UAE presidential diplomatic adviser Anwar Gargash called for a codified and unambiguous security commitment from the United States, Reuters reports.

The UAE and Saudi Arabia are strengthening ties with China and Russia, a member of the OPEC+ oil alliance, while the UAE has also established ties with Israel. Both countries have expressed concern about Washington's commitment to the region and resented restrictions on arms sales by the United States, their chief security guarantor.

Anwar Gargash said the UAE needs security partners who can help build defense capabilities as it also works to reduce regional tensions, focus on economic growth and cooperate on global issues.

“The UAE has no interest in choosing sides between great powers,” Dr Gargash said, in his address at the Abu Dhabi Strategic Debate at Emirates Palace.

“Indeed, it is the central principle … that we will not, under any circumstances, sacrifice our sovereignty.

“Our primary strategic security relationship remains unequivocally with the United States.”