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-Stocks regroup as investors hold their breath on Ukraine  

* Oil pulls back on view western sanctions on Russia won't choke supply  

* PRECIOUS-Gold flat as higher U.S. yields counter safe-haven bids 

* MIDEAST STOCKS-Gulf markets mixed amid rising Ukraine tensions 

* Iran appears ready to swap prisoners with U.S. as talks approach 'finish line'

* Qatar says "almost impossible" to quickly replace Russian supplies to Europe 

* Deepening Russia-Ukraine tensions seen curbing food supplies, lifting prices 

 

EGYPT

* Egypt and Russia to enhance cooperation in natural gas - petroleum ministry 

* New import rules take effect in Egypt, key commodities exempt 

* Egypt aims to raise average debt maturity to 3.7 years -finance minister 

* Porto Group Holding Targets To Pump Egp 1.5 Bln In Projects This Year 

* Telecom Egypt Extending Reach Through Southeast Asia-Middle East-Western Europe 6 Subsea Cable 

SAUDI ARABIA

* GIB Closes 400 Mln Riyals Project Finance For A Hospital Project In Jeddah 

* MEDIA-Iraq in Talks With Halliburton, Saudi Aramco to Develop Oil, Gas in Western Desert-BBG 

UAE

* Dubai state utility DEWA expects to launch intention to float March 7 -sources 

* Israeli tourism minister 'worried' about Dubai flight security dispute 

* AG&P agree FSU lease for Philippines first LNG terminal launch in July

* Apollo And Mubadala Investment Company Expand Partnership To Capitalize On Global Origination Opportunities 

* Brookfield in talks to buy First Abu Dhabi Bank's payments arm in $1 bln deal - Bloomberg News 

 

QATAR

* Qatar working to support Lebanon on energy long-term -minister 

* Pakistan awards QP Trading one of two March LNG tenders -source

* QatarEnergy will not go to international markets for green bonds, CEO says 

 

KUWAIT

* Kuwaiti govt owes public entities 2.35 bln dinars - finance ministry 

* U.S. approves potential foreign military sale to Kuwait for $1 bln for defense HQ 

* Kuwait International Bank Posts Q4 Profit

* Noor Financial Investment Q4 Profit Rises 

 

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