Who we are
Our Story
The story of GCCIA is a testament to the vision, ambition, and collaborative spirit of the GCC member states. It represents a bold initiative aimed at enhancing energy security, promoting economic integration, and supporting sustainable development across the region. From early discussions and feasibility studies to the establishment of a unified electrical grid and strategic interconnection projects, the journey of the GCCIA has been marked by milestones that have strengthened regional cooperation and shaped our journey towards becoming a leader in electrical interconnection and power trading in the GCC.
1982In September 1982, the first meeting of the undersecretaries of the GCC countries' electricity and water ministries was held in the Kingdom of Bahrain. During this meeting, they unanimously agreed on the importance of connecting the electricity networks of the GCC countries. In the same year, the GCC Secretariat formed a team of faculty members from the University of Petroleum and Minerals to study the connection of Bahrain's electricity network with Saudi Arabia's electricity network.
1984Several feasibility studies were conducted for the comprehensive electrical interconnection project between the GCC countries. The first study began in 1984 and ended in 1986, proving the project's technical, financial, and economic feasibility. It was determined that the project could be financed through an independent authority responsible for constructing, operating, and maintaining the project, with member states contributing shares proportional to the benefits they receive from the electrical interconnection, such as reducing part of the generation reserve in their electrical networks.
1988The second study, conducted in 1988 and concluded in 1990, confirmed the project's feasibility despite its challenges, laying the groundwork for the launch of the GCC electrical interconnection grid. The study was accompanied by the preliminary design of the electrical interconnection project and its related regulatory and legislative framework.
1997In December 1997, during the 18th session of the Supreme Council of the GCC held in Kuwait, it was decided that the governments of Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait would implement the first phase of the electrical interconnection project. The GCC Electrical and Water Cooperation Committee was tasked with following up on the project's implementation steps, including preparing the basic regulations for the Electrical Interconnection Authority and the electrical interconnection agreements.
2001Royal Decree No. M/21, dated 8 Jumada I 1422 AH, was issued, approving the establishment of the Authority as a joint-stock company owned by the GCC countries, to be managed on commercial and economic principles, with its headquarters in Dammam. The founding assembly of the GCC Electrical Interconnection Authority held its first meeting at the GCC General Secretariat headquarters in Riyadh.
2004
The first phase of the project began with the interconnection of the electricity networks of Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait. The second phase involved upgrading the electrical networks of the United Arab Emirates and the Sultanate of Oman and completing their internal connections to prepare for the third phase. This phase included connecting the UAE's electricity network to the Authority's main grid and connecting Oman's electricity network to the GCC electrical interconnection grid from the (Mahdha) station via the UAE's electricity network.
The first phase of the project began with the interconnection of the electricity networks of Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait. The second phase involved upgrading the electrical networks of the United Arab Emirates and the Sultanate of Oman and completing their internal connections to prepare for the third phase. This phase included connecting the UAE's electricity network to the Authority's main grid and connecting Oman's electricity network to the GCC electrical interconnection grid from the (Mahdha) station via the UAE's electricity network.
2009The interconnection between Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait became operational. The GCC leaders inaugurated the first phase of the project after it was completed in the first quarter of 2009 in a ceremony held in Kuwait on December 14, 2009.
2011The interconnection line between the Authority's and UAE's networks became operational. This part was inaugurated and activated on April 20, 2011, in a ceremony held in Abu Dhabi under the patronage and presence of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the UAE, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, along with the presence of the GCC electricity ministers and the GCC General Secretariat.
2014The Sultanate of Oman officially joined the GCC Interconnection Authority as a permanent member after being an observer of its Board of Directors since its inception. Oman actively participated with the other GCC countries in establishing this vital project, drafting the interconnection agreements, and participating in all committees related to the Authority.