Here are some factors that could impact Middle East stock markets on Thursday. Reuters does not verify reports and does not guarantee their accuracy. International/Regional
* World markets – Asian stocks hit record highs, US jobs report lifts yields and dollar
*Oil prices rise due to concerns over tensions between the US and Iran
* Precious Gold falls as dollar strengthens following strong US employment data
*Middle East stocks – Most Gulf markets are in the red due to instability in the US and Iran
* President Trump says there is no “final” deal with Prime Minister Netanyahu, negotiations between US and Iran continue
* Lebanon will decide on arms control plan north of Litani next weekMinister says
*Prime Minister Netanyahu says Israel has joined President Trump’s “Peace Commission”
* AirAsia X opens Kuala Lumpur-Bahrain-London route, establishing Middle East hub
* OPEC data shows modest second-quarter surplus ahead of key OPEC+ decision on restarting increased oil production
tunisia
* Central Bank of Tunisia keeps key interest rate at 7%
united arab emirates
* BRIEF-UAE’s ADNOC Drilling’s Q4 2025 net profit was $389 million
*Table – UAE Fujairah oil inventory data for the week ending February 9
* DEWA buys 24% stake in Empower in Dubai Holding for $1.41 billion
* Lulu Retail Holdings PLC will be included in the MSCI UAE Small Cap Index
* Summary – Abu Dhabi’s IHC, Sirius and Fab receive central bank approval to launch UAE Dirham-backed stablecoin DDSC on ADI Chain – Statement
Kuwait
*Kuwait lowers March crude oil prices for Asia, price document reveals
* BRIEF-Zain KSA annual profit R604 million
* BRIEF-Zain KSA Annual dividend per share SAR 0.5
Syria
*Exclusive – Saudi and US companies partner on energy project in northeastern Syria
*U.S.-led forces leave Syria’s al-Tanf base and head to Jordan, sources say
* Overview – Syria has large undiscovered oil and gas reserves and plans to award exploration licenses to Chevron, ConocoPhillips, Total Energy and Eni – FT
Saudi Arabia
* BRIEF-Aramco achieves 70% local content goal through flagship IKTVA program
* Overview – Saudi Power receives R16 billion Murabaha loan facility
*Saudi Arabia’s crude oil supply to China is expected to increase in March, sources say
egypt
* Egypt tells international oil companies to double production by 2030, energy nation leader says
libya
* Libya wins new oil and gas blocks for Chevron, Eni and others in first bidding round since 2007
(Edited by Bangalore Newsroom)
