WORLD / MID-EAST
UAE to exit OPEC, OPEC+ from May 1
Published: Apr 28, 2026 08:29 PM

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) said Tuesday it will withdraw from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and the wider OPEC+ alliance, with effect from May 1, 2026, the Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported.

The decision reflects the UAE's long-term strategic and economic vision and evolving energy profile, including accelerated investment in domestic energy production, and reinforces its commitment to a responsible, reliable, and forward-looking role in global energy markets, WAM reported.

It follows a comprehensive review of the UAE's production policy and its current and future capacity, and is based on the UAE's national interest and commitment to contributing effectively to meeting the market's pressing needs, it reported.

The UAE said it will continue to act as a responsible and reliable energy supplier, bringing additional production to the market in a gradual and measured manner in line with demand and market conditions.

It also reaffirmed its commitment to investing across the energy value chain, including oil and gas, renewables and low-carbon solutions, and to working with partners to ensure stable global supply.