However, these will require monitoring and better control of existing networks, which will need the electric power system infrastructure equipped with Information and Communication Technology (ICT). Thus, the development of an SG may require substantial amount of time in order to incorporate consecutive layers of services into the current electrical networks. Comparison of a conventional grid with the SG is tabulated in Table 1. \begin{table}
\begin{tabular}{c c} \hline
**Conventional Grid** & **Smart Grid (SG)** \\ \hline One-directional communication & Bi-directional communication \\ \hline Electromechanical & Digital \\ \hline Large capacity central generation & Distributed generation with various capacities \\ \hline Limited number of sensors & Sensors dominant system \\ \hline Less scope for self-monitoring & Complete scope for self-monitoring \\ \hline Less scope for automatic restoration & Complete scope for Automatic restoration or Self-healing \\ \hline Less adaptable in case of failures and blackouts & Adaptive and allows islanding \\ \hline Restricted control & Ubiquitous control \\ \hline Limited choices for consumers & Wide variety of choices for consumers \\ \hline \end{tabular}
\end{table} 
Table 1: Conventional and SG comparison [8; 9; 10; 11; 12; 13]. The SG may be regarded as a modern electric network infrastructure, which consists of automated control, distributed resources, storage systems, large number of power converters, reliable data communication system, sensors and advanced meter technologies, cyber security devices, end user devices, and sophisticated energy management system based on energy availability and demand optimization [14; 15; 16]. The global perspective on the concept of Smart Grid technology is quite similar. However, the major focus may differ depending upon the individual needs of the country. For instance, in the USA, the focus is mainly on users and service integration, whereas in China, they focus mostly on the transmission of electric power [2]. The SG vision is about having a system that will reduce peak demand, reduce power losses, having efficient and smart devices in order to reduce the energy utilization, identify and prevent power outages by segregating disturbances that causes blackouts in the network, and these can be achieved with the help of already existing technologies [2]. The purpose of this paper is to present a synopsis of the SG with its functionalities, capabilities and characteristics. It also elucidates on the foundation of the modern electric power system such as SG that utilizes smart technologies. Furthermore, the paper also sheds light on the development of SG in Oman, discusses the opportunities and necessity for a Smart Grid, and analyzes the hurdles that might be associated with transforming the conventional grid of Oman into a smarter one. The rest of the paper is organized as follows: Section 2 discusses on the definition and motivation behind the concept of SG. Section 3 discusses the features and advantages associated with the SG. Section 4 explains the fundamental technological components which lay out the foundation for SG. Section 5 illustrates many different concepts which have intricate correlation with the SG. Section 6 demonstrates different SG policies and roadmaps undertaken by different countries. Section 7 states the present scenario and ongoing development works done in the Sultanate of Oman. Section 8 lays out the conclusion of the whole study and References Section holds the references used throughout the whole paper.