Key facts
- Commerce Department staff warned of security risks in reports last fall regarding technology exports to the UAE.
Commerce Department staff warned of significant security risks, including reliance on Chinese tech and unsecured systems, associated with granting the UAE access to controlled technology. Despite these warnings, the White House proceeded with the approvals.
The decision to grant technology access to the UAE despite internal warnings highlights potential national security vulnerabilities and raises questions about the balance between foreign policy objectives and technological security.
Commerce Department staff issued warnings last fall regarding significant security risks associated with granting the UAE access to controlled technology, including concerns about G42's reliance on unsecured systems and equipment from the U.S.-sanctioned Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei. Despite these recommendations to delay, the White House proceeded with approving tech export licenses for G42 and its subsidiaries, such as Core42. Staff also flagged that G42 works with other Emirati companies employing executives with past ties to sanctioned Chinese technology firms. The Trump administration had framed the UAE's new designation partly as a reward for close ties and coordination on Iran, and it helps implement an AI agreement signed in May 2025. G42 has stated that it has implemented substantial measures to strengthen its governance, compliance, and security controls in response to the concerns raised.