28.04.2026 16:40
The United Arab Emirates announced that it will leave the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and OPEC+ on May 1, after more than 50 years of membership. The statement came as OPEC prepares for its meeting in Vienna on Wednesday.
In the Middle East, which is the lifeblood of global oil markets, geopolitical balances are being rewritten. The United Arab Emirates has decided to leave OPEC and the Russia-led OPEC+ alliance in line with the country's long-term strategic and economic plans. The decision comes at a time when war in the region and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz have constrained energy supply to a "historic" level.
"THE RIGHT TIME FOR THE DECISION"
The United Arab Emirates Energy Minister argued that the restrictions in Hormuz would not have a major impact on the market, stating, "Now is the right time for the decision."
"IT WILL PROVIDE US WITH FLEXIBILITY"
The Minister said the decision was made "within the framework of a long-term strategic and economic vision" and stated, "Being freed from our OPEC responsibilities will provide us with flexibility."
PRODUCTION AND EXPORT QUOTA LIFTED
The Energy Minister noted that the decision was made independently and that no direct consultations were held with other countries, including Saudi Arabia. With its departure from OPEC, the UAE will no longer be bound by production quotas and will be able to produce and export as much oil as it wishes.
HEAVY LOSS FOR OPEC
The UAE was the third largest producer in the organization after Saudi Arabia and Iraq. Abu Dhabi's departure is seen as a heavy blow not only in terms of physical supply control but also in terms of diplomatic unity among Gulf countries and OPEC's global price-setting power.
A VICTORY FOR TRUMP
Gulf producers are already struggling to export due to Iranian threats and attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of the world's crude oil and liquefied natural gas passes. The UAE's decision to leave, as OPEC's third largest oil producer, constitutes a major political victory for US President Donald Trump, who has accused OPEC of robbing the world by raising oil prices. The UAE administration made this decision following harsh criticism of Arab states that, as a key Washington ally, did not adequately protect it against Iranian attacks during the war.