The United Arab Emirates has said it will leave OPEC and OPEC+ starting May 1, 2026, a move that is being seen as a major setback for the global oil producers’ alliance. Reuters reported that the decision was announced on April 28, 2026, and that the UAE described it as part of a review of its energy strategy.
The UAE has been one of the important voices inside OPEC for many years, so its exit could weaken the group’s unity and influence. Reuters and other reports said the move may also add pressure on Saudi Arabia, which has long played a leading role in the bloc.
Oil markets also reacted to the news. Reuters reported that crude prices were already moving higher because of supply worries linked to the Iran war and disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz, and the UAE announcement added another layer of uncertainty for traders.
