
The United Arab Emirates announced on Tuesday its decision to withdraw from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and from the OPEC+ alliance, with the decision set to take effect from May 1, 2026, in a move described as a strategic shift in its approach to the energy sector.
Abu Dhabi explained that the decision comes as part of its long-term economic vision and the development of its production capacities, particularly within the framework of boosting domestic investments in the oil and gas sector and consolidating its position as a reliable supplier in global markets.
According to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), the decision followed a comprehensive review of current and future production policies, taking into account regional geopolitical shifts, especially tensions in the Gulf region and the Strait of Hormuz and their repercussions for global energy markets.