July 6 (Reuters) - Most stock markets in the Gulf countries closed higher on Monday as investors focused on corporate earnings and monitored developments between the United States and Iran.

The Saudi index rose 0.1 percent thanks to a 0.2 percent increase in shares of both Al Rajhi Bank and Saudi Aramco.

Most Gulf markets closed higher today, driven by improved sentiment in the region.

Joseph Daherieh, managing director at TechMill, said caution still prevails regarding the negotiations between the United States and Iran, but progress could lead to further gains in the markets.

The continued low oil prices, coupled with high production from the region and the anticipated surplus, pose a risk to the energy sector. However, the gradual return of shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz to normal levels will likely support a broader economic recovery.

Dubai's index rose 0.5 percent, supported by a 1.2 percent increase in shares of Emirates NBD bank.

The Abu Dhabi index also rose 0.2 percent.

Oil prices fell on Monday after the OPEC+ alliance agreed to a further increase in production targets starting in August, as major producers ramp up exports through the Strait of Hormuz, potentially adding to global supplies.

The Qatari index closed 0.2 percent higher, with shares of Qatar Islamic Bank rising 0.8 percent.

Abbas Abdulkhani, the Iranian commercial attaché in Doha, told official media on Sunday that maritime trade between Iran and Qatar had resumed after a hiatus of about five months.

Outside the Gulf region, Egypt's blue-chip index rose 2.7 percent, driven by a 3.7 percent increase in Commercial International Bank's stock.

Experts surveyed by Reuters predicted that the Central Bank of Egypt would keep overnight interest rates unchanged for the third consecutive time when its Monetary Policy Committee meets on Thursday, amid relief from the relative easing of tensions in the region.