UAE Exits OPEC, List of Departing Countries Grows
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has officially exited the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), concluding a long-standing membership that started in 1967. This announcement comes at a time of tension in the global energy market, with oil prices being pushed higher due to conflicts in the Middle East.
Abu Dhabi has presented this decision as a step to safeguard national interests and align with long-term economic strategy directions. The domestic energy structure is changing, while the need to regulate production independently is growing. By leaving OPEC, the UAE is no longer bound by the production quota scheme that has long been the cartel’s primary instrument.
The UAE is not an ordinary member. The country is part of the world’s major producers, with significant production capacity and ongoing increases in energy investments. For decades, its role has been integral to OPEC’s collective mechanism in maintaining global oil supply and price stability.
This step adds to the list of countries that had previously left the organisation. In recent years, a trend of members entering and exiting has re-emerged, particularly when domestic interests clash with quota policies.
Angola is the most recent example before the UAE. The African nation exited in 2024 after disputing production limits with OPEC. With output of around 1.1 million barrels per day, Angola deemed production cuts would disrupt national contracts and targets. Its government chose to maintain high production volumes over adhering to collective agreements.
Qatar made a similar decision earlier, in 2019. After nearly six decades as a member, Doha shifted its focus to liquefied natural gas (LNG). As one of the world’s largest LNG exporters, the country’s energy policy direction moved from oil to gas. Membership in OPEC was seen as no longer relevant to its new energy economic structure.
Indonesia has a more dynamic history. In 2008, the government decided to leave OPEC after its status changed to that of a net oil importer. Global energy prices were high at the time, while domestic subsidy burdens rose sharply. Membership in the producers’ organisation was deemed misaligned with Indonesia’s position as a consumer.
In January 2016, Indonesia rejoined OPEC. However, this membership was short-lived. In the same year, Indonesia exited again after being asked to reduce production by about 5%. For the government, such cuts did not align with domestic needs that still relied on energy supplies.
Ecuador also recorded a similar pattern. The South American country left OPEC twice, first in 1992 and then in 2020. The main considerations revolved around fiscal needs. Under budget pressures, production flexibility became a priority to sustain state revenues.
Looking back, the decision patterns of these countries appear consistent. When oil prices are high, incentives to increase production grow stronger. Quotas that limit output are often viewed as hindering revenue potential. On the other hand, when energy structures change—such as Qatar’s shift to gas—OPEC membership loses its relevance.
Amid current geopolitical conditions, distribution factors also come into play. Oil shipping routes from the Gulf, including the Strait of Hormuz, face pressure due to conflicts. Disruptions to these routes increase supply uncertainty, prompting producer countries to adopt more flexible energy policies of their own.
To date, OPEC still counts members such as Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Venezuela, Nigeria, and Libya. The organisation remains one of the key players in shaping the global oil market, particularly through joint production adjustments.