ABU DHABI, Tuesday, April 28, 2026 (WNP): The United Arab Emirates on Tuesday announced its decision to exit the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and the broader OPEC+ framework, effective May 1, 2026, marking a significant shift in its long-term energy strategy.

The decision reflects the UAE’s evolving energy profile, expanded production capacity, and commitment to aligning its policies with national interests and global market stability.

Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Managing Director and Group CEO of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, said the move was a sovereign decision based on the country’s long-term strategy, production capabilities, and responsibility towards maintaining global energy stability.

“At ADNOC, our focus remains on meeting the growing energy needs of customers and partners worldwide with reliability, responsibility, and ambition across oil, gas, chemicals, and low-carbon and renewable energy,” he said, adding that trust, partnership, and credibility remain central to the UAE’s energy engagement.

Minister of Energy and Infrastructure Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei said the decision represents a policy-driven evolution aligned with long-term market fundamentals. He expressed appreciation for OPEC and its member states for decades of cooperation, reaffirming the UAE’s continued commitment to energy security and stable global markets.

The announcement follows a comprehensive review of the UAE’s production policy, current capacity, and future outlook. The country emphasized that the move would enhance its flexibility to respond to market dynamics while maintaining a responsible and measured approach to supply.

The UAE, which joined OPEC in 1967 through Abu Dhabi and continued its membership after the federation’s formation in 1971, has played a key role in supporting oil market stability and fostering dialogue among producing nations for over five decades.

Officials noted that despite near-term volatility, including disruptions in the Arabian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, global energy demand is expected to grow steadily over the medium to long term, necessitating reliable and flexible supply mechanisms.

Following its exit, the UAE will continue to act as a responsible energy partner, gradually increasing production in line with market conditions. With a competitive resource base, it will maintain collaboration with international partners to support economic growth and diversification.

The government reiterated that the decision does not signal a retreat from global cooperation but rather enhances the UAE’s ability to respond to evolving energy demands while contributing to stability in international markets.

The UAE also reaffirmed its commitment to continued investment across the energy value chain, including oil, gas, renewables, and low-carbon solutions, underscoring a balanced and forward-looking approach to the global energy transition.