US approves $1 billion arms sale to UAE; flydubai transfers passengers

2026-10-06 · Economy · United Arab Emirates

The US approved a $1 billion arms sale to the UAE involving precision rocket guidance systems, saying the deal would strengthen a key defence partner and advance US national security interests. Washington also approved a $400 million sale to Kuwait for Patriot missile repair and return services. Separately, the UAE aviation authority completed passenger transfers after flydubai suspended flights to Tel Aviv following an alleged hijack attempt by a co-pilot. UAE leaders, meanwhile, launched a $2.3 billion Jordan rail link with King Abdullah.

Why it matters：The arms packages deepen US defence ties in the Gulf as regional tensions over the Iran war and Houthi attacks persist.

Key points

• The US approved $1 billion in precision rocket guidance systems for the UAE.
• A $400 million Patriot missile services sale to Kuwait was also approved.
• The UAE aviation authority completed passenger transfers after flydubai's Tel Aviv suspension.

Sources (original reporting)

• The National
• CNA
• The Straits Times

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