The United Arab Emirates said it will leave OPEC and the wider OPEC+ alliance from May 1, 2026, citing a strategic shift in energy policy and long-term economic priorities, according to state news agency WAM.
The decision follows what officials described as an extensive review of the country’s production policy and future capacity, with Abu Dhabi seeking greater flexibility to respond to market demand amid ongoing geopolitical volatility, including disruptions in the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz that continue to affect supply dynamics.
Authorities said the move aligns with the UAE’s plan to accelerate investment in domestic energy production and expand its role as a “reliable and responsible” supplier in global markets. The country expects demand for energy to continue rising over the medium and long term, reinforcing the need for adaptable output strategies.
The UAE said global energy stability depends on flexible, affordable, and secure supply, adding that it has invested to ensure efficient responses to demand shifts while balancing cost, sustainability, and supply security.
The country joined OPEC in 1967 through Abu Dhabi and retained its membership after the formation of the UAE in 1971. Over more than five decades, it said it contributed to stabilizing oil markets and supporting coordination among producers.
Officials stressed that the exit does not signal a retreat from cooperation, but rather a shift toward independent production decisions.
The UAE plans to increase output gradually in line with market conditions, leveraging what it described as a competitive, low-carbon resource base.
The government said it will continue investing across the energy value chain, including oil, gas, renewables, and low-carbon technologies, while maintaining engagement with producers and consumers to support global market stability.
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