They are not our ally
Al Qaeda's Gold: Following Trail to Dubai
http://www.globalpolicy.org/nations/corrupt/2002/0218gold.htm
"Dubai's links to suspected terrorist financing and money laundering have long been a point of contention between the United States and the United Arab Emirates. "There is no question the UAE was used by terrorists, the question is why," a U.S. official said. "It is no more lax and unregulated than many places. The answer is, Dubai is so damn convenient."