Mideast Stocks: Factors to watch on August 5

Mideast Stocks: Factors to watch on August 5

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 hold gains, dollar strong on Fed official comments * Oil prices rise on Mideast tensions; crude stock build caps gains * PRECIOUS-Gold eases on firm dollar, hawkish Fed official * MIDEAST STOCKS-Dubai gains as UAE eases travel curbs; other markets mixed * GCC economies expected to grow 2.2% this year, says World Bank * Gulf buy now, pay later firm Tabby raises $50 mln, to speed up expansion EGYPT * Egypt's net foreign reserves rise slightly to $40.6 billion in July - c.bank * Alexandria Company For Pharmaceuticals And Chemical Industries FY Profit Falls * Misr Intercontinental For Granite And Marble H1 Loss Widens * Egypt's NATCO hires adviser for bond sale, mulls IPO SAUDI ARABIA * Saudi Arabian Mining Posts Qtrly Profit * National Petrochemical Posts Quarterly Profit * Saudi Industrial Investment Group Posts Qtrly Profit * Northern Region Cement Board Proposes H1 Dividend * Northern Region Cement Quarterly Profit Rises * Saudi Research And Marketing Announces Contract Sign Off With Taoq Public Relations * Eastern