UAE oil break exposes deepening Saudi rift as Gulf power shifts
The United Arab Emirates' decision to leave Opec and Opec+ has highlighted growing tensions with Saudi Arabia, reflecting a strategic shift toward greater autonomy in energy policy and regional influence. Analysts view the move as part of a broader rift between Abu Dhabi and Riyadh, driven by diverging geopolitical interests, personal dynamics between leaders, and disagreements over regional conflicts and oil governance. While the UAE emphasized its decision was based on national interests and market needs, it also signaled a repositioning of its role in the global energy landscape beyond traditional alliances.
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News analysis UAE oil break exposes deepening Saudi rift as Gulf power shiftsSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxThe United Arab Emirates’ decision to quit Opec is part of a deeper rupture in ties in which Abu Dhabi is prioritising autonomy over deference to Riyadh, said analysts.PHOTO: EPAPublished Apr 30, 2026, 01:15 PMUpdated Apr 30, 2026, 01:15 PMDUBAI - The United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) decision to quit Opec and Opec+ has brought years of tensions with Saudi Arabia out into the open, marking a strategic break with Saudi-led oil governance in a rebalancing of power shaped by the Iran war.Political analysts and regional experts said the move to leave the groups of oil-producing nations, announced on April 28, was more than just a dispute over Opec oil output quotas…
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