US eases export controls on UAE, expands access to military, advanced technology

The US Commerce Department announced on Friday that it will ease export restrictions on the United Arab Emirates, granting the country broader access to US military, commercial space, and advanced technology items in recognition of its role as a major defense partner, Anadolu reports.

The department’s Bureau of Industry and Security said in a statement that it will “significantly upgrade” the UAE’s status under the Export Administration Regulations, citing Abu Dhabi’s support for US national security interests, including cooperation related to Operation Epic Fury against Iran.

As part of the change, the bureau will remove the UAE from Export Administration Regulations Country Groups D:3 and D:4, eliminating certain restrictions, including those affecting support for UAE unmanned aerial vehicle programs.

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The department said it will simultaneously move the UAE into Country Group A:5, a designation that allows Abu Dhabi and approved commercial entities to receive certain US-controlled items through license-free exports, reexports and in-country transfers under the Strategic Trade Authorization license exception.

The expanded access will cover certain department-controlled military items, commercial satellites and spacecraft, as well as dual-use technologies relevant to sectors including oil and gas production, desalination, and civil nuclear power generation.

The department said the new status reflects the “ongoing U.S.-UAE military partnership” and the UAE’s commitment to preventing the diversion and misuse of sensitive American technologies.

The department said the policy shift would support UAE commercial and infrastructure priorities while strengthening the country’s defense capabilities in ways aligned with US interests in the Middle East.

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