UAE to withdraw from OPEC and OPEC+ effective May 1

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) officially announced on Tuesday that it will withdraw from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and the wider OPEC+ alliance, with the decision set to take effect on May 1, 2026.

In a statement carried by the state news agency WAM, the UAE described the move as a strategic evolution aimed at aligning with its long-term economic vision and increasing production flexibility.

A Strategic Policy Shift

According to WAM, the decision follows a “comprehensive review” of the nation’s energy production policies and future capacity. The UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure emphasized that the exit will allow the country greater autonomy to:

• Increase Production Flexibility: Respond more effectively and independently to global market demand.

• Accelerate Domestic Investment: Expand investments across the entire energy value chain, including the growth of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC).

• Adapt to Market Dynamics: Strengthen its position as a reliable global supplier, particularly in light of current geopolitical volatility and shipping disruptions in the region.

Commitment to Global Stability

While the UAE is ending its nearly 60-year membership in the oil-producing bloc, the WAM report stressed that the country remains committed to its role as a responsible energy provider. The Ministry noted that the decision is “policy-driven” and intended to ensure the UAE can continue to support global energy security through investments in oil, gas, and lower-carbon technologies.

The UAE first joined OPEC in 1967 via the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and has been a central member of the organization since the formation of the federation in 1971. Officials reaffirmed their appreciation for the decades of cooperation within OPEC and OPEC+, wishing the alliances continued success in their efforts to stabilize the global oil market.

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