U.S. spies picked up signals from Russian intelligence officers bragging about persuading the Emiratis to work with them.
The Associated Press quoted a special statement from the UAE government rejecting what it called allegations of an agreement to deepen cooperation between the UAE and another country's security services. "The UAE enjoys deep and distinguished relations with all countries, reflecting its principles of openness, partnership, building bridges and working to serve the common interests of countries and peoples," the statement said. The UAE likely views the handling of Russian intelligence as an opportunity to strengthen growing ties between Abu Dhabi and Moscow.