U.S. Eases Export Restrictions on Military Equipment, AI Chips and Commercial Satellites to UAE

Reuters

U.S. President Donald Trump and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Washington on Friday said it would “significantly upgrade” the UAE’s export status in recognition of its defence support, including during the war with Iran.

The Department of Commerce said it would give the UAE “enhanced favourable treatment”, making it easier to export and transfer US military equipment, satellites, spacecraft, artificial intelligence and energy technology.

The measure also removes restrictions on the UAE’s drone programmes.

It comes “in recognition of the UAE’s status as a U.S. Major Defence Partner and its support in advancing U.S. national security interests, including Operation Epic Fury,” the Commerce Department said.

“This special status ... is warranted in light of the ongoing U.S.-UAE military partnership and the UAE’s commitment to preventing the diversion and misuse of sensitive U.S. technology.”

A document filed in the US Federal Register specifies the significance of the change in the UAE's status.

“The UAE government and approved commercial entities will also have licence-free access to advanced computing items, consistent with the May 2025 U.S.-UAE Artificial Intelligence Co-operation framework,” the filing read in part. It also highlighted the historic ties between the two countries.

“The UAE is also a major source of foreign direct investment in the US, valued at over $1 trillion, and benefiting US economic sectors such as artificial intelligence, aviation, metals and energy.”

The filing adds that more licence exceptions will now be available.

Under the new regulation, the Commerce Department ⁠moved the UAE into a country grouping that allows more license exceptions for military and dual-use items controlled by the department.

The UAE will be the only country ⁠in the group that is not a member of multilateral export control regimes. Other countries in the grouping include NATO countries and other allies.

Other ⁠countries in the region such as Israel and Saudi Arabia are not members of that group.

Source: The National, Reuters



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