By Al-Fassel | 2024-10-23

The United States and several Arab countries have been expanding diplomatic, economic, military and cultural exchanges in recent months.

These developments signal closer cooperation between Washington and partners in the Gulf and broader Middle East, driven by shared interests in security, trade and technology.

Qatar: Deepening ties

Qatar's inclusion in the US Visa Waiver Program effective September 26 represents a diplomatic milestone.

Qataris will become the first Arab nationals able to travel to the United States visa-free for up to 90 days.

Washington designated Qatar as a "major non-NATO ally" in 2022.

Qatari-US trade has flourished, with Qatar importing over $4.6 billion worth of US-made goods last year.

In addition, Qatari investments in the United States have exceeded $45 billion, most notably through the Golden Pass Liquefied Natural Gas Project in Texas.

Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) recently signed similar deals.

Six US university branch campuses operate in Qatar's Education City. Exchanges and programs like Fulbright scholarships and the Middle East Partnership Initiative also boost Qatari-US ties.

UAE pivots away from China

Meanwhile, the UAE recently joined the US Global Entry program.

This arrangement, formalized during UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan's visit to Washington in September, took effect October 1.

US President Joe Biden and Sheikh Mohamed's summit highlighted their countries' commitment to addressing regional conflicts and expanding economic and technological collaboration, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI).

The two sides agreed to advance "safe, secure and trustworthy" AI, with the UAE's pivot on AI representing a move away from China.

UAE-US trade reached $31.4 billion in 2023, according to the UAE embassy in Washington DC, while Biden recognized the Emirates as a major defense partner on September 23.

Only India shares that designation.

Trade with Egypt, Oman

The United States and Egypt maintain a long-standing partnership, particularly in military and health matters.

In early October, Washington delivered advanced mobile medical units to the Egyptian government, part of a $10 million aid initiative.

The US State Department on September 12 also announced the unconditional release of military aid to Egypt.

A few days later in Cairo, Secretary of State Antony Blinken hailed the partnership with Egypt, which has worked with Qatar and the United States to broker a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.

Meanwhile, the second session of the US-Egypt Joint Economic Commission on September 4-5 highlighted economic cooperation, investments and trade.

Oman also seeks to boost trade and investment with the United States.

In September, Oman's commerce minister led a trade delegation to Washington.

The delegation engaged with a wide range of US entities and focused on promoting strategic partnerships and exploring new trade and investment opportunities.