The United Arab Emirates has announced it is pulling out of OPEC and the wider OPEC+ alliance, a move that could unsettle one of the world’s most influential oil groups at a time when markets are already under strain from the war involving Iran.
The decision, confirmed Tuesday, ends the UAE’s long-standing role within the cartel and raises fresh questions about how united the group can remain without one of its key producers.
OPEC has traditionally tried to present a common front on output and pricing, even when members disagreed behind the scenes.
Energy Minister Suhail al-Mazrouei said the move followed a review of the country’s current and future production strategy.
He described it as a policy decision focused on aligning the UAE’s energy plans with its long-term goals, rather than a reaction to any single event.
He also noted that the government did not consult other member states before making the call.
The timing, however, is significant. Oil producers in the Gulf are already grappling with disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz, where tensions and threats linked to Iran have made it harder to move crude and gas shipments through one of the world’s busiest energy corridors.
While Mazrouei downplayed the immediate impact on global markets, analysts say the exit could weaken OPEC’s influence and complicate efforts to manage supply.
The group has long relied on coordination especially with its leading member, Saudi Arabia to stabilise prices.
The move is also likely to be welcomed in Washington.
President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticised OPEC, accusing it of pushing up oil prices while benefiting from U.S. security support in the region.
Behind the scenes, regional tensions may have played a role.
The UAE has voiced frustration over what it sees as a muted response from fellow Gulf and Arab states to a series of Iranian attacks during the conflict.
Senior officials suggested that while there was logistical cooperation, political and military backing fell short of expectations.
Taken together, the UAE’s departure signals a shift not just in energy policy, but in the broader balance of alliances shaping the global oil market.
