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 bounce from year low but Omicron, Fed in focus 

* Oil rises 1% ahead of OPEC meeting under Omicron cloud

* PRECIOUS-Gold hovers near 1-month low on Fed chair's hawkish comments 

* MIDEAST STOCKS-Most Gulf bourses tumble on vaccine efficacy concerns

* Officials offer vaccine reassurance; WHO advises against travel bans 

* Saudi-led coalition destroys Houthi explosive-laden boat - state TV 

* OPEC+ begins two days of talks amid oil rout 

* POLL-Oil bound for gains as OPEC+ guards supply, but virus threat looms 

* Despite crisis, Lebanese free to travel to UAE -Emirati official 

* Saudi opens consular section of Kabul embassy as of Tuesday - state news agency

 

EGYPT

* Canada to ban travelers from Nigeria, Malawi and Egypt amid Omicron concerns - Toronto Star 

* Atlas For Investment & Food Industries Nine-Month Consol Loss Widens

 

SAUDI ARABIA

* Pakistan expects $3 billion reserves deposit from Saudi in days 

* Saipem wins $750 million contract in Saudi Arabia 

* Fawaz Abdulaziz Alhokair Signs Master Franchise Agreements With Subway And Lebanese Patisserie, Secrets 

* Saudi's Maharah Says Unit Signs MoU To Aquire Stake In Salis For Trading And Marketing 

 

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

* UAE to sign major deals during French president's visit - Emirati official 

* UAE to send delegation to Iran soon, senior Emirati official says 

* MEDIA-Dubai’s $25 billion state utility picks banks for record IPO - Bloomberg News

 

KUWAIT

* Leonardo to deliver 2 Eurofighters jets to Kuwait in December - jr minister 

QATAR

* Qatar Airways CEO says Airbus should admit to A350 surface flaw

* EXCLUSIVE-Vingroup tapping global investors for car unit's $1 bln funding - sources 

* Qatar Airways To Launch Flights To Tashkent From January 17, 2022 

 

OMAN

* Oman crude OSP fall to $80.26/bbl for January 

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