From Atiq Sharif

July 21 (Reuters) - Most Gulf stock markets closed higher on Tuesday, amid anticipation of reports of mediation efforts between the United States and Iran on one hand, and threats from Yemen's Houthi group to impose a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia on the other.

A senior Iranian official said on Monday that Tehran had received a proposal from mediators for a 10-day ceasefire aimed at paving the way for a permanent agreement to end the war that erupted on February 28 following US and Israeli attacks on Iran.

Dubai's index rose 0.3 percent, with Emaar Properties shares climbing 0.9 percent. Shares in Salik, the operator of the toll system, gained 1.6 percent.

In Abu Dhabi, the index rose 0.4 percent.

George Pavel, general manager of Naga.com Middle East, said that tensions in the region continue to cast a shadow over investor sentiment as military operations and unrest in the Strait of Hormuz raise concerns.

However, Pavel added that reports indicating efforts to revive diplomacy between the United States and Iran could boost hopes for a ceasefire, which could improve conditions for local economies and stock markets.

The Saudi index fell 0.4 percent, impacted by a 1.8 percent drop in Al Rajhi Bank shares, while Alinma Bank shares declined 4.4 percent after it announced weak second-quarter profits and reduced its dividend payout.

The Houthi rebels in Yemen, who are allied with Iran, have threatened to impose a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia, raising the prospect of an escalation of the conflict and further disruption to energy supplies and trade.

This move came as Tehran and Washington showed interest in renewing diplomatic efforts, with Iran saying that mediators had made new proposals but not disclosing details.

The Houthi group sent an email to shipping companies warning them against loading or unloading goods at Saudi ports, indicating that engaging in such activities would expose them to targeting "anywhere".

The Qatari index closed 0.2 percent higher, with Qatar Islamic Bank shares rising 0.6 percent.

Bahrain’s main index rose 0.1 percent, while the main indices in Oman and Kuwait fell 0.9 and 0.1 percent respectively.

Outside the Gulf region, Egypt's blue-chip index rose 1.6 percent.