By Abubakar Yunusa
The United Arab Emirates has announced plans to withdraw from the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and the broader OPEC+ alliance in May.
The decision, which takes effect on May 1, was disclosed by the country’s Energy Ministry on Tuesday, according to Bloomberg.
Authorities said the move is aimed at positioning the country to respond more effectively to changing global oil demand.
The ministry noted that the exit would allow the UAE to better align with evolving market conditions.
It added that Abu Dhabi plans to gradually increase its oil production capacity to meet shifting demand patterns.
The development follows longstanding tensions within the oil cartel, particularly between the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
Abu Dhabi has consistently pushed to expand output capacity, a stance that has clashed with OPEC’s production limits.
Analysts say the rift has been exacerbated by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which continues to reshape regional alliances.
Meanwhile, diplomatic adviser to the UAE President, Anwar Gargash, criticised the response of regional blocs to the war.
He said while Gulf Cooperation Council countries supported each other logistically, their political and military positions remained historically weak.
Gargash expressed surprise at what he described as the bloc’s limited stance, noting that he had expected more from the council.
The UAE’s planned exit is seen as a major setback for OPEC and OPEC+.
Industry watchers warn it could weaken the cohesion of the Saudi Arabia-led alliance.
They also fear the move may reduce the group’s ability to effectively coordinate oil production policies at a time of global supply uncertainty.
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