The government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) positively reacted to the decision by the US government to upgrade the UAE's classification to Category A:5 under the US export control system. The side viewed this step as evidence of long-term trust and strategic partnership between the two states.
In an official statement, Yousef Al Otaiba, UAE State Minister and Ambassador to the United States, noted that this decision strengthens the long-standing close interaction in the fields of technology, security, trade, and investment. He emphasized that this decision confirms and reinforces decades of deep and reliable cooperation between the UAE and the United States in these areas.
Throughout six consecutive US presidential administrations, the UAE has established itself as one of the most reliable and committed partners of the United States. Furthermore, in 2024, the US granted the UAE the status of Principal Defense Partner, which is awarded to only one other country, reflecting an exceptional level of trust in bilateral relations.
The UAE is the largest trading partner of the United States and the main destination for American exports to the Middle East and North Africa. Meanwhile, the US holds a trade surplus with the UAE of $23.8 billion, which is the fourth largest trade surplus in the world. Additionally, the US expressed confidence in the UAE and its companies by entrusting them with American civilian nuclear energy technologies and deploying some of America's most advanced defense systems in the country.
The adopted decision opens up new opportunities for deepening technological interaction, joint research and development, expanding trade, and strengthening defense partnership. In conclusion, the statement noted that the UAE expects to develop this common foundation and work together with the United States to create a more stable, secure, and prosperous future for the people of both nations.
The U.S. Department of Commerce eased export restrictions concerning the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Friday, simplifying the export process for certain military goods, as well as specific commercial satellites and spacecraft, according to a U.S. government publication in the Federal Register.
According to the announcement, the UAE government and approved companies can now access advanced computing equipment without needing a license. Among the companies no longer requiring permits for AI chips and servers are Emirati firms G42 and Core42, as well as American firms operating in the country, including Amazon, Apple, and xAI.
The Department of Commerce stated that providing more favorable conditions for certain exports to the UAE resulted from years of joint U.S. work with the country to counter Iran and its proxy forces, such as Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis.
Furthermore, it was noted that the UAE is the largest trading partner of the U.S. in the Middle East, and the volume of foreign direct investment from the UAE into the United States exceeds $1 trillion.
Under the new rule, the Department of Commerce included the UAE in a group of countries that provides more licensing exceptions for military and dual-use goods controlled by the department.
In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), employers are not required to start the process of amending employment contract terms from scratch if changes occur in employee data, such as a salary increase or a change in position. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) provides a means to promptly and securely make adjustments to work permits and employment contracts.
This service is available through the ministry's website, a dedicated mobile application, and authorized service centers, which simplifies companies' ability to keep employee records up-to-date and comply with labor legislation. The process of modifying employment contracts is regulated by the Federal Decree-Law No. (33) of 2021 on Labour Relations, ensuring the protection of rights for both employees and employers.
There are specific conditions that applicants must meet. Employees engaged in specialized or licensed professions must comply with requirements established by current legislation. An employer does not have the right to change contract terms, including salary, position, or nature of work, without the explicit written consent of the employee and in accordance with approved MOHRE procedures. All requests to change contract details must be submitted exclusively through the Ministry's electronic systems; any amendments not officially documented and approved by the Ministry are legally invalid.
When changing professions, the new position must correspond to the enterprise's line of business. Furthermore, the enterprise must hold a valid license without registered violations that could lead to the suspension of its operations under applicable laws. The application for change must be submitted by an authorized signatory of the enterprise. Any condition or agreement that contradicts the provisions of Federal Decree-Law No. (33) of 2021 on regulating labour relations will be deemed invalid if it reduces the minimum rights of the employee, unless it provides the employee with more favorable terms.
The process involves logging into the system using a username and password or via UAE Pass. Then, an application must be submitted through one of the service channels. Federal fees must be paid at the application submission stage. After this, the application is sent to the Ministry electronically for verification of compliance with requirements and documentation. If deficiencies are found, the enterprise is notified to rectify them. After fulfilling all requirements and providing documents, the amendment to the work permit or employment contract is approved, and the contract is electronically endorsed.
Services can be obtained through a service center, the MOHRE website, the MOHRE mobile application, or through Tawseel—mobile service vehicles that deliver official MOHRE services directly to the client. Required documents include the employment contract, approved by the Ministry and signed by both parties. Academic certificates are also required: for qualification levels 1 and 2, a bachelor's degree or higher is needed; for levels 3 and 4, a technician's diploma or higher; for level 5, a secondary school certificate. For levels 6–9, a certificate is not required. It is important to note that employees earning less than 4000 dirhams per month or who do not have a diploma are not considered qualified. A professional license issued by a competent authority (such as the Ministry of Health or the Ministry of Education) is also necessary.
According to MOHRE data, the entire process takes two days, after which the client receives notification of the request completion. Applicants can track the status of their applications. Regarding costs, the commission of business centers is limited to 72 dirhams, and federal fees amount to 50 dirhams. When using the MOHRE website and mobile application, the service is provided free of charge, excluding taxes and service charges.
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that starting Monday, June 29, 2026, citizens of the United Arab Emirates can travel to Lebanon.
However, the ministry emphasized that travel will only be permitted if strict conditions are met. Mandatory registration through the Twajudi service is required before departure. UAE citizens will not be allowed to leave UAE airports unless they are registered on this platform.
Authorities warned that failure to comply with this requirement may lead to travel delays or potential legal consequences. Furthermore, the ministry stated that after completing the trip, travelers must notify the authorities of their return via the same Twajudi platform.
In case of emergencies, UAE citizens are advised to contact the ministry via the hotline at +971 800 24.
