The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced its decision to withdraw from the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC and OPEC+), effective 1 May 2026. This move aligns with the UAE’s strategic long-term economic objectives and its changing energy landscape, driven by accelerated investments in domestic energy output, while underscoring its dedication to a responsible and proactive presence in worldwide energy markets (Emirates News Agency, 28/04/2026).
“This decision follows a comprehensive review of the UAE’s production policy and its current and future capacity and is based on our national interest”, according to the press release.
The UAE will be the largest oil producer to leave OPEC. It was producing about 3.4 mb/d, representing roughly 3% of global crude supply, prior to the US-Israeli war on Iran, which compelled it and other Gulf states to reduce shipments and halt certain operations. Currently, due to the Strait of Hormuz shipping blockade, the UAE faces constraints on ramping up production or exports. Should maritime traffic return to pre-war volumes, the country could boost output to its full 5 mb/d capacity for crude oil and liquids.
In addition, tensions have persisted between the UAE and Saudi Arabia regarding the UAE’s production quota of 3.5 mb/d. The UAE has sought a higher quota to match its expanded capacity, achieved through a USD150bn investment initiative (Reuters, 28/04/2026).
The UAE became an OPEC member in 1967 via the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and maintained its status after the establishment of the United Arab Emirates in 1971.
The UAE stands as the most significant producer to exit OPEC+ recently. Angola departed in 2024 over production disputes, while Ecuador left OPEC in 2020 and Qatar in 2019.
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