A veteran CIA operative who was sent to investigate the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) leading artificial intelligence (AI) company over concerns about its ties to China later helped Abu Dhabi meet U.S. security requirements needed to gain access to advanced American AI technology, The Wall Street Journal reported.
Jonny Gannon, who had spent more than two decades with the CIA, was sent to Abu Dhabi in 2023 to assess G42, a UAE-based AI and cloud computing company seeking access to sensitive American technology.
U.S. officials were reportedly concerned that G42’s previous relationships with Chinese companies, including the use of Chinese telecommunications equipment and cooperation with technology firms linked to surveillance, could create risks of American technology reaching Beijing.
Working under diplomatic cover at the U.S. Embassy, Gannon examined G42’s leadership, partnerships and security practices, including CEO Peng Xiao’s past connections to Chinese technology and surveillance companies.
According to the report, Gannon communicated U.S. concerns to both G42 and Emirati officials, pushing the company to reduce its Chinese technology connections. G42 later removed about $150 million worth of Huawei equipment, cut some technical cooperation with Chinese firms and agreed to outside audits to verify compliance.
According to the WSJ, the intelligence operation helped ease U.S. concerns over G42. The company later secured partnerships with major American technology firms, while the UAE gained broader access to advanced AI chips, including high-performance processors from Nvidia.
Under a Trump administration rule announced Friday, the UAE was also placed in the same export category as European nations, South Korea and India, giving it broader access to technology, military equipment and energy infrastructure with potential military uses.
Previously, the UAE was subject to stricter export controls alongside countries such as China and Yemen.
“Consistent with the U.S.-UAE Artificial Intelligence Cooperation framework signed in May 2025, Commerce is approving the UAE Government and certain companies to receive advanced computing items in the UAE license-free, including AI chips and servers,” the U.S. The Department of Commerce said. “The UAE has reaffirmed its commitment to the investment commitments in the framework, including the commitment to make matching investments in U.S. AI digital infrastructure buildout.”
The decision came as the UAE strengthened its military partnership with the U.S.including support during the conflict with Iran. The UAE conducted airstrikes, intercepted missiles and helped maintain energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz during the fighting.
