Istanbul / Anadolu

The UAE said that the US decision to upgrade its classification to the 'A:5' group under US export controls represents 'international recognition of the robustness of its export control system' and makes it the first Arab country to join this category.

This came in a statement by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday evening, commenting on the US Department of Commerce's announcement to upgrade the UAE's classification to group 'A:5' and remove it from groups 'D:3' and 'D:4' under the Export Administration Regulations.

Under the US Export Administration Regulations (EAR), overseen by the Department of Commerce, countries of the world are divided into groups to determine the level of restrictions on the export of sensitive dual-use goods and technologies.

Group 'D:3' includes lists of countries under strict controls due to security concerns related to the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their delivery systems.

The UAE Foreign Ministry said in its statement that the new classification makes the UAE 'the first Arab country to obtain this classification,' joining 'the elite of the closest and most reliable US partners in the field of advanced technology.'

The statement quoted UAE Minister of State Saeed Al Hajri as saying that the US decision represents 'international recognition of the robustness of the UAE's export control and compliance system, and enhances its position as a reliable partner in developing and adopting strategic technologies, including artificial intelligence, advanced computing, semiconductors, quantum technologies, space, peaceful nuclear energy, and advanced dual-use technologies.'

He explained that this classification 'opens broader horizons for cooperation in research and development, investment, global supply chains, and the transfer of advanced technology with international partners.'

On Friday, the US Department of Commerce said that the upgrade of the UAE's classification comes 'in recognition of its status as a key defense partner of the United States' and its role in supporting US security interests, including its participation in Operation 'Epic Fury' launched by Washington against Iran on February 28, 2026.

It added that the decision lifts restrictions that were imposed on providing support for UAE drone programs.

The decision also allows the UAE government and authorized commercial companies to obtain exports, re-exports, and in-country transfers without the need for prior licenses for certain US-controlled products and technologies, including military equipment, some satellites and commercial spacecraft, as well as dual-use technologies related to the oil and gas, water desalination, and peaceful nuclear energy sectors, according to the US statement.

The US department stated that these facilitations will support commercial and infrastructure needs in the UAE, and will also enhance the capabilities of the UAE defense establishment, thereby supporting US interests in the Middle East.

It confirmed that granting the UAE this special classification status is based on the ongoing military partnership between the two countries and Abu Dhabi's commitment to preventing the diversion or misuse of sensitive US technology.

It noted that the step comes within the framework of the UAE-US Cooperation Agreement on Artificial Intelligence, signed in May 2025, affirming that the UAE renewed its commitment to the investments stipulated in the agreement, including similar investments in AI digital infrastructure projects inside the United States.