UAE Dumps OPEC, OPEC+ As Middle East Oil Crisis Deepens

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced its withdrawal from the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and the broader OPEC+ alliance, a dramatic move that could reshape global oil markets as tensions in the Middle East continue to drive up energy prices.

The decision, made public on Tuesday through the state-run WAM news agency, will take effect from Friday and marks a major shift for one of the world’s leading oil-producing nations.

In its statement, the UAE said the withdrawal reflects its “long-term strategic and economic vision” as well as its changing energy priorities.

The government noted that although it had made significant contributions and sacrifices within the organisation over the years, the time had come to focus fully on policies that align with its national interests.

“This decision reflects the UAE’s long-term strategic and economic vision and evolving energy profile,” the statement said.

UAE Energy Minister Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei explained that the move followed a careful review of the country’s current and future energy strategies, particularly regarding production levels and national development goals.

He described the decision as a sovereign policy choice and confirmed that the UAE did not consult Saudi Arabia or any other OPEC member before taking the step.

The development comes at a critical time for global energy markets, with oil shipments from the Gulf under pressure due to Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz — a major global oil transit route through which nearly one-fifth of the world’s supply normally passes.

The UAE, which has long expressed concerns over OPEC production quotas, has also experienced growing tensions with Saudi Arabia, the group’s dominant force and the world’s top oil exporter.

The withdrawal also follows criticism by UAE officials over what they described as the failure of fellow Arab states to offer enough protection against repeated Iranian attacks during the ongoing regional conflict.

Diplomatic adviser to the UAE president, Anwar Gargash, publicly questioned the Arab and Gulf response to the attacks during a session at the Gulf Influencers Forum on Monday.

Analysts say the move could weaken OPEC’s control over global oil supply and prices while increasing market uncertainty as the region faces prolonged geopolitical instability.

The exit signals a major turning point in the UAE’s energy strategy, giving it greater freedom to determine its production levels and pursue its national economic priorities outside the influence of the oil cartel.