The United Arab Emirates has announced its withdrawal from OPEC and the wider OPEC+, a move that deals a notable blow to the oil alliance and its leading force, Saudi Arabia, amid a deepening global energy crisis fueled by the ongoing Iran war.
The UAE’s exit, ending its long-standing role within OPEC, is expected to inject fresh uncertainty into the group, which has historically managed to maintain cohesion despite recurring disagreements over production levels and geopolitical tensions.
Speaking to Reuters, UAE Energy Minister Suhail Mohamed al-Mazrouei said the decision followed a comprehensive reassessment of the country’s long-term energy strategy.
“This is a policy decision, it has been done after a careful look at current and future policies related to level of production,” said the energy minister.
When asked whether the UAE consulted with Saudi Arabia, he said the country did not raise the issue with any other nation.
The development comes as tensions escalate around the Strait of Hormuz, where Gulf exporters are facing mounting challenges moving shipments due to threats and attacks linked to Iran.
The route typically carries roughly one-fifth of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas supplies.
Despite the potential implications, Mazrouei suggested the immediate effect on oil markets may be limited, pointing to the already fragile conditions in the strait.
The decision is also being viewed as a geopolitical boost for Donald Trump, who has long criticised OPEC for driving up oil prices.
Trump has repeatedly linked U.S. security commitments in the Gulf to energy pricing, arguing that while Washington provides military protection, OPEC members “exploit this by imposing high oil prices”.
The UAE’s move follows rising frustration with regional allies during its standoff with Iran.
As a major commercial hub and key U.S. partner, the country has expressed concern over what it perceives as insufficient backing from fellow Arab nations in response to repeated Iranian threats.
Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the UAE president, echoed those sentiments at the Gulf Influencers Forum.
“The Gulf Cooperation Council countries supported each other logistically, but politically and militarily, I think their position has been the weakest historically,” Gargash said.
“I expect this weak stance from the Arab League and I am not surprised by it, but I haven’t expected it from the (Gulf) Cooperation Council and I am surprised by it,” he added.
