL/REGIONAL

* GLOBAL MARKETS-Bonds dip, Nikkei charges higher as stimulus hopes stoke gains 

* Oil prices dip on rise in virus cases; U.S. stock draw checks losses 

* MIDEAST STOCKS-Most major markets end higher on oil price gains 

* U.N. aid chief to urge U.S. to reverse plan to blacklist Yemen's Houthis 

* U.S. imposes new sanctions on Iranian foundations in last days of Trump term 

* Iran works on uranium metal for reactor fuel in new breach of nuclear deal 

* Iran launches missile drill amid rising tensions with U.S. 

* Over 80 killed in attack in Ethiopian border region with Sudan - state rights commission 

* Israel launches major air strikes on Iran-linked targets in Syria 

* Sign up for shots, Jordan urges citizens as vaccination drive starts 

* Ship insurers primed to raise rates after Red Sea attacks 

* Interpol red notices issued for ship captain, owner over Beirut blast - Lebanese state media 

 

EGYPT

* Egypt reopens four Red Sea ports shut due to bad weather 

* Egypt to get $1.1 bln from ITFC to fund commodities imports in 2021 

 

SAUDI ARABIA

* Saudi crown prince says kingdom offers $6 trln investment opportunities over next decade -state news agency

* Saudi NEOM JV working with Lazard on $5 bln hydrogen project - sources 

* Saudi Aramco cuts Feb crude supply to some Asian refiners - sources 

 

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

* UAE daily coronavirus cases cross 3,000 as authorities push vaccine 

* Emirates airline sees full fleet returning to the skies this year 

* Emirates boss says Boeing must recognize top-down role in MAX flaws 

* Emirates president says Boeing 777x entry to service may slip to 2023 'or even longer'

* Dubai partner 'very happy' with Trump Org despite Capitol chaos

* Emirates Post adds Israel to operations network -WAM 

* DAE raises $1.25 bln by selling four, seven-year dollar bonds-document 

* TABLE-UAE's Fujairah oil inventory data for week ended Jan 11

 

KUWAIT

* Kuwait's cabinet submits resignation in standoff with parliament 

 

QATAR

* Qatar Airways says it will resume Egypt flights on Jan 18 

* Qatar Airways to use half of A380 fleet when they fly again, CEO says 

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