The United Arab Emirates UAE has unveiled the country’s decisions to exit the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC and OPEC+), effective 1 May 2026, reflecting its long-term strategic and economic vision and evolving energy profile, as the reasons for the exit.
The Gulf oil-producing state also reflects the 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.
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 UAE said.
The country noted that a stable global energy system depends on a flexible, reliable, and affordable supply, and the UAE has invested to meet evolving demand efficiently and responsibly, prioritising stability, affordability, and sustainability.
It reaffirmed that the country’s decision does not alter its commitment to global market stability or its approach based on cooperation with producers and consumers. Rather, it enhances the UAE’s ability to respond to evolving market needs.
“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. 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. This is what we will focus on going forward, ” It said.
This decision follows decades of constructive cooperation. The UAE joined OPEC in 1967 through the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and continued its membership following the formation of the United Arab Emirates in 1971. Throughout this period, the UAE has played an active role in supporting global oil market stability and strengthening dialogue among producing nations.
