The United Arab Emirates has announced its withdrawal from the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, effective 1 May 2026, ending a membership that began in 1967 when Abu Dhabi first joined the group.
The decision, described by UAE officials as a policy-driven evolution rather than a departure from its energy responsibilities, follows a comprehensive review of the country's production capacity and long-term economic priorities. Officials cited national interest and a commitment to meeting pressing global market needs as the driving forces behind the move.
The UAE's exit grants it greater flexibility to respond independently to shifting market conditions — a freedom the country says will allow it to bring additional supply to market in a gradual, measured way aligned with demand.
Officials were clear that the withdrawal does not signal a retreat from global energy markets. On the contrary, the UAE reaffirmed its position as a producer of cost-competitive, lower-carbon barrels and pledged continued investment across oil, gas, renewables and low-carbon solutions.
The country also acknowledged the geopolitical backdrop shaping the decision. Near-term supply disruptions in the Arabian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz continue to create volatility, but the UAE pointed to sustained medium and long-term demand growth as justification for a more agile, sovereign production approach.
In a statement, the UAE expressed appreciation for over five decades of cooperation within OPEC and the OPEC+ alliance, while noting that the time had come to prioritise the interests of its investors, customers and partners.
The UAE joined OPEC through the Emirate of Abu Dhabi in 1967 and continued its membership following the formation of the federation in 1971, making its exit one of the most significant shifts in the group's membership in decades.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
