The UAE announced on April 28 that it is withdrawing from both OPEC and OPEC+, a major setback for the oil producers’ alliance and its leading member, Saudi Arabia, according to Reuters. The decision comes amid the ongoing Iran war, which has triggered an energy shock and rattled global markets.
As a long-standing member of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), the UAE reported that the step was taken after reassessing its energy policies. Energy Minister Suhail Mohamed al-Mazrouei told Reuters that the decision was taken after a careful review of the regional power’s energy strategies.
The choice was made independently, without consultation with other countries, including Saudi Arabia.
“This is a policy decision, it has been made after a careful look at current and future policies related to the level of production,” said al‑Mazrouei.
Gulf producers are already facing difficulties exporting through the Strait of Hormuz, where Iranian threats and attacks have disrupted shipments of crude and liquefied natural gas (LNG).
The announcement followed sharp criticism from UAE officials over what they described as weak regional responses to Iranian attacks during the war. Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the UAE president, told the Gulf Influencers Forum on April 27, “The Gulf Cooperation Council countries supported each other logistically, but politically and militarily, I think their position has been the weakest historically.”
“I expect this weak stance from the Arab League, and I am not surprised by it, but I haven’t expected it from the (Gulf) Cooperation Council, and I am surprised by it,” he said.
Notably, the last increase the OPEC+ alliance has agreed on to face market instability because of the Iran war was on April 5 by 206,000 barrels per day (bbl/d) starting in May 2026.
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, according to Emirates News Agency (WAM).
The UAE joined OPEC in 1967 through the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and continued its membership following the formation of the UAE in 1971.
