The United Arab Emirates has formally announced its decision to withdraw membership from the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and the broader OPEC+ alliance.
The sudden decision marked a significant shift in global oil politics amid heightened tensions in the Middle East.
The decision, which will take effect from May 1, 2026, was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, a copy obtained by Punch.
According to the statement, the move follows what it described as a comprehensive review of its production strategy and future energy outlook.
Announcing the move, the ministry said the exit reflects the country’s evolving energy priorities and long-term economic vision.
The statement read, “The United Arab Emirates today announced its decision to exit the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC and OPEC+), effective 1 May 2026. This decision reflects the UAE’s long-term strategic and economic vision and evolving energy profile, including accelerated investment in domestic energy production, and reinforces its commitment to a responsible, reliable, and forward-looking role in global energy markets.
“This decision follows a comprehensive review of the UAE’s production policy and its current and future capacity and is based on our national interest and our commitment to contributing effectively to meeting the market’s pressing needs.”
The UAE, one of OPEC’s key producers, noted that the decision was anchored on national interest and its desire to respond more flexibly to changing market realities.
“The decision reflects the UAE’s long-term strategic and economic vision and evolving energy profile, including accelerated investment in domestic energy production, and reinforces its commitment to a responsible, reliable, and forward-looking role in global energy markets,” the ministry added.
The announcement comes against the backdrop of escalating geopolitical tensions in the region, particularly the ongoing Iran conflict, which has disrupted oil supply routes and heightened uncertainty in global energy markets.
Of particular concern is the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil transit corridor through which a significant portion of the world’s crude supply passes. Recent threats and attacks linked to the crisis have raised fears of supply disruptions and price volatility.
The UAE acknowledged these short-term disruptions but maintained that long-term demand fundamentals remain strong.
“While near-term volatility, including disruptions in the Arabian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, continues to affect supply dynamics, underlying trends point to sustained growth in global energy demand over the medium to long term,” the statement noted.
The move effectively ends nearly six decades of the UAE’s involvement in OPEC, which it joined in 1967 through Abu Dhabi, years before the formation of the federation in 1971.
Throughout its membership, the UAE has played a central role in shaping production policies and stabilising oil markets alongside key players such as Saudi Arabia.
Despite the exit, the UAE expressed appreciation for the organisation and its allies.
“We reaffirm our appreciation for the efforts of both OPEC and the OPEC+ alliance and wish them success. During our time in the organisation, we made significant contributions and even greater sacrifices for the benefit of all,” the ministry stated.
“However, the time has come to focus our efforts on what our national interest dictates and our commitment to our investors, customers, partners and global energy markets.”
The UAE stressed that its withdrawal does not signal a retreat from global energy cooperation but rather a shift towards greater flexibility in managing its oil output.
It pledged to continue supplying the market in a responsible and measured manner.
“Following its exit, the UAE will continue to act responsibly, bringing additional production to market in a gradual and measured manner, aligned with demand and market conditions,” the statement said.
The country also highlighted its competitive advantage in producing lower-carbon crude, positioning itself as a key supplier in an evolving global energy mix.
“The UAE is a trusted producer of some of the world’s most cost-competitive and lower-carbon barrels, which will play an important role in supporting global growth and emissions reduction,” it added.
The exit could weaken OPEC’s cohesion and complicate efforts to manage global oil supply, especially at a time when geopolitical risks are already straining the system.
The alliance, which includes major non-OPEC producers such as Russia, has been central to stabilising oil prices since its formation in 2016.
