US rewards UAE's military aid in Iran war with expanded access to AI chips – report

The United States has granted the United Arab Emirates expanded access to advanced AI chips and servers, along with license-free exports of certain military items, in recognition of the UAE's support for US national security interests, including Operation Epic Fury. This upgrade, announced by the US Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) on Friday, will allow UAE companies like G42 to purchase chips from manufacturers such as Nvidia without licenses. The move, potentially worth billions, also removes limits on US companies planning data centers in the UAE. In exchange, the UAE has committed to matching investments in US AI digital infrastructure, and G42 reportedly plans to become a US-owned company.

“The status is warranted in the ongoing US-UAE military partnership and the UAE's commitment to preventing the diversion and misuse of sensitive US technology,”

a department statement said. However, the decision has drawn criticism, with some experts expressing concerns about the security of advanced computing power outside the US and potential implications for the AI race against China. Others, including Representative Sydney Kamlager-Dove, raised worries about financial ties between Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan and former President Trump, calling it a potential “illegal pay-to-play scheme,” though the White House has denied conflicts of interest.