By Desmond Nleya
ABU DHABI, July 12, 2026 -The United States has eased export controls on the UAE, granting the country broader access to certain military equipment, commercial spacecraft and advanced computing technologies, including artificial intelligence chips and servers.
The US Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security announced that the UAE will be moved to Country Group A:5 under the Export Administration Regulations and removed from Country Groups D:3 and D:4. The designation places the UAE among Washington’s most trusted strategic and technology partners and makes it the first Arab country to receive A:5 status.
The reclassification allows the UAE Government and approved commercial entities to receive eligible items without obtaining individual export licences under the Strategic Trade Authorisation exception, subject to compliance with applicable conditions.
According to the Commerce Department, the approved items include certain Commerce-controlled military products, commercial satellites and spacecraft, and dual-use technologies used in sectors such as oil and gas production, desalination and civil nuclear power generation. The removal of the UAE from the restricted country groups also lifts limitations on support for its unmanned aerial vehicle programmes.
The department said the measures would support the UAE’s commercial, infrastructure and defence requirements while strengthening its ability to advance US interests in the Middle East. It added that the decision reflects the two countries’ military partnership and the UAE’s commitment to preventing the diversion or misuse of sensitive American technology.
Washington also approved the UAE Government and selected companies to receive advanced computing products, including AI chips and servers, without individual licences under the US-UAE Artificial Intelligence Cooperation framework signed in May 2025.
Under the framework, the UAE reaffirmed investment commitments that include matching investments in the expansion of AI digital infrastructure in the United States.
Saeed Al Hajeri said the upgrade reflects international confidence in the UAE’s export-control and compliance framework and reinforces the country’s position as a trusted US partner in strategic technologies.
Al Hajeri described the move as a significant milestone in the strategic partnership between the UAE and the United States, noting that the Emirates has become the first Arab nation to join the ranks of America’s most trusted technology and strategic partners.
He said the designation recognises the strength of the UAE’s export-control system and will support deeper cooperation in research and development, investment, resilient supply chains and access to advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, semiconductors, quantum technologies, space systems and civil nuclear technologies.
The UAE Government said the new status is expected to expand opportunities for collaboration with global partners in the development and deployment of advanced and dual-use technologies.
