

1 min readUpdated: Apr 28, 2026 06:34 PM IST
The United Arab Emirates announced on Tuesday that it will exit the OPEC and OPEC+ oil group effective May 1 in a major setback to oil exporting groups and its leader Saudi Arabia amid the war in West Asia.
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In a statement, the UAE energy ministry said, “This decision reflects the UAE’s long-term strategic and economic vision and evolving energy profile, including accelerated investment in domestic energy production, and reinforces its commitment to a responsible, reliable, and forward-looking role in global energy markets.”
Why is it a big move
As of February, the UAE was the third largest producer in the OPEC cartel, just behind Saudi Arabia and Iraq. UAE had joined OPEC in 1967 through its emirate of Abu Dhabi, and later when the UAE became its own country in 1971.
The country’s energy ministry further said, “Following its exit, the UAE will continue to act responsibly, bringing additional production to market in a gradual and measured manner, aligned with demand and market conditions.”
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