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

INTERNATIONAL/REGIONAL

* GLOBAL MARKETS-S&P 500, Dow close at record highs, dollar gains at end of tumultuous year

* Oil edges higher, but posts 20% annual drop in tumultuous 2020

* MIDEAST STOCKS-Saudi outperforms Middle East markets in 2020 

* PRECIOUS-Gold set to end volatile 2020 with strong gains; silver outperforms 

* Iran's foreign minister urges Trump to avoid Israel 'trap' to provoke war 

* Saudi Arabia ends entry ban, keeps some coronavirus restrictions -state news agency 

* POLL -Oil outlook for 2021 hit by new COVID-19 strain 

* Saudi-led coalition strikes at Yemen capital after attacks on Aden blamed on Houthis

* Car bomb explodes in Syrian border town - state news agency 

* Iraq evacuates oil tanker after mine found attached to hull 

EGYPT

* African free trade bloc opens for business, but challenges remain 

* Egypt Signs 9 New Offshore Oil And Gas Exploration Agreements - Petroleum Ministry 

* Egypt’s cabinet allows GASC to co-found shareholding shipping company -statement 

SAUDI ARABIA

* Saudi CMA Approves IPO Of Alkhorayef Water And Power Technologies Company's Shares 

* Saudi Aramco Sets Propane Prices At $550/MT For January 

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

* UAE reports record COVID-19 cases for fourth consecutive day 

* Etihad stake in Air Serbia cut to 18% after government steps in 

* Aldar Properties Sells Abu Dhabi Golf Complex Including Westin Hotel For AED 180 Mln

* DXB Gears Up For Seasonal Rush Of Travellers 

KUWAIT

* Noor Financial Investment Receives CMA Approval For Merger With Noor Telecommunication 

* International Financial Advisors Reaches Agreement With Foreign Bank To Restructure Debt 

QATAR

* Boeing Delivers Trio Of 777 Freighters To Qatar Airways Cargo 

OMAN

* Oman plans $5.7 bln budget deficit in 2021 -state news agency 

* Oman makes provision for debt settlement of 150 mln rials for 2021 

* Oman aviation group and Transom co have been dissolved- ministry tweet 

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