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

INTERNATIONAL/REGIONAL

* GLOBAL MARKETS-Asian stocks at record highs as Biden inauguration lifts stimulus hopes  

* Oil slips on surprise rise in U.S. crude stocks  

* MIDEAST STOCKS-Dubai leads most Gulf markets higher; Saudi eases 

* PRECIOUS-Gold scales 2-week high as dollar slips on stimulus optimism

* ANALYSIS-What will survive of U.S. Middle East policy under Biden 

* ANALYSIS-Trump's legacy: A more divided America, a more unsettled world 

* Biden swiftly begins sweeping away Trump's immigration barriers 

* Iran's Rouhani says "ball in U.S. court" over nuclear dispute 

* White House says Biden will be discussing Iran with foreign partners 

* U.S. secretary of state nominee Blinken sees strong foundation for bipartisan China policy

* Saudi Arabia pips Russia to be China's biggest oil supplier in 2020 

* Jordan tenders to buy 120,000 tonnes feed barley - trade 

* Jordan buys 120,000 tonnes wheat in tender - trade 

 

EGYPT

* Egypt and Qatar agree to resume diplomatic ties, Cairo says 

 

SAUDI ARABIA

* Saudi crude exports scale seven-month peak in November 2020 

* Saudi's NCB set for Gulf's lowest coupon on perpetual bonds with $1.25 bln deal 

 

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

* UAE signs deal with U.S. to buy 50 F-35 jets and up to 18 drones - sources 

* UAE's FAB to buy Egyptian business of Lebanon's Bank Audi

* Trump lifts tariffs on aluminum imports from UAE effective Feb. 3 

 

QATAR

* Qatar's economy shrinks 4.5% in Q3 

* Etihad, Qatar Airways to resume flights between UAE and Qatar 

BAHRAIN

* Bahrain gets $2 billion in bond sale after deficit spike 

 

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