Scotland is to sign a renewable energy deal in one of the world's richest cities.

First Minister Alex Salmond is to travel to the Middle East next week to sign the "ground-breaking" energy deal.

Under the agreement, Scotland will develop green energy products with renewables giant Masdar, based in Abu Dhabi. The deal is to be signed next Tuesday.

The First Minister said: "It is clear that the work Masdar is taking forward on leading us to a low carbon society is in perfect synchronisation with the work we are doing here in Scotland.

"This is the first agreement of its kind between Masdar and an individual nation and will work towards developing further university research into renewable energy.

"This landmark deal rightly puts Scotland firmly at the forefront of the green energy revolution and I look forward to this relationship between Scotland and Masdar growing and delivering for all our global futures."

The Energy Technology Partnership, a union of 12 Scottish universities already working on energy research, will work with Masdar to produce new wind, solar, wave and tidal energy technology.

During his two-day visit, the First Minister is also due to address an audience of world leaders when he attends the World Future Energy Summit as a guest of Masdar.

Other speakers include UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon and Premier Wen Jiabao of China.