DUBAI, Feb 11: The six Gulf Arab states are moving ahead with plans to explore development of their first nuclear energy plants, with representatives planning to seek help from the UN's nuclear watchdog later this month, the secretary-general of the Gulf Cooperation Council said on Sunday.

Abdul Rahman al-Attiyah said he and other GCC officials would travel to the Vienna headquarters of the International Atomic Energy Agency Feb. 22 to seek help planning the six-nation Arab bloc's first foray into nuclear power.

The GCC announced its intention to study a peaceful nuclear programme in December, but has revealed few details about its plans.

''We are going to meet them and talk to them about the framework and frames of reference for the study,'' al-Attiyah told The Associated Press. ''The GCC will make nuclear progress for peaceful purposes.''

The GCC's nuclear bid comes as Arab leaders of the Persian Gulf have expressed unease with Iran's contentious nuclear programme and Washington's hardline response that many here fear could lead to war. Iran has long vowed its nuclear programme is for producing energy, but American officials accuse Tehran of seeking weapons.

Now Gulf leaders appear to be readying to create their own nuclear sector, perhaps in response to Iran's progress in the field. Analysts say the advance of civilian nuclear technology could spill over into military areas in the volatile region.

No Arab country currently has a nuclear energy capability but several engage in nuclear research. Egypt decided in 2006 to restart its long-stalled nuclear energy programme. Israel is the only Middle Eastern country with nuclear weapons and a civilian nuclear energy programme.

Al-Attiyah said the huge energy needs of the fast-growing Gulf countries warranted development of nuclear energy. In particular, Gulf countries expend vast amounts of oil and gas in desalination, turning sea water into drinking water.

''Nuclear technology is legal as long as it's for peaceful purposes: for electricity, desalination and agriculture,'' al-Attiyah said.

The GCC countries -- Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman -- are signatories of the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty that prohibits development of atomic weapons. Each nation would need the all-clear from the IAEA to develop a nuclear industry and uphold obligations under the treaty.

Al-Attiyah said the GCC wanted to involve the IAEA in its programme from the beginning, to make its nuclear bid ''a transparent process, within international standards.''

Al-Attiyah said the GCC's decision to develop nuclear power was not a bid to keep pace with Iran.

''It will never be a reaction'' to Iran, he said. ''The intention is to benefit from nuclear progress as long as it is for peaceful purposes.''

In Dubai last month, US Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs Nicholas Burns said Washington would be a ''willing partner'' in support of civilian nuclear power programs among its six Gulf Arab allies, saying President George W. Bush's administration supports nuclear energy as a means to combat global warming.—AP