Reuters learned about Western pressure on the UAE due to trade with Russia

The US , UK and EU are putting pressure on the UAE over its trade ties with Russia amid concerns over the supply of dual-use goods, REUTERS reports , citing sources.

According to them, Western officials held a series of meetings with representatives of the UAE and asked them to share data on exports to Russia and re-export of dual-use goods. They also requested information on the supervision of companies operating in free economic zones.

According to Reuters interlocutors, companies from the Arab country may participate in the supply of computer chips, electronics, equipment and other goods to Russia that can be used in the military sphere. Agency sources admitted that more UAE companies may fall under Western restrictions for circumventing anti-Russian sanctions.

Abu Dhabi did not comment on the fact of such negotiations, but noted that a ban on trade in dual-use products had been introduced and that, according to preliminary data, the export or re-export of such products was not recorded this year.

The British Foreign Office told Reuters that officials from the US, UK and EU visited the UAE last week to make efforts to curb the supply of sanctioned goods to Russia. The department did not provide any other details. The State Department also confirmed that US officials visited the UAE due to concerns over trade in dual-use goods.

On May 1, the United States published a new sanctions list, which included three companies from the UAE. All of them came under restrictions due to “support for the military-industrial base” of Russia.

In particular, one of the companies, Albait Al Khaleeje General Trading LLC, which exports auto parts, according to the United States, supplied sanctioned goods to Russia. In particular, she sent soldering and welding machines to Spring Electronics LLC, which produces integrated electronic circuits and other electronic components, according to Washington.

Russia considers the sanctions imposed against the country, its citizens and companies illegal and demands their lifting. President Vladimir Putin acknowledged that the restrictions will remain for a long time.