The U.S. Department of Commerce announced on Friday that it is expanding access for the United Arab Emirates to American military, satellite, and advanced products, including chips and artificial intelligence servers.
The Bureau of Industry and Security, part of the Department of Commerce, stated that the United States has upgraded the classification of the UAE in export regulations, recognizing its status as a “key defense partner” of the U.S. and its role in supporting American security interests. This decision lifts restrictions on support for Emirati unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) programs and allows the UAE government and approved commercial organizations to receive exports, re-exports, and domestic transfers of a wide range of American products without the need for licenses under the “Strategic Trade Authorization” exception.
Wide range of technologies and cooperation
This includes military equipment controlled by the Department of Commerce, some satellites and spacecraft, as well as dual-use products and technologies used in the oil and gas sector, water desalination, civil nuclear energy, and other industries.
The Department of Commerce confirmed that this step will support the UAE’s needs in infrastructure and commercial sectors, as well as enhance the capabilities of the Emirati defense department, which will serve American interests in the Middle East. The decision is based on the ongoing military partnership between the two countries and the UAE’s commitment to prevent the diversion or misuse of sensitive American technologies.
Agreement on cooperation in the field of AI
Additionally, the Department announced the approval of the import of advanced computing equipment, including artificial intelligence chips and servers, for the UAE government and several approved companies without the need for export licenses, under the Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Agreement signed between the two countries in May 2025.
The UAE confirmed its commitment to implementing the investments outlined in the agreement, including parallel investments in AI infrastructure projects within the United States.
