The Associated Press, based on a leaked U.S. document, reported that U.S. spies picked up signals from Russian intelligence officers bragging about persuading the Emiratis to work with them against U.S. and British intelligence agencies.
The agency added that U.S. officials declined to comment on the document, which bore top-secret labels.
She also noted that the UAE likely views the handling of Russian intelligence as an opportunity to strengthen growing ties between Abu Dhabi and Moscow and diversify intelligence partnerships amid fears of U.S. disengagement from the region.
In response to the document, 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 against other countries.
"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 to achieve international peace and security," the statement added.