Abu Dhabi, 29 April 2026 – The United Arab Emirates’ decision to leave OPEC and OPEC+ marks one of the most consequential shifts in global oil politics in years, weakening the producer alliance at a time when the Iran conflict has already disrupted energy markets and intensified concerns over supply security.
The UAE said it would quit both OPEC and the wider OPEC+ grouping effective 1 May 2026, according to Reuters. The decision represents a major blow to the oil producers’ group and its de facto leader, Saudi Arabia, as the alliance faces one of its toughest market tests amid strained Gulf energy flows and rising pressure from consuming nations.
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