US eases AI chip, defense technology export rules for UAE
Washington grants trusted Emirati entities broader access to advanced American technology under expanded strategic cooperation framework
ABU DHABI, UAE (MNTV) — The United States has eased export restrictions on advanced artificial intelligence chips, defense technologies and other sensitive equipment for the United Arab Emirates, marking a significant step in the two countries’ expanding strategic partnership on technology and security.
The US Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has moved the UAE into Country Group A:5, a category reserved for close US partners that qualify for broader export license exceptions for selected controlled technologies.
The designation allows the UAE government and approved organizations to obtain certain advanced computing products without individual export licenses under the framework of the US-UAE artificial intelligence cooperation agreement signed in May 2025.
Among the approved recipients are Abu Dhabi-based artificial intelligence companies G42 and Core42, as well as the UAE operations of major American technology firms including Amazon, Apple, Google, Meta, Microsoft, OpenAI, Oracle and xAI.
The Commerce Department also said it would give favorable consideration to export license applications submitted on behalf of MGX, the UAE-based investment company focused on artificial intelligence and advanced technologies.
In addition to AI hardware, the revised export policy facilitates access to selected military equipment, commercial satellites, spacecraft and dual-use technologies supporting sectors such as oil and gas, desalination, and civilian nuclear energy.
US officials said the decision reflects decades of security cooperation between Washington and Abu Dhabi, the UAE’s designation as a Major Defense Partner in 2024 and the bilateral agreement on artificial intelligence and semiconductor cooperation reached last year.
The Commerce Department also cited the UAE’s support for US regional security objectives, including cooperation during military operations against Iran earlier this year.
The policy change builds on expanding technological cooperation between the two countries. In recent years, the United States and the UAE have announced plans for a large-scale artificial intelligence data center complex in Abu Dhabi, while G42 has expanded investments in US-based cloud computing, AI infrastructure and data centers.
Despite the broader access, US officials emphasized that the policy does not remove all export controls. Approval allowing G42 and Core42 to receive certain advanced computing products without individual licenses will expire after 270 days unless extended, while end-user and end-use restrictions remain in force.
The Bureau of Industry and Security said it continues to maintain export-control officers in the UAE and works closely with Emirati authorities to monitor the movement of sensitive American technologies.
UAE Ambassador to the United States Yousef Al Otaiba welcomed the decision, saying it would strengthen cooperation in research, technology development, trade and defense.
The move, however, has drawn criticism from some US lawmakers. Senator Elizabeth Warren questioned the relaxed export rules, citing concerns that sensitive technologies could ultimately be diverted to China despite G42’s earlier decision to end partnerships with Chinese technology companies, including Huawei, as part of its alignment with US export requirements.
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