The United Arab Emirates has announced it will leave OPEC and OPEC+ effective May 1, 2026, ending nearly six decades of membership and delivering a major blow to the global oil producers’ alliance. The move comes amid the ongoing Iran war, disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, and growing tensions with Saudi Arabia.

The UAE confirmed through its state-run WAM news agency that it will withdraw from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and the wider OPEC+ grouping. Officials described the decision as a “strategic and policy-driven evolution” that reflects the country’s long-term energy vision and national interest.

Energy Minister Suhail Mohamed al-Mazrouei told Reuters, “This is a policy decision, it has been done after a careful look at current and future policies related to level of production.” He emphasized that the UAE did not consult with Saudi Arabia or other members before announcing the exit.

The UAE joined OPEC in 1967 through Abu Dhabi and continued its membership after the nation’s formation in 1971. As the group’s third-largest producer behind Saudi Arabia and Iraq, the UAE has played a central role in shaping oil policy. Its departure removes about 15 percent of OPEC’s production capacity, raising questions about the cartel’s future cohesion.

The timing of the exit coincides with severe disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, where Iranian attacks on shipping have threatened global energy flows. A fifth of the world’s crude oil and liquefied natural gas passes through the narrow chokepoint, and Gulf producers have struggled to maintain exports.

The UAE has long clashed with Saudi Arabia over production quotas, with Abu Dhabi pushing to utilize its expanded capacity while Riyadh insisted on supply restraint. Analysts say the move reflects both economic competition and diverging foreign policy priorities between the two Gulf powers.

In its official statement, the UAE said, “During our time in the organisation, we made significant contributions and even greater sacrifices for the benefit of all. However, the time has come to focus our efforts on what our national interest dictates.”

The decision is expected to allow the UAE greater flexibility to pursue its goal of reaching 5 million barrels per day of production capacity by 2027. Al-Mazrouei told CNBC, “Our exit at this time is the right time for it, because it will have a minimum impact on the price and it will have a minimum impact on our friends at OPEC and OPEC+.”

Energy experts warn that the departure could mark “the beginning of the end of OPEC.” Saul Kavonic of MST Financial said, “With the UAE leaving, OPEC loses about 15% of its capacity and one of its most compliant members. Saudi Arabia will struggle to keep the rest of OPEC together.”

The exit also represents a symbolic win for U.S. President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly accused OPEC of “ripping off the rest of the world” by inflating oil prices.

Global markets are now bracing for the impact of the UAE’s departure, which could reshape oil supply dynamics and test the resilience of OPEC’s influence in an era of geopolitical upheaval and shifting energy strategies.