The United Arab Emirates has gained expanded access from the United States to advanced artificial intelligence technology after standing shoulder-to-shoulder with President Donald Trump during the conflict with Iran.
The Trump administration announced Friday that it's elevating the UAE to an A:5 export-control designation, putting the Gulf ally in the same category as trusted U.S. partners such as South Korea, India, and many European nations.
The move gives Emirati companies significantly easier access to cutting-edge AI chips from firms such as Nvidia while removing licensing hurdles for American technology giants, including Microsoft and OpenAI, that are investing in data centers in the UAE.
According to The Wall Street Journal, the decision followed the UAE's support for the United States during Operation Epic Fury, including conducting dozens of airstrikes against Iran, intercepting hundreds of missiles, and helping keep oil flowing through the Strait of Hormuz despite Iranian attacks.
The Commerce Department said the designation reflects decades of cooperation between Washington and Abu Dhabi in countering Iran and its proxy groups, including Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis.
Reuters reported the change also allows approved UAE entities and American companies operating there — including Amazon, Apple, Google, Meta, Microsoft, OpenAI, Oracle, and xAI — to receive advanced AI chips and servers without individual export licenses.
The UAE welcomed the decision.
"This decision affirms and advances decades of deep and dependable UAE-U.S. cooperation in technology, security, trade, and investment," UAE Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba said.
He noted the designation opens the door to expanded defense cooperation, joint research, advanced technology development, and greater trade between the longtime allies.
The Trump administration has repeatedly praised the UAE as one of America's most dependable partners in the Middle East.
The Emirates joined the Abraham Accords in 2020, becoming the first Gulf Arab nation to normalize relations with Israel, and has continued expanding defense, intelligence, and economic cooperation with Washington.
The Journal reported that the UAE had spent years lobbying for broader access to American AI technology as it seeks to diversify its economy beyond energy production.
Officials renewed that effort after assisting the United States during the Iran conflict, arguing their strategic partnership merited treatment similar to other close American allies.
The policy change has drawn criticism from some Democrats, who questioned financial ties between UAE national security adviser Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the Trump family's World Liberty Financial cryptocurrency venture.
Administration officials have rejected allegations of any conflict of interest, emphasizing that the decision reflects the UAE's commitment to protecting sensitive American technology and its growing role as a strategic partner.
For the Trump administration, the designation underscores a broader strategy of rewarding allies that advance U.S. security interests while expanding American leadership in artificial intelligence, defense technology, and regional stability.