What reason did the UAE give for withdrawing from OPEC and OPEC+?

The UAE described its withdrawal from OPEC and OPEC+ as a 'sovereign and strategic decision' based on a 'comprehensive assessment of its production policy and future capabilities', and explicitly stated it was 'not driven by political considerations, nor does it reflect any division between the UAE and its partners'.

How did the UAE energy minister characterize the timing and intent behind the exit?

UAE Energy Minister Suhail Al Mazrouei characterized the exit as a deliberate, sovereign strategic choice—not a reaction to immediate geopolitical pressures—emphasizing that it stemmed from internal evaluation of national production policy and long-term capacity, and reaffirming that the move was neither politically motivated nor indicative of rifts with fellow OPEC members.

UAE Says OPEC, OPEC+ Exit Was Sovereign Strategic Decision, Not Political Move

May 16, 2026

UAE Energy Minister Suhail Al Mazrouei confirmed the country's withdrawal from OPEC and OPEC+ as a sovereign strategic choice rather than a political move. The exit weakens OPEC's control over global oil supplies and highlights discord among Gulf nations.

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