UAE says it will leave OPEC and OPEC+ effective May 1

The United Arab Emirates announced it will leave OPEC and the wider OPEC+ group effective May 1, citing a review of its energy strategy and plans to invest in domestic production. The Hill reported that UAE officials had complained about OPEC quotas and that relations with Saudi Arabia, OPEC's de facto leader, had been strained. The exit weakens the group's cohesion at the moment its quota decisions were already largely unenforceable because of Hormuz disruption.

• Exit from OPEC and OPEC+ effective May 1, 2026
• UAE cites a long-term strategy and more domestic energy investment
• UAE officials had complained about OPEC quotas