The UAE has confirmed it is leaving OPEC and OPEC+. Officials say the move follows a review of national energy strategy. The exit may increase uncertainty in global oil markets.
The United Arab Emirates has announced it is leaving OPEC and OPEC+, a decision that could reshape global oil markets and weaken one of the world’s most influential producer alliances.
The move comes at a sensitive time for the energy sector, with tensions involving Iran already causing concern over supply disruptions and higher oil prices.
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The UAE has been a long-standing member of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and part of the wider OPEC+ coalition, which includes other major oil producers working together on output targets.
Its withdrawal is expected to raise questions about unity within the group, which has often faced internal disagreements over production quotas and regional politics.
UAE Energy Minister Suhail Mohamed al-Mazrouei said the decision followed a detailed review of the country’s short-term and long-term energy plans.
“This is a policy decision, it has been done after a careful look at current and future policies related to level of production,” he said.
Asked whether the UAE had consulted Saudi Arabia, widely seen as OPEC’s leading power, the minister said no other country had been approached before the announcement.
The UAE has in recent years expanded its oil production capacity and invested heavily in energy diversification, including natural gas, renewables and downstream industries. Analysts say the country may now seek greater freedom to set its own production strategy outside OPEC limits.
OPEC+ has played a major role in recent years by managing supply cuts and supporting prices after global shocks such as the pandemic and geopolitical conflicts. Losing a major producer like the UAE could reduce the bloc’s influence.
Markets will now watch whether other members remain fully committed or whether the UAE’s exit triggers wider changes in the global oil production system.
