Biden declares UAE as 'Major Defence Partner' in strengthening regional security

US President, Joe Biden, has officially declared the United Arab Emirates (UAE) a “Major Defence Partner”, further solidifying the long-standing strategic relationship between the two nations. The announcement underscores the UAE’s pivotal role in ensuring regional stability and the continued US commitment to its Gulf allies.

This declaration elevates the UAE’s status, allowing it to access advanced US defence technology and deepen military cooperation. It comes at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, where both countries have worked together to counter threats posed by terrorism, regional conflicts and growing challenges from Iran.

“The UAE has been a crucial ally in advancing peace and security in the Gulf region,” Biden said in a statement. “This partnership will further enhance our defence collaboration and ensure our mutual security interests are protected.”

The US and UAE have a history of military cooperation, including joint operations and the sharing of intelligence in the fight against extremist groups such as Daesh. The UAE has also played a key role in supporting the Abraham Accords, contributing to the normalisation of relations with Israel and fostering a broader peace initiative in the region.

While this designation stops short of a formal NATO-like alliance, it is seen as a significant gesture by the Biden administration, reinforcing the UAE’s strategic importance to US foreign policy. The move also aligns with broader US efforts to encourage Gulf nations to take on more responsibility for their own defence, reducing the direct military footprint of the US in the region.

The UAE’s new status as a Major Defines Partner comes with expectations for continued cooperation on a range of global security issues, from maritime security to countering the influence of adversarial powers in the Middle East. This decision follows similar designations made for other key US allies, such as India, highlighting a trend towards reinforcing strategic defence relationships outside of traditional military alliances.

The designation is expected to facilitate greater collaboration on defence systems, training and potentially pave the way for more defence-related trade agreements between the two nations.

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