US-UAE Tech Partnership
US Loosens Export Controls for UAE, Boosting Access to Military, Space, and AI Technologies
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Key Points
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Spacecraft and related satellite technologies are explicitly covered under the license-free export expansion via Strategic Trade Authorization, widening eligible items beyond traditional military hardware and dual-use tech.
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The Federal Register notice formalizes enhanced favorable treatment, granting license-free access to advanced computing items for the UAE government and approved entities under STA.
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The upgrade to license-free eligibility is linked to the UAE joining a preferred export-control group, expanding access to military items, certain commercial satellites, and spacecraft.
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Officials describe the moves as part of a broader effort to deepen US-UAE defense and technology partnerships and to advance bilateral trade and regional strategic alignment.
The US Commerce Department has eased export controls on the United Arab Emirates, opening the door to license-free sales of AI chips, military hardware, and commercial satellites. Bloomberg Law and CNBC report the move removes the UAE from two restricted export groups and adds it to a preferred trade category under Strategic Trade Authorization, or STA — a framework that lets approved buyers skip the normal licensing process.
The shift also clears the way for advanced Nvidia GPU shipments to UAE-linked firms. CNBC reports the US already authorized over $1 billion in Nvidia chip exports to UAE AI firm G42. Critics, including Senator Elizabeth Warren, have called parts of the deal "corrupt," pointing to a UAE-linked entity that invested $500 million in President Trump's crypto venture.
UAE Jumps to Preferred Export-Control Status
The Commerce Department formally removed the UAE from export Country Groups D:3 and D:4, according to Quiver Quant. Those groups flag countries that face tighter scrutiny on military and dual-use goods — items with both civilian and weapons uses. Moving out of those groups is a significant upgrade in trust status.
In their place, the UAE now qualifies under Strategic Trade Authorization. STA lets the UAE government and approved companies buy sensitive US technology without applying for individual export licenses. Investing.com notes the eligible items include military gear, certain commercial satellites, spacecraft, and advanced computing products like AI chips and servers.
AI Chips and Defense Tech Now Flow Freely to Abu Dhabi
The deal covers some of the most advanced technology the US exports. Financial Post reports the UAE can now buy semiconductors used for artificial intelligence — the same chips powering data centers and military systems worldwide. The agreement pairs with a UAE pledge to invest in US AI digital infrastructure, though exact dollar figures have not been disclosed.
A bilateral AI agreement sits at the center of the chip access expansion. Under it, the UAE government and select vetted companies get license-free access to advanced computing products. Quiver Quant notes that UAV, or drone, restrictions on the UAE have also been lifted as part of the broader defense partnership upgrade.
Warren Raises Alarm Over Trump Crypto Ties
Not everyone is celebrating the deal. CNBC reports that Senator Elizabeth Warren has blasted what she calls a "corrupt" provision in the agreement. Her concern centers on MGX, a UAE-backed investment firm that put $500 million into World Liberty Financial — a crypto venture linked to President Trump. Warren argues that financial entanglement clouds the policy decision.
The $1 billion-plus in Nvidia GPU shipments already authorized to UAE AI firms adds to the scrutiny. Critics say the scale and speed of the technology transfer raises questions about oversight. The Commerce Department has not publicly responded to Warren's specific corruption charge.
Move Fits Broader US Push for Gulf Tech Alliances
Officials frame the export loosening as part of a long-term strategy. Bloomberg Law reports the goal is to deepen US-UAE defense and technology partnerships and advance regional strategic interests. The Gulf region has become a key battleground for US and Chinese influence in AI and military technology.
The Federal Register notice formally locks in the new rules, giving them legal weight beyond a policy announcement. Investing.com says the changes reflect the current administration's emphasis on tying trade access to security partnerships — using technology exports as a tool of alliance-building rather than just commerce.
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