The United Arab Emirates on Tuesday announced its decision to exit the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC and OPEC+), effective 1 May 2026.
This decision reflects the UAE’s long-term strategic and economic vision and evolving energy profile, including accelerated investment in domestic energy production, and reinforces its commitment to a responsible, reliable, and forward-looking role in global energy markets, WAM reported.
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. A stable global energy system depends on flexible, reliable, and affordable supply.
The UAE said it has invested to meet evolving demand efficiently and responsibly, prioritizing stability, affordability, and sustainability. This decision follows decades of constructive cooperation, according to WAM.
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.
The decision reflects a policy-driven evolution in the UAE’s approach, enhancing flexibility to respond to market dynamics while continuing to contribute to stability in a measured and responsible manner, WAM reported.
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, the Gulf state said.
With a large and competitive resource base, the UAE will continue working with partners to develop resources, supporting economic growth and diversification.
It added this decision does not alter the UAE’s 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 organization, 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.”
The UAE reaffirmed that its production policies will be guided by responsibility and market stability, taking into account global supply and demand. The UAE “will continue investing across the energy value chain, including oil, gas, renewables, and low-carbon solutions, to support resilience and long-term energy system transformation.”
The UAE said it values more than five decades of cooperation with partners and will continue active engagement in support of stable global energy markets.
