Key facts
- The U.S. Department of Commerce has eased export controls on the United Arab Emirates.
- Exports of military items, certain commercial satellites, and spacecraft to the UAE are now easier.
- The UAE will receive license-free access to advanced computing items, including AI chips and servers.
- Companies such as G42, Core42, Amazon, Apple, and xAI are beneficiaries of the new regulation.
- The Commerce Department highlighted cooperation with the UAE against Iran and its proxies as a reason for the change.
The U.S. Department of Commerce has eased export controls on the United Arab Emirates, making it simpler to export military items, commercial satellites, and spacecraft. This regulatory shift, announced via the Federal Register, also grants the UAE government and approved companies license-free access to advanced computing items, including AI chips and servers. Companies such as G42, Core42, Amazon, Apple, and xAI are among those that will benefit from this change.
The Commerce Department cited long-standing cooperation with the UAE in countering Iran and its proxies, as well as the UAE's role in U.S. interests during Operation Epic Fury, as reasons for the more favorable treatment. The department also noted the UAE's significant economic ties with the U.S., including over $1 trillion in foreign direct investment.
Under the new regulation, the UAE is placed in a country grouping that allows for more license exceptions for military and dual-use items controlled by the department. Notably, the UAE is the only country in this group that is not a member of multilateral export control regimes, distinguishing it from other allies within the grouping.