Mideast Stocks – Factors to watch on January 24

Mideast Stocks – Factors to watch on January 24

* Oil falls on China's COVID-19 cases, high crude build* MIDEAST STOCKS-UAE markets end lower as COVID-19 cases surge; Saudi muted * PRECIOUS-Gold falls more than 1% on firm dollar but on course for weekly gain* ANALYSIS-What will survive of U.S. Middle East policy under Biden * Iran's oil exports rise 'significantly' despite sanctions, minister says * Turkey's Erdogan says "absolutely" against high interest rates* Morocco gets 2 mln AstraZeneca vaccine doses, first big shipment to Africa * EXCLUSIVE-Iraq cuts crude oil supplies for most Indian refiners in 2021- sources * Iran to begin COVID-19 vaccinations in coming weeks- President Rouhani * U.S. State Dept says working to conclude Houthi terrorist designation review EGYPT* Sisi says Egypt to begin COVID-19 vaccinations on Sunday * Egypt's GASC buys 6,000 tonnes of local soyoil in tender, traders say SAUDI ARABIA* Saudi-led forces thwart attack by Yemen's Houthis - Al-Hadath TV* Saudi Arabia expects 'excellent relations' with Biden administration * Saudi unemployment dips slightly to 14.9% in third quarter, data shows * Saudi embassy in Doha will reopen 'in days' - Al Arabiya quotes minister UNITED ARAB EMIRATES* Denmark halts UAE flights for five days over COVID-19 * UAE confirms it inked $23 bln deal to buy F-35 jets, drones from U.S. * ANALYSIS-Surging cases strain UAE's