Mideast Stocks: Factors to watch on December 15

Mideast Stocks: Factors to watch on December 15

* Oil slips on demand worries as COVID-19 lockdowns tighten in Europe * PRECIOUS-Gold firms as U.S. stimulus progress weighs on dollar * MIDEAST STOCKS--Major Gulf markets gain on higher oil prices, vaccine progress * Explosives-laden boat hits fuel ship at Saudi port, ministry says * OPEC cuts 2021 oil demand outlook again as pandemic impact lingers * U.S. sanctions NATO ally Turkey over purchase of Russian defense system * EXCLUSIVE-Abu Dhabi's Mubadala reviews equities fund in investment shake-up - sources * Iran's Rouhani defends execution of dissident journalist * Pro-Sisi party wins majority in Egypt's parliamentary polls * U.S. blacklists two Iranian officials over Levinson disappearance * U.S imposes sanctions on Turkey over Russian defense system buy * United States takes Sudan off terrorism list after 27 years * Kuwait names new oil and finance ministers as government faces liquidity crunch EGYPT* Egyptian Gulf Bank Expects 15% Growth In 2021 Profit * Egypt's GASC seeking wheat for Feb. 1-15 shipment SAUDI ARABIA* Sovereign funds step-up dealmaking, but few bargains on offer * Saudi's SPIMACO Appoints Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz Alfadhli As Acting CEO UNITED ARAB EMIRATES* Dubai non-oil private sector shrinks as business mood darkens * EXCLUSIVE-Italy authorises Abu Dhabi fund to invest in TIM's grid - sources * Emirates Expands Global Network With Restart Of Flights To Istanbul *