UAE's Departure from OPEC and OPEC+ Signals Major Shift in Global Oil Dynamics
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced its decision to leave the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and OPEC+ on April 28, 2026. This move represents a significant blow to the oil-exporting groups, particularly affecting their de facto leader, Saudi Arabia. The UAE's departure comes amid a historic energy shock caused by the ongoing Iran war, which has already unsettled the global economy. As a longstanding member of OPEC, the UAE's exit could lead to disarray within the organization, which has traditionally aimed to present a united front despite internal disagreements over geopolitical issues and production quotas.