Mideast Stocks – Factors to watch on February 7

Mideast Stocks – Factors to watch on February 7

* Oil rises 1%, hits highest in a year on growth hopes, OPEC+ output cuts * MIDEAST STOCKS-Dubai leads major Gulf markets lower; Saudi index gains* PRECIOUS-Gold gains as dollar retreats, U.S. jobs report signals slow recovery * Iran top diplomat urges Biden to return to nuclear deal * U.S. to drop Houthi terrorist designation due to Yemen crisis * Biden administration expects Saudi Arabia to improve human rights - White House * Saudi Arabia says Biden's speech reiterates U.S. commitment to work with allies * UAE says it's committed to working with US to reduce regional tensions-state news agency * Netanyahu postpones UAE, Bahrain trip due to COVID-19 lockdown * New Libya interim government agreed in U.N. talks * Thousands protest in Tunis despite police blockade* Egypt frees Al Jazeera journalist after four years in detention * Race between vaccines and virus to shape uneven Middle East recovery - IMF * Sputnik-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine trials to start in Azerbaijan, MidEast * INSIGHT-In Saddam strongholds that fought America, Iraqis fear a U.S. departure * EXCLUSIVE-Sudan will decide to float currency once it has sufficient reserves, finance minister says EGYPT* Egypt central bank keeps interest rates on hold * Emaar Misr For Development Signs Contract To Establish Hotel Project Under Name 'Vida' SAUDI ARABIA* Saudi Arabia raises