(MENAFN - Khaleej Times) The UAE and Oman have signed an agreement for linking their electric power grids, which will enable them to exchange electric power in time of need.

The landmark agreement was signed by Mohammed bin Dha’en Al Hamili, UAE Minister of Energy and Chairman of Federal Electricity and Water Authority (FEWA), and Ahmed Abdul Nabi Mekki, Omani Minister of Economy and Chairman of Council for Economic Affairs and Energy Resources.

The agreement, which followed a memorandum of understanding on electricity, will allow both countries to exchange power resources to fuel socio-economic development by linking their electricity grids.

The project will secure enough electricity to meet demand for urban and industrial expansions.

Power generation and distribution companies will also benefit from the agreement. ‘The agreement will secure ample electricity supply in cases of emergencies,” said Mohammed bin Dhaen Al Hamili, UAE Minister of Energy.

“It is a bilateral step forward within the overall under-construction GCC power grid, the UAE minister said, “ adding the agreement crowns the depth of growing bilateral ties based on common destiny represented by the firm will of UAE President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Sultan Qaboos of Oman to strengthen joint cooperation in water and electricity sector.

The Oman minister said the agreement represented a marked development to the memo signed in 2003.

The power networks between Wasit (Mahda) and Al Ain (Foa), Khasab and Ghalila, Dibba Bea in Oman and Dibba in UAE and Madha and Qidfa will be interconnected.