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 stumble as U.S. yields, dollar hold firm  

* Oil falls for second day as supply-driven rally peters out 

* PRECIOUS-Gold edges up; U.S. rate hike bets cap gains 

* MIDEAST STOCKS-Most major Gulf markets firm as Aramco leads Saudi higher  

* EXCLUSIVE-U.S. has reached out to China about cutting oil imports from Iran, officials say  

* White House aide discusses Yemen with Saudi crown prince 

* OPEC forecasts oil demand rebound before post-2035 plateau 

* FACTBOX-Partners or rivals Russia and Turkey navigate awkward alliance  

* Sudan to start gold refinery accreditation process in Dubai on Wednesday - SUNA  

* Lucid to start deliveries of electric cars with range exceeding Tesla's in October  

* Iran must return to nuclear talks to avoid escalation, French official says 

* Iran rejects U.S. demand for U.N. inspectors' access to nuclear site  

* Algeria to start Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine production Wednesday  

* Five Sudanese security officers killed in clash with IS-linked group - statement  

* Jordan's state carrier to resume flights to Syria for first time in decade  

* Iraqis to vote in ballot marked by growing social and political fractures  

 

EGYPT

* "Don't worry," says jailed Egypt rights researcher as he is driven from court 

* Egypt tries researcher held on return from Italy on false news charge 

* Egypt allows immediate COVID-19 vaccination amid fourth wave 

 

SAUDI ARABIA

* Saudi launches $13 bln plan to turn coastal region into tourism hub 

* Saudi Arabia's SIIG and Petrochem plan merger through share exchange  

* S&P affirms Saudi rating on expected rebound through 2024  

* APICORP to sell $750 million in 5-year green bonds - document  

* BUZZ-Australia's Nsx rises on deal to launch second exchange in Saudi Arabia  

* Saudi approves licence for National Bank of Egypt branch, SPA reports  

* Saudi's CMA approves initial public offering of Almunajem Foods Company's shares  

 

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

* Debt capital markets banker leaves Credit Agricole in Middle East - sources 

* Dana Gas says tribunal awards it $607.5 mln in Iran deal dispute 

* Middle East Crude-Dubai hits lowest since May  

QATAR

* Soccer-AFC confirms Doha as venue for Australia, Iraq qualifiers  

* Doha Bank board approves to increase non-Qatari ownership threshold to 100%  

 

BAHRAIN

* Bahrain's balanced budget delay unlikely to deter debt investors  

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