Strategic Partnership Between the UAE and the USA: Commitment to Peace and Security
The UAE and the USA engage in a deep-rooted partnership focused on fostering regional stability and combating extremism through mutual cooperation.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) maintains strong relations with the United States of America, founded on strategic cooperation and a joint commitment to enhance peace and security in the Gulf region and globally.
This partnership is characterized by ongoing support from the leadership of both nations.
Bilateral diplomatic relations were established in 1971, with the UAE opening its embassy in Washington D.C. in 1974, coinciding with the opening of the U.S. embassy in Abu Dhabi.
The relationship is marked by a geopolitical alignment that emphasizes stability and sees the USA as a principal global power with significant influence in Middle Eastern affairs.
The UAE regards the USA as a vital partner in various fields, particularly due to its advanced expertise in technology, nuclear energy, and space, which align with the UAE's aspirations to develop an advanced knowledge economy.
The partnership has evolved significantly over the years, characterized by substantial growth in trade and economic cooperation, invigorating cultural partnerships.
The UAE is recognized as the largest trading partner of the USA in the Middle East, with bilateral trade exceeding $31 billion in 2023. This exchange encompasses diverse sectors such as defense, aviation, and renewable energy, alongside growing investments in artificial intelligence and space exploration.
Significant political coordination is evident in both regions' efforts to combat terrorism and extremism, with both nations working collaboratively to foster regional stability through diplomatic channels.
Continuous high-level official visits enhance diplomatic ties, with a transformative visit by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to the USA last September marking a significant moment in their bilateral relations.
This recent engagement has accelerated strategic partnerships, with mutual focus on sustainable development and increased cooperation in vital areas such as technology, science, renewable energy, food security, and climate change.
The UAE and USA have established robust frameworks for long-term economic collaboration, with non-oil trade between the two countries estimated at around $40 billion.
Recent data reflects a 9.47% increase in the trade of goods, reaching approximately $34.43 billion in 2024 from $31.45 billion in the previous year.
These partnerships highlight the UAE's strategic role at both regional and international levels, with a commitment to progressive dialogue evident in the launch of strategic dialogues.
The ongoing emphasis on advanced technology and investments reflects a shared vision for mutual prosperity.
Cultural and educational exchanges are witnessing continuous growth, as American universities attract an increasing number of Emirati students.
Simultaneously, several American educational institutions operate in the UAE, fostering greater understanding and collaboration in scientific research, particularly in technology and renewable energy.
The UAE's Mars Mission, initiated with the Hope Probe in 2021, exemplifies this collaborative scientific approach, leading to continued partnerships in space exploration, with the upcoming mission to the asteroid belt in collaboration with a U.S. university.
The comprehensive strategic partnership between the UAE and the USA is a culmination of deliberate efforts towards enhancing mutual interests, stability, and prosperity in both nations.