UAE Announces Withdrawal from OPEC Effective May 1, Unwilling to Be Constrained by Saudi Oil Production Decisions
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced its withdrawal from OPEC and OPEC+ alliance, effective May 1. This move is seen as a reflection of the UAE's pursuit of greater energy decision-making autonomy and highlights long-standing disagreements with Saudi Arabia over production volumes and regional politics.
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- 📰 Published: April 28, 2026 at 23:28
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Central News Agency
(Central News Agency, Dubai, 28th) The United Arab Emirates today announced its withdrawal from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and the OPEC+ alliance, effective May 1. This move is seen as a reflection of the UAE's pursuit of greater energy decision-making autonomy and highlights long-standing disagreements with Saudi Arabia over production volumes and regional politics.
Reuters reported that the UAE's announcement to withdraw, as a long-standing OPEC member, not only shocked the outside world but could also lead to chaos within OPEC and diminish its influence. OPEC has always strived to demonstrate unity, but internal divisions exist regarding geopolitical issues and production quotas.
UAE Energy Minister Suhail Mohamed al-Mazrouei told Reuters that the UAE made this decision after carefully reviewing its own energy strategy.
OPEC's Persian Gulf oil-producing countries have recently faced difficulties with oil exports due to the near-closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Given the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, al-Mazrouei believes that the UAE's withdrawal from OPEC will not have a significant impact on the market.
Bloomberg News reported that he also mentioned that the UAE believes shortages triggered by the Iran war require flexible responses to market demand, unconstrained by OPEC's collective decision-making mechanism.
The UAE's withdrawal also stems from years of tension between the UAE and OPEC's leader and neighbor, Saudi Arabia, with both sides continuously vying over oil production policies and competitive regional political influence.
The UAE and Saudi Arabia have frequently clashed during OPEC+ meetings, with the UAE seeking new investments to boost oil production capacity, while Saudi Arabia urged the organization to limit supply.
Reuters pointed out that, on the other hand, the UAE's withdrawal from OPEC is a significant victory for former U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump had accused OPEC of "extorting other countries" by raising oil prices.
Trump had previously linked U.S. military support for Persian Gulf countries to oil prices, stating that while the U.S. protected OPEC members, these countries were "exploiting us by raising oil prices."
The UAE had previously criticized other Arab countries for failing to provide sufficient protection during the Iran war to defend against multiple Iranian attacks. The UAE is a regional business hub and one of Washington D.C.'s most important allies. (Compiler: Hong Pei-Ying) 1150428
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(Central News Agency, Dubai, 28th) The United Arab Emirates today announced its withdrawal from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and the OPEC+ alliance, effective May 1. This move is seen as a reflection of the UAE's pursuit of greater energy decision-making autonomy and highlights long-standing disagreements with Saudi Arabia over production volumes and regional politics.
Reuters reported that the UAE's announcement to withdraw, as a long-standing OPEC member, not only shocked the outside world but could also lead to chaos within OPEC and diminish its influence. OPEC has always strived to demonstrate unity, but internal divisions exist regarding geopolitical issues and production quotas.
UAE Energy Minister Suhail Mohamed al-Mazrouei told Reuters that the UAE made this decision after carefully reviewing its own energy strategy.
OPEC's Persian Gulf oil-producing countries have recently faced difficulties with oil exports due to the near-closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Given the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, al-Mazrouei believes that the UAE's withdrawal from OPEC will not have a significant impact on the market.
Bloomberg News reported that he also mentioned that the UAE believes shortages triggered by the Iran war require flexible responses to market demand, unconstrained by OPEC's collective decision-making mechanism.
The UAE's withdrawal also stems from years of tension between the UAE and OPEC's leader and neighbor, Saudi Arabia, with both sides continuously vying over oil production policies and competitive regional political influence.
The UAE and Saudi Arabia have frequently clashed during OPEC+ meetings, with the UAE seeking new investments to boost oil production capacity, while Saudi Arabia urged the organization to limit supply.
Reuters pointed out that, on the other hand, the UAE's withdrawal from OPEC is a significant victory for former U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump had accused OPEC of "extorting other countries" by raising oil prices.
Trump had previously linked U.S. military support for Persian Gulf countries to oil prices, stating that while the U.S. protected OPEC members, these countries were "exploiting us by raising oil prices."
The UAE had previously criticized other Arab countries for failing to provide sufficient protection during the Iran war to defend against multiple Iranian attacks. The UAE is a regional business hub and one of Washington D.C.'s most important allies. (Compiler: Hong Pei-Ying) 1150428
Stand with facts, your every sponsorship is the power to protect press freedom.
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The text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, or publicly transmitted and used without authorization.