WASHINGTON -- The United Arab Emirates spent more than $12 million on lobbying and public relations here in 2014. That cash secured representation from several of Washington's best-known power player firms. Through them, the UAE expanded its network of trusted contacts and sympathizers throughout the machinery of the U.S. government. And in the process, it shattered its previous record of spending in D.C., according to an extensive analysis by the Middle East-focused news outlet Al-Monitor. "The UAE spending spree has soared to new heights over the past few years as the Gulf power has gotten bolder," the outlet reported on Aug.