UAE upgraded to Country Group A under U.S. export controls, easing advanced computing trade
On July 14, 2026, the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) published a final rule 'Enhanced Favorable Treatment for the United Arab Emirates under the Export Administration Regulations' (Final Rule) that amends the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) (15 C.F.R. Parts 730-774) to significantly improve the status of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) under the EAR
The analysis — automated & source-checked
- Applies to
- Corporate · UAE
- What to do
- UAE commercial entities seeking to trade in advanced computing items or other controlled technology must apply for Approved Entity status through BIS's Advisory Opinion process (EAR Section 748.3(c)) unless already listed. G42 and Core42 must reapply or become U.S. companies within 270 days to retain approval.
- By when
- due 12 Oct 2026 · 12 Oct 2026
On July 14, 2026, the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) published a final rule enhancing favorable treatment for the UAE under the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). The rule removes the UAE from Country Groups D:3 and D:4 and adds it to Country Group A:5, in recognition of the UAE's status as a U.S. Major Defense Partner.
The Final Rule maintains an export license requirement on advanced computing items destined to the UAE, except for approved entities: UAE government agencies (including the Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces), approved UAE commercial entities who receive case-by-case approval through the Advisory Opinion process, and certain U.S.-headquartered AI entities and their subsidiaries (Amazon, Apple, Google, Meta, Microsoft, OpenAI, Oracle, and X.AI).
G42 and Core42 are pre-approved for 270 days, after which they must become U.S. companies or apply for an Advisory Opinion to remain approved. The rule lifts several other restrictions associated with Country Group D status and creates new license-free pathways for approved entities to receive advanced computing items. Commercial entities seeking Approved Entity status may apply through the Advisory Opinion process; BIS will review requests within 30 days.
Source
Reported by: Mondaq 16 Jul 2026 Read the original ↗ More from Mondaq →
Quick answers
What do I need to do?
UAE commercial entities seeking to trade in advanced computing items or other controlled technology must apply for Approved Entity status through BIS's Advisory Opinion process (EAR Section 748.3(c)) unless already listed. G42 and Core42 must reapply or become U.S. companies within 270 days to retain approval.
What's the deadline?
12 Oct 2026.
Who reported this?
Mondaq (UAE).
When was it announced?
16 Jul 2026.
Where can I read the original?
Read the original at Mondaq: https://www.mondaq.com/terrorism-homeland-security-defence/1818120/bis-upgrades-the-uae-from-country-group-d-to-country-group-a-under-the-ear-allowing-increased-trade-in-advanced-computing-and-defense-items
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