The U.A.E. is the only Arab country to participate in six military coalition actions with the U.S. since the First Gulf War.

Washington, D.C. (February 17, 2015)- A new report, released today by the U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council, highlights the deepening bilateral defense relationship between the United States and United Arab Emirates, and the effectiveness of this partnership to promote regional security and stability.  One of the most important bilateral relationships in the world, the U.A.E. and U.S. joint security cooperation is critical to the ongoing battle against violent extremism.

The report, “An Enduring Partnership for Peace and Stability: The U.S.-U.A.E. Defense and Security Relationship,” analyzes the efforts taken to increase strategic military and security cooperation between the two countries. Key highlights from the report include:

·       The U.A.E. is the only Arab country to participate in six coalition actions with the U.S. since the First Gulf War, including the ongoing campaign against the Islamic State (Daesh) in Syria and Iraq.

·       More than 2,000 American military personnel are based in the UAE’s Al Dhafra Air Base. In the recent campaign against the Islamic State, more American strike aircraft have taken off from Al Dhafra than from any other base in the region.

·       The U.A.E. and U.S. militaries have modernized weapons platforms, increased joint training and military exercises, and enhanced counterterrorism capabilities.

“The steps taken by the U.A.E. over the last 20 years underscores the country’s strategic commitment to becoming a strong and capable leader within the region,” said U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council President Danny Sebright.  “The Emirati military’s advanced capabilities are further highlighted by high-level engagement in key combat operations, including the current military action against the Islamic State.”

U.S.-U.A.E. military partnership will become increasingly interoperable, most immediately with the merger of the three major Emirati defense firms into a new single entity, the Emirates Defense Industries Company (EDIC).  U.A.E. defense logistics and maintenance services will be consolidated to allow for efficiency gains for the U.A.E. and its partners.

The report also highlights opportunities for future collaboration, including a recommendation for new focus and joint investment in research and development for solutions to operational challenges faced by both militaries.

The full report can be downloaded here: “An Enduring Partnership for Peace and Stability: The U.S.-U.A.E. Defense and Security Relationship”

The full report in arabic can be downloaded here: “شراكة مستمرة من أجل السلام والاستقرار“