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 stocks hit record high, as earnings, stimulus boost recovery hopes  

* Oil prices extend rally after surprise fall in U.S. stocks  

* MIDEAST STOCKS-Most Gulf markets up in line with global stocks  

* PRECIOUS-Gold firms on faltering dollar, stimulus hopes 

* Delay in currency reform puts donor support for Sudan at risk 

* Rival factions agree on procedures for Palestinian elections -statement 

* Egypt opens Rafah crossing with Gaza until further notice- sources 

* After Blinken remarks, Netanyahu says Golan will always be Israel's 

* More than 97% of recent COVID deaths in Israel were people who weren't vaccinated, PM says 

* To lift lockdown gloom, Israelis keep calm and carry on screaming 

* Iran's spy chief says Tehran could seek nuclear arms if 'cornered' by West 

* Qatar envoy: Lebanese leaders must form government to get aid 

 

 

EGYPT

* Egypt's GASC says seeking vegetable oils in tender on Thursday for arrival March 16-April 5 

 

SAUDI ARABIA

* Saudi PIF invests in NBK Capital Partners' shariah credit fund 

* Saudi appeals court rejects rights activist claim she was tortured in jail, family says 

* Saudi Arabia's biggest lender NCB posts little change in 2020 profit 

 

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

* Four years into voyage and metres from land, tanker crew still stuck aboard 

* Top UAE bank FAB raises 750 million with first euro-denominated bond 

* INSIGHT-Deserted debts stir disquiet in the mysterious world of Dubai Inc 

* Banks reduce usage of UAE central bank stimulus package, governor says 

* Bharat Biotech likely to export its COVID-19 vaccine to Brazil, UAE by end of the week 

* Dubai non-oil private sector grows at marginal pace in January -PMI 

* ADNOC natgas pipeline investors Galaxy raise nearly $4 bln via bonds 

* UAE's Hope Probe enters orbit in first Arab Mars mission 

 

QATAR

* Qatar Petroleum signs deal for mega-LNG expansion 

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