The United Arab Emirates welcomed the Trump administration's decision to elevate the UAE to an A:5 export control designation, calling the move another significant step in one of America's closest and most enduring strategic partnerships in the Middle East.
In a statement released today, UAE Ambassador to the United States Yousef Al Otaiba said the designation reflects decades of expanding cooperation between Washington and Abu Dhabi in defense, technology, trade, and regional security.
"The United Arab Emirates welcomes the U.S. Government's decision to elevate the UAE to an A:5 export control designation," Al Otaiba said.
"This decision affirms and advances decades of deep and dependable UAE-U.S. cooperation in technology, security, trade, and investment."
Al Otaiba noted that "across six presidential administrations, the UAE has demonstrated that it is one of the most steadfast U.S. allies," adding that the United States recognized the relationship in 2024 by designating the UAE a major defense partner — a status shared by only one other country.
The ambassador said the latest decision "opens new doors for joint research and development, deeper technology cooperation, expanded trade, and an enhanced defense partnership," adding that both nations look forward to "building on this foundation together to create a stable, secure, and prosperous future for the people of both nations."
The announcement comes as the United States and the UAE continue expanding cooperation in artificial intelligence, advanced technologies, defense, energy, cybersecurity, and investment.
The UAE has long been among Washington's closest allies in the Arab world.
American forces operate alongside Emirati counterparts throughout the Gulf, while the two countries cooperate extensively on counterterrorism, maritime security, intelligence sharing, and regional stability.
The Emirates has also become one of America's largest economic partners in the Middle East.
The UAE is America's largest trading partner and export destination in the Middle East and North Africa, while the United States enjoys a $23.8 billion trade surplus with the UAE — its fourth-largest trade surplus with any nation worldwide.
Defense cooperation has likewise deepened over the past two decades.
The United States has entrusted the UAE with some of its most advanced military capabilities, including approval to acquire the F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter, placing the Emirates among a select group of trusted American security partners.
The UAE has also been authorized to obtain U.S. civilian nuclear technology and other advanced defense systems.
President Donald Trump has repeatedly praised the UAE as one of America's most dependable regional partners.
During his first administration, Trump called the Abraham Accords "one of the greatest diplomatic breakthroughs in decades," crediting the UAE for demonstrating that peace and cooperation could replace decades of hostility.
The UAE became the first Arab Gulf country to normalize relations with Israel under the Abraham Accords in 2020, launching a historic realignment in the Middle East.
The agreement opened diplomatic, commercial, tourism, technology, and security ties between the two countries and paved the way for additional normalization agreements across the region.
Emirati leaders have since promoted greater regional integration while supporting efforts aimed at reducing tensions and expanding economic cooperation.
Members of Congress have also praised the relationship.
The latest export-control designation is expected to further accelerate collaboration between American and Emirati companies in emerging technologies, advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and defense research.
For both governments, officials say, the decision represents far more than a regulatory change.
It reflects a strategic alliance that has grown steadily across six U.S. administrations and continues to serve as a cornerstone of American engagement in the Middle East.