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Lobbying 2016: UAE cements US ties with massive lobbying operation

U.S. President Barack Obama (L, in doorway) walks with UAE Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan as he plays host to leaders and delegations from the Gulf Cooperation Council countries at the White House in Washington May 13, 2015.  REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst - RTX1CV7K

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) continues to top the list of Middle East lobbying spenders as it seeks to consolidate its status as one of America’s closest strategic allies in the region.

The Gulf nation spent $13.5 million last year — on par with 2014 — on an array of influence peddlers and public relations experts, according to a review of financial disclosures. The spending spree has helped the country cement its military partnership with the United States while heading off US-based threats to its world-beating airline industry.

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