The UAE Has Left OPEC
The United Arab Emirates has officially left OPEC, effective May 1, 2026, marking a significant shift in global oil politics and weakening the cartel's influence. The move follows long-standing tensions with Saudi Arabia over production quotas and regional leadership, compounded by the UAE's frustration over lack of support during Iranian attacks. With plans to expand oil production capacity to 5 million barrels per day, the UAE seeks greater autonomy in energy markets. The exit, coupled with shifting alliances and infrastructure bypassing the Strait of Hormuz, signals a strategic realignment toward the U.S. and select partners.
- ▪The UAE withdrew from OPEC effective May 1, 2026, becoming the third-largest producer to leave the cartel.
- ▪Tensions with Saudi Arabia over oil production quotas and regional influence, especially in Yemen, contributed to the UAE's decision.
- ▪Iranian attacks on UAE infrastructure and Saudi Arabia's silence during the crisis deepened the rift and accelerated the exit.
- ▪The UAE can export over half its oil via a pipeline to Fujairah, bypassing the Strait of Hormuz, giving it leverage amid regional disruptions.
- ▪The UAE is restructuring foreign ties, strengthening relations with the U.S., Israel, and European nations while distancing from several Arab states.
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The UAE Has Left OPEC Beege Welborn 5:20 PM | April 28, 2026 AP Photo/Alex Brandon There is suddenly a mighty crack in the cartel wall that has kept world oil prices in its thrall for the better part of 66 years. We could have probably heard the SNAP! from here. Advertisement googletag.cmd.push(function () { googletag.display("div-gpt-300x250_4"); //googletag.pubads().refresh([gptAdSlot["div-gpt-300x250_4"]]) }); The United Arab Emirates said Tuesday it will leave OPEC effective May 1, stripping the oil cartel of its third-largest producer and further weakening its leverage over global oil supplies and prices.The UAE’s decision had been rumored as a possibility for some time, as it pushed back in recent years against OPEC production quotas it felt had been too low — meaning it wasn’t able…
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