In advance of the International Defense Exhibition & Conference (IDEX) 2025, the U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council is pleased to present the latest edition of its biennial report on the U.S.-U.A.E. Defense and Security Relationship.

The historic return of the Trump Presidency has heralded a new era of cooperation between the United States and the U.A.E. This report examines new areas of collaboration between the two countries in the defense and security space, and the opportunities they provide for U.S. defense companies. This study also analyzes the dramatic changes in regional dynamics, the U.A.E.’s growing global partnerships, and the evolution of its defense sector, all of which impact the nature and progress of defense sales and partnerships. It also serves as a reference guide for U.S. defense companies seeking to understand the U.A.E. defense sector, the U.S.-U.A.E. defense and security relationship, and opportunities to do business and partner with the U.A.E. 

Highlights of this report include:

1. Insights into key recent developments impacting the defense and security relationship, including the new U.S. administration, the historic visit of H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed to Washington D.C., the U.A.E.’s designation as a Major Defense Partner of the United States, the war in Gaza and other regional developments, and new bilateral investments and partnerships in AI and advanced technology.
2. Analysis of the growth and evolution of the U.A.E.’s indigenous defense sector, changes in the U.A.E. defense infrastructure, and new mandates in the U.A.E. defense policy that affect U.S. companies engaged in the U.A.E. defense sector.
3. An in-depth overview of the history and evolution of the U.S.-U.A.E. bilateral defense and security relationship highlighted by the U.A.E.’s hosting of U.S. military personnel, joint training and exercises, U.A.E. purchases of U.S. weapons, the U.A.E.’s expanding global partnerships, joint confrontation of regional challenges, and counter-terrorism cooperation.

This report provides background and context for IDEX 2025, which will take place in Abu Dhabi from 17 – 21 February.
 
To read the full U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council report on the U.S.-U.A.E. Defense & Security Relationship, please click here.
 
For more information about the U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council’s activities in the aerospace and defense sectors, please contact Ms. Amira Siddiqi at asiddiqi@usuaebusiness.org.