UAE Receives A:5 Export Control Designation, Joining America's Most Trusted Technology Partners

July 14, 2026

The United States has elevated the UAE to an A:5 export control designation, formally recognizing it as one of America's most trusted technology partners. The upgraded classification facilitates secure access to advanced technologies — a recognition of the UAE's decades-long record as a safe, responsible custodian of sensitive American systems.

According to the Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security, the move comes "in recognition of the UAE's status as a US Major Defense Partner and its support in advancing US national security interests, including Operation Epic Fury.”

For years, the US has entrusted the UAE to acquire civilian nuclear energy technologies and deploy its most advanced defense systems. The UAE is also America's largest export destination in the Middle East-North Africa region, with the US holding a $23.8 billion trade surplus — its fourth largest globally.

"Across six presidential administrations, the UAE has demonstrated that it is one of America's most steadfast allies," said UAE Ambassador to the US Yousef Al Otaiba. "We look forward to building on this foundation together to create a stable, secure and prosperous future for the people of both nations."

From the Feed

Saeed Al Hajeri, UAE Minister of State
This decision reflects confidence in the strength of the UAE’s export control and compliance framework and reinforces its position as a trusted U.S. partner in strategic technologies. It is a testament to the UAE leadership’s vision and sustained investment in building a world-class national ecosystem.

U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council
Bottom Line: The new A:5 designation is expected to facilitate greater commercial collaboration, accelerate deployment of advanced technologies, strengthen bilateral defense-industrial cooperation, new space and satellite cooperation, and reinforce the U.A.E.'s position as one of the United States' most trusted partners for investment, innovation, and high-technology trade.

Mohammed Soliman, Senior Fellow, Middle East Institute
A big milestone for the U.S.–UAE AI and technology partnership. With A:5 status, Abu Dhabi joins the ranks of the U.K., India, and South Korea: fast-tracking the UAE's entire AI infrastructure buildup to the gigawatt level.

Paul Triolo, Partner & Technology Policy Lead, DGA-Albright Stonebridge Group
Washington is moving away from treating the Middle East as an undifferentiated diversion risk and toward selective technological integration. The UAE gains privileged access, but in exchange accepts a highly managed ecosystem in which corporate structure, security controls and distance from China increasingly determine access to frontier U.S. compute.