US widens export of military, space, and AI technologies to UAE

The US Commerce Department has expanded the UAE's access to advanced US military, satellite, and artificial intelligence products, removing key licensing requirements.

• The US Commerce Department announced it raised the UAE's classification under export administration rules, designating it a "major defense partner" and eliminating restrictions on support for UAE drone programs.
• The decision allows the UAE government and approved commercial entities to receive a broad range of US products, including military equipment, satellites, and dual-use technologies, without individual export licenses under the Strategic Trade Authorization.
• Separately, under a May 2025 AI cooperation agreement, the department approved the UAE's import of advanced computing hardware, including AI chips and servers, without export licenses.
• The UAE reaffirmed its commitment to parallel investments in AI infrastructure projects inside the United States.